Note: This article is an excerpt reprinted with permission of the publisher from Simple Living in History: Pioneers of the Deep Future, a collection of essays profiling key historical figures whose lives served as examples of living simply. Bible references are to the New International Version (NIV) -- Ed. A clear theme throughout Jesus’ ministry was the conflict between … [Read more...]
Breathing life back into the Christmas story
We've all heard the story of the birth of Jesus so many times by now that it's hard for anyone but a Sunday school teacher to pay attention to the details. The baby Jesus. Asleep in a manger in Bethlehem. Sought out by Wise Men following a star and of course, by certain poor shepherds in fields where they lay. Born of Virgin Mary who had to flee in the night with Joseph from … [Read more...]
The real war on Christmas and why it matters
Christmas season is making me tired. Every year, I get tired of hearing jaunty, NutriSweet-y jingles that sound like they're sung by Hello Kitty touted as "Chrismas Carols" and played earlier and earlier in the fall. "Here Comes Santa Claus" on November 11 — it's a revolting enough song if you have to hear it once. But do we really need to endure this particular brand of … [Read more...]
#21: Not ashamed to admit we’re Christian. Or Jewish. Or whatever.
Just like Texas Governor Rick Perry, Transition Voice isn't ashamed to admit that we're Christian. And Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Wiccan, Druidic, humanist and straight-up atheist. Unlike some folks who care about environmental sustainability and energy depletion, we're also not ashamed to talk about religion at the dinner table. We mean, on our website. That's … [Read more...]
Loaves and fishes, Transition and survivalism
As stock markets around the world gyrate and froth at the mouth, the ranks are sure to grow of concerned citizens who aren't waiting around for the government or the rich to fix things, but have instead taken matters into their own hands. Pessimists who foresee a quick and nasty collapse of society coming soon and have little faith in their neighbors are working to protect … [Read more...]