Author Archives: pastordavesimpson

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About pastordavesimpson

I'm an unexpected pastor. Why unexpected? Because no one is more surprised than me that I'm a pastor. See the "About" page on my blog for more info.

“Philomena” – A Film Review and Reflection on What it Means to Be a Christian

Posted on December 3, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

“Your pain is penance for your sin.” That’s what the nuns said to Philomena as she screamed in agony.  Her newborn was breech; death was a real possibility for both Philomena and the baby.  But the nuns refused to call … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity, Faith, Movies, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

Shopping On Thanksgiving? Well . . . Maybe

Posted on November 28, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Thanksgiving has long been my favorite holiday.  No presents to buy (or to receive and return), no decorating, very little stress.  Thanksgiving is about what a wise person once told me is the key to happiness – being thankful for … Continue reading →

Posted in Thanksgiving | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

If Martin Luther Was on Facebook . . .

Posted on October 31, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

A local church’s lawn sign states: “What Do I Have To Do To Be Saved? – Nothing”.  Really – nothing?!!!! That was a Facebook post by a friend and parishioner that showed up in my feed and kicked off a … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Martin Luther, Questions | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Hello, Friend

Posted on October 2, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Monday afternoon as we left the hospital I was angry.  I was angry that my daughter had to endure another infusion treatment for her Crohn’s Disease – 4 hours hooked up to an IV of God knows what chemicals.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Parenting, Prayer | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

How to be a Christian without being a jerk about it

Posted on September 27, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

I have blogged about many of the points Elizabeth Rawlings makes below, but she writes  an excellent summation of “How to be a Christian Without Being a Jerk About It” that I wanted to share. I think it’s excellent, anyway. … Continue reading →

Posted in Atheism, Christian Living, Christianity | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Just War, Syria, and the Ethics of Doing Nothing

Posted on August 30, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Have you ever done something just because a situation seemed to demand, “Do something!”? How did that work out for you? In my experience, not very well. Before I was a pastor, I worked with young people in trouble and … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Do I HAVE To? (No!)

Posted on August 26, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

I was talking with someone about universal salvation.  As I’ve said and written before, the idea that everyone gets saved at The End appeals to me, but I don’t think that’s what the Bible as a whole teaches.  If I’m … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Living, Christianity | Tagged , , , | 13 Comments

ON THE END OF THE SABBATICAL

Posted on August 12, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Fifty-eight days ago I walked out of the church door.  This morning I return.  My eight weeks plus one day sabbatical is done. Last week I ran into someone from church who said something like, “I guess you’re bummed out.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

Jesus Fish Evolution

Posted on August 8, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

For a few years, a betta fish lived in a bowl on my church office desk.  (“Betta than what fish?” the punsters reading will ask. But I will ignore them for now.)  As a pastor who had to learn New … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Faith and Science | Tagged , , , , | 12 Comments

Kid’s Jeopardy!: The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeatt

Posted on August 5, 2013 by pastordavesimpson

Something exciting and inspiring happened on Jeopardy! last Wednesday.  But unless you were watching, you probably didn’t hear about it.  The awesome achievement has been drowned out by something else that occurred on the same episode that is symptomatic of … Continue reading →

Posted in Game Shows, Jeopardy | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments