Author Archives: Jon Lindgren

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About Jon Lindgren

I am President of the Red River Freethinkers in Fargo, ND. I am a retired economics professor from NDSU and was Mayor of Fargo for 16 years.

Could Earth Religions Make a Come Back?

If religion is a product of contemporary society and circumstances, and not from some sovereign source, it’s fun to speculate on what social values might emerge later and what religious views might result. Something I see for our entire global community is a realization the … Continue reading

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Southern Baptists Vote Not to Severe Ties to Boy Scouts.

There were predicitions by countless conservative Christian pundits Boy Scouts of America were doomed by their policy of accepting gay scouts. Now, both the Mormons and Southern Baptists have voted to continue allowing their churches to be used for Scout troops.  This … Continue reading

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A Fundamental Difference Between Believers and Nonbelievers.

The difference between believers and nonbelievers was pointed out recently by a New Testament scholar in his blog. While he is not a believer, his wife is.  He asked her what she thought is the most fascinating thing about the Christian faith.  She … Continue reading

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Do People Pray to Satan?

I have to confess I know little about the concept of a Satan or Devil.  From what people say, it seems like a form of god. Just recently on our discussion board someone wrote Satan is so real I cannot begin to … Continue reading

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Half the Gay Population is “Religiously Unaffiliated”.

Half of our gay people are not religious and those who are affiliated with a religion tend to go to church less often and don’t not consider their church to be important.  This unaffiliation is more than twice that of the … Continue reading

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Where Did the Jewish Faith Come From?

There are four theories. The first is in the Bible, the Jews came into Canaan after the Moses trek followed by by a victorious conquest of Canaan by Jews.  Joshua won the battle of Jericho.  The problem with this theory, besides lacking any … Continue reading

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Southern Baptists Still Don’t Get It.

As recently as a year ago, there seemed little recognition among some Protestant denominations they needed to change due to falling numbers.  This was especially true of Southern Baptists, the largest denomination.  Even though their numbers had been falling for years, the denomination … Continue reading

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It’s the 64th Annivsary of the Book, “1984″.

I just heard the sad news that when high school students in the U. S. are assigned literature to read, the books often are not the classics, but work originally written for Junior High Students.  When I read about the anniversary of the book, 1984, … Continue reading

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The Pope Still Might be Right, Atheists Will Go To Heaven.

It’s amusing the Pope made a kind statement about atheists, admonishing the faithful to not be too full of themselves.  Then, a few days later, a spokesman read a statement saying it would be impossible for an atheist to go to heaven, confirming … Continue reading

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I’m Not in Touch With my Past.

Perhaps this is the new “evangelism”. I’m referring to the denomination I grew up in. In my youth, it stood strong against ballroom dancing, movies, alcohol and card playing. The denomination is called Evangelical Covenant Church of America. In my day it included ”Swedish” in the name.  Some of … Continue reading

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