I’m sorry, Joe! I could not help laughing at the last part of your post. Whoa!
I found your work recently, exactly when I needed a different perspective on faith, God, Jesus, relationships….the whole enchilada.
Thank you for your faithful service and please know that your work is being read, prayed about, forwarded to friends, and discussed with open minds. Hearts will follow in time, or not.
Your insights are acting like a sifter. In goes a memory, out comes a possible revelation or idea that never occurred to me before.
Beyond all that God’s love is making itself felt and after 65 years of believing, real trust may have taken seed in me in the past few weeks.
You are such a blessing to me (and many others, I’m sure!)
Regarding the question about John 14:6 - “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Reminiscent of Calvin’s “Limited Atonement”) My favorite seminary professor (who was a Barth scholar) borrowed from Barth that, yes atonement comes through Christ alone. In other words Christ made the path to God available to all. Who knows when that “door” closes?! The scriptures should never be used for gatekeeping.
Thank you so much for continuing to post. Often, you confirm what God has already shown me. I come from a fundamentalist background the taught fear instead of faith and love. It's taken me years to overcome my raising.
Today you also hit a nerve. It needed hitting. I've been struggling with loving those I disagree with politically. I've been trying to understand the whys behind the twisted beliefs. I guess I need to give that up and just love them. 🫤
I too struggle daily with loving and trying to understand others particularly the ones in government. I start the day in prayer asking for support and guidance and end the day asking for forgiveness I feel trapped in a one step forward 3 steps back situation. Lord forgive me
On the topic of praying for people we don't appreciate (and that was the nice way of saying it), I'd like to offer something I'd learned from a 12-Step thing I'd found one time on the internet. It follows this basic formula: "Just like me, [name] would like [list a blessing or grace or some intangible goodness], so please give [name] [that nice thing]."
An actual example from my prayers (relates to an instance when a project manager was really shitty to me in a meeting) would be, "Just like me, [name] wants to feel his ideas are important, so please help [name] to realize his worth even when his ideas aren't received well. Just like me, [name] wants to get this project delivered on time, so please give [name] wisdom to lead well and communicate clearly."
In 12-Step, we're advised to pray for the people we're PO'd at -- not to change them, but I suppose to release the anger and resentment in ourselves. I've used this in times when I was so upset that I couldn't stop replaying the crud that happened and it has helped me to find enough peace that I could let go of resentment.
And that makes me wonder if the whole point of "Love Your Enemies" (or however that's worded in the Bible) is meant to turn away from the resentment that poisons our souls.
Well, as they say in every meeting, take what you like and leave the rest.
Bottom line: I like reading your stuff. Thanks again. It brings some sanity into my.little sphere of being.
Love your mailbag! You have such a thoughtful way of answering some very difficult questions. And the next time you come to LA please stop by St. Cross, Hermosa Beach. We will gladly take a video of you enjoying some time off at the beach.
I was really touched by your response to the person writing in about their sister's comments — it’s clear how much you care. You listen before you speak, and that patience comes through even in your more general advice to new ministers: a steady effort to meet people where they are. I wish I had half that skill (especially on Monday mornings).
I was raised Catholic for part of my early life — different from Episcopalian, but I sometimes miss that sense of community. I’ve also known people wounded by the Church, across denominations. The harm — just the spiritual kind — runs deep and rarely comes out cleanly; it leaks sideways through anger, mockery, outbursts.
That person at the end of your post is probably trolling — stupid, of course — but it leans on a cliché heavier than it looks. Even though it’s easy to highlight how ridiculous their comment is, tossing the word “pedophile” around like a joke doesn’t help anyone, victims or Church. Those conversations just belittles the topic. You write with empathy, so I imagine you're aware of how often abuse victims are asked to stay quiet rather than speak. And how belittling that can feel.
I'm not religious but thank you for your posts - they make me hopeful and sometimes make me chuckle. It’s heartening to know there are thoughtful people like you in the Church. A small ray of hope — like spotting sunlight through a rainy sky.
I know you don't need my approval, but I do believe everyone needs words of affirmation for the work they do. In this crazy world where we are so divided, so judgmental, and where religion and mistakes by others are weaponized for control, you may feel like you are a voice crying in the wilderness, but you have certainly been heard by me and you are teaching me to be a better disciple.
Hi Joe; I follow you on Insta. I so appreciate your videos and writing, which are often much more eloquent than mine. Coincidentally, I was talking with a parishioner today about the rapture and how it relates to Scripture. Would it be possible for me to share your words about the history of that idea? I would be sure to credit you. Thanks for considering it.
It sounds like you lean towards a belief in the reconciliation of all things. This is a rather new development in my faith walk. I was raised in a very literalist, legalistic background in which eternal, conscious torment was often preached. About a decade ago, I found myself in the middle of a dismantling of my faith. My faith has been re-built again, but I had to begin with the most basic of understandings --- Jesus loves me; this I know. Through the writings of Sharon L. Baker and David Bentley Hart, I've come to believe that God has much greater plans than to leave evil alive for eternity, but to merely push it into a different space.
Thank you for sharing. I am troubled nonetheless by those "trolls" who feel it necessary to "rain (golden rain, that is) on everybody else's parade." I miss the human decency of "if you can't say anything nice (or kind), don't say anything at all." Anyway, thank you for your wonderful reflections that you share on Instagram. I hate to say that I have not been on there much this week. But next time I am, I will have to look for Yoo! (LOL). Have a great day!
I’m sorry, Joe! I could not help laughing at the last part of your post. Whoa!
I found your work recently, exactly when I needed a different perspective on faith, God, Jesus, relationships….the whole enchilada.
Thank you for your faithful service and please know that your work is being read, prayed about, forwarded to friends, and discussed with open minds. Hearts will follow in time, or not.
Your insights are acting like a sifter. In goes a memory, out comes a possible revelation or idea that never occurred to me before.
Beyond all that God’s love is making itself felt and after 65 years of believing, real trust may have taken seed in me in the past few weeks.
BTW mailbag is absolutely wonderful!
You are such a blessing to me (and many others, I’m sure!)
Regarding the question about John 14:6 - “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Reminiscent of Calvin’s “Limited Atonement”) My favorite seminary professor (who was a Barth scholar) borrowed from Barth that, yes atonement comes through Christ alone. In other words Christ made the path to God available to all. Who knows when that “door” closes?! The scriptures should never be used for gatekeeping.
Thank you so much for continuing to post. Often, you confirm what God has already shown me. I come from a fundamentalist background the taught fear instead of faith and love. It's taken me years to overcome my raising.
Today you also hit a nerve. It needed hitting. I've been struggling with loving those I disagree with politically. I've been trying to understand the whys behind the twisted beliefs. I guess I need to give that up and just love them. 🫤
I too struggle daily with loving and trying to understand others particularly the ones in government. I start the day in prayer asking for support and guidance and end the day asking for forgiveness I feel trapped in a one step forward 3 steps back situation. Lord forgive me
I love all of this. Thank you!
On the topic of praying for people we don't appreciate (and that was the nice way of saying it), I'd like to offer something I'd learned from a 12-Step thing I'd found one time on the internet. It follows this basic formula: "Just like me, [name] would like [list a blessing or grace or some intangible goodness], so please give [name] [that nice thing]."
An actual example from my prayers (relates to an instance when a project manager was really shitty to me in a meeting) would be, "Just like me, [name] wants to feel his ideas are important, so please help [name] to realize his worth even when his ideas aren't received well. Just like me, [name] wants to get this project delivered on time, so please give [name] wisdom to lead well and communicate clearly."
In 12-Step, we're advised to pray for the people we're PO'd at -- not to change them, but I suppose to release the anger and resentment in ourselves. I've used this in times when I was so upset that I couldn't stop replaying the crud that happened and it has helped me to find enough peace that I could let go of resentment.
And that makes me wonder if the whole point of "Love Your Enemies" (or however that's worded in the Bible) is meant to turn away from the resentment that poisons our souls.
Well, as they say in every meeting, take what you like and leave the rest.
Bottom line: I like reading your stuff. Thanks again. It brings some sanity into my.little sphere of being.
All well said, Pastor!
Love your mailbag! You have such a thoughtful way of answering some very difficult questions. And the next time you come to LA please stop by St. Cross, Hermosa Beach. We will gladly take a video of you enjoying some time off at the beach.
I was really touched by your response to the person writing in about their sister's comments — it’s clear how much you care. You listen before you speak, and that patience comes through even in your more general advice to new ministers: a steady effort to meet people where they are. I wish I had half that skill (especially on Monday mornings).
I was raised Catholic for part of my early life — different from Episcopalian, but I sometimes miss that sense of community. I’ve also known people wounded by the Church, across denominations. The harm — just the spiritual kind — runs deep and rarely comes out cleanly; it leaks sideways through anger, mockery, outbursts.
That person at the end of your post is probably trolling — stupid, of course — but it leans on a cliché heavier than it looks. Even though it’s easy to highlight how ridiculous their comment is, tossing the word “pedophile” around like a joke doesn’t help anyone, victims or Church. Those conversations just belittles the topic. You write with empathy, so I imagine you're aware of how often abuse victims are asked to stay quiet rather than speak. And how belittling that can feel.
I'm not religious but thank you for your posts - they make me hopeful and sometimes make me chuckle. It’s heartening to know there are thoughtful people like you in the Church. A small ray of hope — like spotting sunlight through a rainy sky.
I know you don't need my approval, but I do believe everyone needs words of affirmation for the work they do. In this crazy world where we are so divided, so judgmental, and where religion and mistakes by others are weaponized for control, you may feel like you are a voice crying in the wilderness, but you have certainly been heard by me and you are teaching me to be a better disciple.
Hi Joe; I follow you on Insta. I so appreciate your videos and writing, which are often much more eloquent than mine. Coincidentally, I was talking with a parishioner today about the rapture and how it relates to Scripture. Would it be possible for me to share your words about the history of that idea? I would be sure to credit you. Thanks for considering it.
Absolutely. Thank you
Thank you so much, Joe. I really appreciate it. Have a restful evening.
It sounds like you lean towards a belief in the reconciliation of all things. This is a rather new development in my faith walk. I was raised in a very literalist, legalistic background in which eternal, conscious torment was often preached. About a decade ago, I found myself in the middle of a dismantling of my faith. My faith has been re-built again, but I had to begin with the most basic of understandings --- Jesus loves me; this I know. Through the writings of Sharon L. Baker and David Bentley Hart, I've come to believe that God has much greater plans than to leave evil alive for eternity, but to merely push it into a different space.
Where may I send questions?
Comment section. Dm. Emailforjosephyoo@gmail
Any one of those
Thank you for sharing. I am troubled nonetheless by those "trolls" who feel it necessary to "rain (golden rain, that is) on everybody else's parade." I miss the human decency of "if you can't say anything nice (or kind), don't say anything at all." Anyway, thank you for your wonderful reflections that you share on Instagram. I hate to say that I have not been on there much this week. But next time I am, I will have to look for Yoo! (LOL). Have a great day!
#SwearInAdelitaGrijalva