• EARTHOLOGY: Join the Revolution!

• CAIRNS: Announcing the Audiobook of “Love Does Not Control,” with my Chapter!

• SOULPRINTS: The Poison of Revenge

The Revolution is happening now! I joined the revolt last month when I bought a hybrid SUV. It combines an electric motor and gasoline engine to improve mileage. My average miles per gallon increased by 30% in a recent trip. Over 100K miles that will save about 12 metric tons of polluting CO2 from being released into the atmosphere. That’s at least a start toward a healthy and sustainable future. (No, I didn’t buy one from the company owned by a Neo-Nazi!)

I’m not alone in this important change. In the most recent year of data, more than 20% of new cars were hybrid or fully electric. More companies and car models come out every month from new companies and the major producers. The technological advancements in battery technology have been stunning. The cars, trucks, tractors, and airplanes of 2035 will be dramatically different and better for the environment.

The Trump Administration is fighting this change and all regulatory actions to please Big Oil, coal, and natural gas producers. This is tragic for every human alive and those generations who follow as the climate shift accelerates.

The policies will ultimately hinder American competitiveness in the world market. But these regressive policies will not stop the technological change that is coming as more people demand what we obviously need to protect the only planet we have.

There are many options to reduce climate changing gases without buying a car. Reducing mileage and slower speeds make a difference in overall emissions. Battery powered lawn equipment reduces the use of fossil fuels. Investing in companies that operate with green energy, or produce it, builds the infrastructure for a sustainable future. Of course, voting for candidates who support Green policies is an unparalleled power!

Join the revolution with me!

“Uncontrolling Love: Theologians, Psychologists, and Counselors Explore Uncontrolling Love” was released in 2023 by SacraSage Press. I authored a chapter entitled, “Agents of Change.” The volume is now released as an audiobook!

More than 60 essays dig into the ramifications of uncontrolling Love—the Love revealed in Jesus—for all aspects of well-being. My essay highlights the power to act in a free manner, which is called “agency,” as an essential gift of God’s noncoercive Love to humankind. The God of Love does not control us to determine how we will act. With this freedom, we can improve our mental health through the choices we make.

I think you’ll be inspired by all the thought-provoking ideas in the book. Get your copy from Amazon and enjoy these explorations of God’s amazing love!

The Bible has some strong words of warning about the bitter poison of revenge.

Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.

Proverbs 20:22 “Do not say, ‘I will repay evil’”

Luke 6:27-28 “But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies; do good to those who hate you; ²⁸ bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you.”

Ephesians 4:31 “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice.”

Romans 12:19  ^“Beloved, never avenge yourselves”

Some leaders never learn this basic code of conduct. They take actions to avenge some perceived wrongdoing or disagreement. Some grievances go back years, then are brought forth justify acts of vengeance against the alleged perpetrator.

As Stephen Collinson wrote, “For Donald Trump, revenge is a dish best served piping hot. The president is wasting no time in following through on his frequent campaign trail vows for retribution – with a torrent of purges and pardons. Trump’s sending a chilling message through the US government: officials who cross him, investigate his alleged abuses of power, or join his critics once they leave office must beware his fury. Their livelihoods and even their lives could be at risk. But those who act in his name, even violently, like January 6, 2021, convicts, can expect protection.”*

I believe the consequences of disobeying a clear Bible teaching about revenge and retribution will be clear in the months ahead. And many, many will suffer as revenge comes full circle. Yet, as in Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the ultimate victim is the avenger.

*Stephen Collinson, “Trump Sets About His Retribution Agenda with Relish.” CNN, January 28, 2025