Many Religions, One Message? No. (A Guest post)

Dear readers, today we have a treat. A learned colleague and friend of mine has written something for you to read and think about. After all, what good is a party without a guest? Let me say, his views do not necessarily represent mine. Some of you may even feel your feathers gently ruffled. If so, please comment! I'll let my guest take it from here.

What's a Bosom Buddy?

Have you ever wondered what a bosom buddy is? It's kind of a weird way to refer to good friends. Everyone has heard the phrase, "oh, they're such bosom buddies!" And old people have seen Tom Hanks and Peter Scolari in the old T.V. show about cross dressing men who live together. In fact, the term bosom buddy doesn't necessarily have anything to do with boobs. It is actually a reference to the way that people partied in Biblical times and it illustrates a fascinating theological principle.

Should I Bring Something?

Dear Abby, I'm going to a party tonight. Should I bring something?

The answer is yes. Always yes. Anytime you go to someone's home and do not pay to get in, which is every time once you've graduated college, it's a good idea to bring something to share. This is basic party etiquette. It is not just polite to reciprocate your host's hospitality, it is also really fun to bring something cool to offer. Here's a vital partying tip from yours truly: a way to make a party fun and memorable is to have a lot of different things to try. Bringing good stuff therefore shows that you are invested in the party being a success. This is a great lesson, it must be from the gospel...

Win a Free Drink (Merry Christmas)

Well, readers, It's Christmas time and I would like to give you a gift. I mean besides the gift of my extraordinary wisdom and delicious recipes. At the same time, I would also like to figure out the true meaning of Christmas. Here's my plan: you will tell me about the true meaning of Christmas. Then, whoever gives the best answer, according to my fickle judgment, will have a drink designed just for them and the ingredients for that drink shipped to them, by me, free of charge.

The Utimate Christmas Wish List

Dear Santa, for Christmas this year I want a zip line from my apartment to school, a bottle of Johnnie Walker Blue, a high speed rail line from Boston to Arizona, an indestructible bike, books about God, and lots of candy. We all have our lists of things that we want, but around Christmas we take it to the next level. Kids turn in extensive, itemized spreadsheets to their parents detailing every last thing that they wouldn't mind having. Some of these lists can get pretty outrageous. When I was a kid I asked for a Lamborghini (I got a Matchbox version). As crazy as our lists for Santa might get, imagine a Christmas list for God. That would have some really hard-hitting items on it. I wonder if we can find one in the Bible...