By ADON TAFT
Veteran’s Day on the 11th, along with elections and Thanksgiving observances, makes November, perhaps more than any other month, symbolic of the religious faith that most would acknowledge makes the United States a “nation of exceptionalism.“
I am sure that many of you can remember when life was not so demanding and filled with anxiety or at least it seemed that way. I was raised in the city so when I had a chance to go to my grandparent’s house out in the country it was like going on vacation. They lived on a quiet overgrown road that came to a dead-end at the Kentucky River and their farm was so remote that when an occasional car would pass by we would stop and stare at it like it was entertainment.
For those who are interested in the life after this one, there is no doubt some curiosity about where we are going and how to get there. The followers of Christ place their faith in His promises and believe He has the power to save and secure a place in heaven for them. Others who prefer to live their own way are somewhat more skeptical and independent in their thinking. As a minister, I spend most of my time thinking, talking or writing about our spiritual life and most of the time the conversation will include questions about our progress according to God’s perspective.
Spring is a time for flowers to burst into bloom, trees to tremble with new leaves, showers to scrub the skies until a rainbow shows through — all signs of new life!
Fittingly, the joyful religious events of this season in both Judaism and Christianity bear the promise of freedom and a new life for those who will believe.
Though some solemn events were part of its past, a light-hearted spirit will mark Judaism’s ritual meal of the Seder this Saturday night launching Passover, a week-long celebration of the freeing of the Jews from slavery in ancient Egypt.
Easter Sunrise Service, Linda Pedersen Park 6300 Shoal Line Blvd, Hernando Beach, at 7:15 AM.
Crosspoint Church, Challenger K8 School, 13400 Elgin Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34609. 9:30 & 11 AM.
Northcliffe Baptist Church, 10515 Northcliffe Blvd, Spring Hill, FL 34608. 9AM & 10:30 AM.
Grace World Outreach Church 20366 Cortez Blvd, Brooksville, FL 34601. 9 & 11 AM.
Christian Church in the Wildwood, 10051 Country Road, Weeki Wachee, FL 34613. 8AM, 9:30, & 11:15 AM.
On February 3, 1943, 676 souls were lost aboard the USS Dorchester. Among the perished were four chaplains, of four different faiths, who provided prayer and comfort to the men who would die at sea with them.
Every now and then I’m asked why I do not express my thoughts about political and social issues. Of course, I have personal opinions about all that is going on just like you, but do we really need more repetitive commentary especially when it comes to confirming how disturbing the world has become? How could I help anything by joining in with the crowd to criticize and argue about problems which are politically and socially divisive?
Any history — including Black history — of what now is the United States must begin with the church and the faith it represents.
When Juan Ponce de Leon planted a cross in Florida soil on Easter Sunday, 1513, and took formal possession of the land around what now is St. Augustine in the name of Ferdinand of Spain, religion lay claim to the history of the region.
Possessing the land for the Spanish sovereign was the same as taking title for the Roman Catholic Church, for the king was the secular head of the church by direct commission of the Pope.
