From The Desk of Holy Heresy

“Paul asked them, ‘Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?’ They answered, ‘No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.’” — Acts 19:2 Paul arrives in Ephesus and meets a group of disciples. They believe in Jesus, but something is missing. When Paul asks if they have received the Holy Spirit, they look at him in confusion. They had been baptized into John’s baptism, a baptism of repentance, but had not yet experienced the fullness of God’s power through the Spirit. This moment raises an important question: What does it mean to follow Jesus fully? Many of us, like these disciples, have faith but are still living with a partial understanding of God’s presence in our lives. We believe in Jesus, but are we living in the fullness of His Spirit? Are we walking in the power, love, and transformation that the Spirit brings? Paul doesn’t condemn these disciples for what they lack, he invites them into something more. He baptizes them in the name of Jesus, and as he l...

Have you ever heard the phrase "Kowtow to Chairman Mao"? It refers to the extreme deference, loyalty, and submission demanded by Mao Zedong’s leadership during his rule over China (1949–1976). The phrase draws from the traditional Chinese practice of kowtowing, kneeling and bowing one’s head to the ground as a sign of deep respect, historically reserved for emperors and elders. Under Mao, this took on a political and ideological dimension, where unwavering obedience was expected not only in action but in thought. During Mao’s rule, particularly in the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), individuals were pressured to prove their devotion to Maoist thought. This meant publicly praising his policies, displaying his image in homes and workplaces, and memorizing his "Little Red Book" of quotations. Dissent, or even perceived lukewarm enthusiasm, could lead to public shaming, exile, or execution. The phrase also symbolizes the broader dangers of authoritarianism and enforc...

A Contract with (All of) America America stands at a crossroads. Economic uncertainty, climate change, and growing inequality threaten the stability of our communities. Yet, history has shown us that when we invest in people, when we harness our collective will for the common good, we can overcome even the most daunting challenges. Now is the time for bold action, a new social contract that rebuilds our economy, protects workers, and secures our future. The backbone of a strong nation is its infrastructure, yet much of ours is crumbling. We must launch large-scale infrastructure projects to modernize roads, bridges, and public transit while expanding access to broadband and clean water. By doing so, we create millions of jobs and lay the foundation for sustained economic growth. At the same time, we must address the growing threat of climate change. A national conservation workforce could restore forests, protect wetlands, and improve sustainable farming practices. These projects not o...