While Joan Walsh concerned herself with the merits of our nation’s current Presidential Candidates, I was more stunned by Rick Warren’s–who, by the way, is not MY pastor–obvious participation in a Republican setup, and his apparent lack of credentials, character, integrity, and authenticity, in stark comparison to the Reverend Dr. Jim Rigby, who stands out in any convention of religious leaders, regardless of how “mega” their churches are–including Joel Olsteen, the pastor of what I believe to be the nation’s largest “mega” church–The Woodlands, in Houston, Texas.
For a nation searching for answers, who might be turning towards religion and religious leaders for guidance in finding their answers, I just hope we don’t give up, dismayed by the belief that “Pastor Rick” is the best there is because he’s written a best seller and has built a “mega church;” and I would challenge “Pastor Rick Warren” to GO DEEPER. Love doesn’t give or impose upon others your own answers, but rather equips them with the tools they’ll require for digging and discovering their own revelations–and challenges them to do so.
Before you give up, feeling there is no authenticity, integrity, genuine love and leadership left in this world, try listening to the mentor I found over twenty years ago. His genuine humility, compassion for all of humanity, instinctive rudder for navigating through the darkest, most troubling waters, and integrity, even when facing the most daunting of circumstances, stand out and loom large over the televangalists of this world. I speak of the Reverend Dr. Jim Rigby, pastor for more than 25 years, of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Austin, Texas. He’s no televangelist. He never gives answers. He teaches map making and navigational skills; he helps equip you with the shovel and pick you need to ferret it out for yourself.
Reverend Rigby has devoted his entire life to answering the question, “What is truth?” Beacause one cannot discover truth without first knowing the right questions, his pursuit of truth led him to a life of studying everything that purported to be truth. He’s shared his studies with those who attend this small neighborhood church of St. Andrew’s, also in search of truth. Dr. Rigby knows more about what he’s talking about, than anyone I’ve ever met or heard. His words and opinions are based on thorough research, not ignorance or vain opinion. Though small, this church’s membership has continuously been comprised of genuine, authentic people with open hearts, open minds and open arms; for me, it is the most MEGA of all churches.
The Reverend Dr. Jim Rigby has left his indelible footprint on my life and I believe his messages and teachings leave their mark on all who are privileged enough to hear them. Listen to this one, and see if you agree. http://www.staopen.com/podcast/Rigby_0810.mp3
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church’s website is located here: www.staopen.com
Warning: If you want to be told WHAT TO THINK, don’t go here. If you can’t hold up to having your ideas challenged; if you’re not willing to go deep into your questions and issues, don’t go here. You will not be placated here. These teachings will challenge you and your beliefs beyond what anything else has ever accomplished. Proceed with caution.
[Note: This blog, by far, represents the boldest, most opinionated I've written. The recent televised religious interviews prompted this. I suspect that as a result, there will be more. I welcome your comments and conversations.]
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