Some years ago, I was really into astrology. I mean, REALLY into astrology. I had a shelf full of books on the subject, I attended workshops to learn how to interpret the movement of the planets, and I would spend hours on the Internet creating astrological charts based on the birthdates of friends and family members.

Since that time, I have of course come to realize that astrology — like so many mystical and New Age teachings — is a load of bunk. But, for a number of years, it held enormous appeal for me, because it helped quell my anxieties.

Astrology made me feel powerful; it gave me a sense of control. If I could just interpret the stars correctly, I would know what was coming at me — I could be prepared. Computer crashed? Must be the planet Mercury rising. Challenges communicating with a co-worker? It’s because they were born under a constellation that makes them bullheaded and proud. (Couldn’t possibly have anything to do with my attitude.)

All of this came to mind recently when I saw the description for a group on Facebook called the New Thought Movement. [Read more →]

Throughout the past year, I couldn’t help but notice Hollywood’s renewed fascination with superheroes. Batman. Iron Man. The Hulk. The Spirit. It seems these days that every cinematic blockbuster centers on a comic icon. And don’t forget the mortal crusaders protecting us from evil, like Jason Bourne, James Bond, or Max Payne. Their bravery and brazenness make us all feel a little more empowered, and let us vicariously stand-up to bad guys of every ilk as we comfortably munch on popcorn and Junior Mints.

It’s as if, in our collective consciousness, we secretly hope that a mysterious stranger will come swooping in and save us from society’s ills. As a nation, we long to abdicate responsibility for our current state of affairs and instead look for a mystical bail-out package wrapped in a flowing cape. We want a crime-fighting vigilante with super human strength, an iron will, and perhaps a few cool gadgets to deal with the drug lords, gangbangers, and scheming sociopaths all around us.

But, this Christmas season is a reminder that the ultimate superhero has already come, and still walks with us today. He’s not an undercover agent or a radioactive monster. He is God made man — the King of King and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. [Read more →]