Fred Holland's Page

I know the subject is controversial. I know that the climate is fearful. But I had to tell somebody how a little film made the most profound impact on me. The film is "Sicko" and was made in 2007 by Michael Moore. And, yes I know that Michael Moore is controversial too. But, so was Paul, Peter, James, Jesus, Moses, Abraham and so on. I saw it the first time about three weeks ago. It is basicly about people in America who have Healthcare insurance. It is not about those who don't(although they ar… Continue

This is a bit out of my tradition, to teach a class at the Church I've been attending. I usually avoid such activities as I have a strong tendancy to try to tie some sense of self worth to the activity. For me it is important to only be defined by how God defines me. Nothing I can do will add to my worth and nothing I can do will diminish my worth. About three months ago an elder asked me if I would concider teaching the adult class. I told him I would and then related my concerns. After much di… Continue

Some years ago I had to come up with a definition of "scripture" that made sense to me. The old standard "The Bible, cover to cover" no longer fits anything I believe. Besides, the Bible is a location. Not a definition. Paul wrote to Timothy that "all scripture is God breathed and is useful,,," 2 Tim 3:16. Now that is a good definition. Anything that God breaths out. Here's the rub. It doesn't tell you where it's all at. Evangelicals assume that it's in the Bible and ONLY in the Bible. But nowhe… Continue

The probability is that I will not agree with some(if not a lot) of the teachings of this church. My current montra is "I am willing to let them be wrong as long as they are willing to let me be wrong". But they seem to have an abundance of what I am looking for. A real sense of community. I will have to go back several times and get to know them outside of the "church service", but I am hopeful. Someone offered to watch my handicapped daughter so we(my wife and I) could be in attendence togethe… Continue

This is just a bit of what I think about. I used to have traditional beliefs about God, the Bible and that body of believers known as Christians. At some point about twenty five years ago those beliefs became inadiquate for me. I started following the teachings of American style Christianity and saw lies. For instance, I have a problem with the whole Mafia style God that promises not to burn you forever in a torture chamber, designed and built by Him, if you join His "orginization". In my view,… Continue