Articles written by Amanda Demers - Page 3

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About me - Amanda Demers

Here I am! I've lived in Texas for 8 years but am a native New Englander (of mainly Irish/Scottish extraction). I'm the co-owner of an online retail business, part-time merchandiser, and serve as a lay Eucharistic minister in my Episcopal parish.
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Religion & Spirituality > New Age Concepts New age belief and Christianity: 11 of 26
Once again, the clash between Christianity and New Age teachings has become a subject of debate. It's probably due to the surge of interest generated by The Secret, The Celestine Prophecy movie, and the book and movie versions of the DaVinci Code. I'm speaking from a Christian perspective, but as one who has previously been ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture Testimonies: Christian: 34 of 80
I was raised in the Episcopal Church and attended the Eucharist every Sunday as a child. I don't remember why, but at a certain point my attendance dwindled, and for several years I only set foot in a church for funerals, weddings, and special occassions I was invited to. In elementary school, my friends and I weren't much i... More..
Entertainment > Celebrity Gossip & News How to support Britney Spears: 3 of 7
While I'm not a Britney Spears fan, I've been following the stories of what's happened to this poor woman recently. Regardless of whatever inner demons Spears may be struggling with, she certainly needs our thoughts and prayers-not our criticism, judgement, or to be the butt of everyone's jokes. Regardless of whether you're ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Doctrine & Issues Christianity and the environment: Toward an ethic of stewardship: 5 of 11
Being a Christian and being environmentally conscious shouldn't be mutually exclusive. However, some Christians coming from a perspective that doesn't place stewardship in a proper context make it seem as though it is. Some feel that, since Christ's Second Coming may happen at any time and the earth will be destroyed, any co... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Social Values & Norms Views on abortion: 103 of 223
I usually try to avoid divisive political issues, but there's been one issue that's been a sticking point that I've decided to address. It's the issue of abortion, how it polarizes people, and why no real solutions are forthcoming. While there are many Christians who are exemplary in reaching out to teenage mothers, others w... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture Evangelism for the everyday Christian: 7 of 14
Many of us don't consider ourselves very good evangelists. Most of us are happy to be able to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, but maybe aren't sure how to go about it, or feel they don't know enough about the Bible, or are afraid of offending people. However, anyone can be an effective, yet respectful evangelist. Here's... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christianity (Other) The sacraments of the Episcopal church?: 1 of 2
A sacrament is an outward and visible sign of inward and spiritual grace. (Book of Common Prayer 1979, p. 857) They are given by Christ as a means by which we receive that grace. Baptism Baptism is how we become members of the Church. When a person is baptized with water in the name of the Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spir... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Holidays & Celebrations Episcopal church holy week services: 1 of 2
The Holy Week Survival Guide One of the highlights of the liturgical year is Holy Week, the week before Easter. However, if you're new to the Episcopal Church or just visiting, you may feel kind of lost since the services at Holy Week are somewhat different from the usual ones. This guide will hopefully shed a little light o... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Easter Understanding liturgical elements in the Easter Vigil worship service: 1 of 2
This follows the order of service found in the 1979 Book of Common Prayer (Episcopal Church) Before the Service The time before the service should be used for silent prayer and meditation. The church will be partially dark. There is no opening hymn or anthem at this service. The Lighting of the Paschal Candle Fire is kindled... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christianity (Other) Diversity in the Episcopal church: 1 of 2
Because the Episcopal Church represents the diversity within Christianity, there are several groups within the church who have different approaches to worship and Scripture. The main groups within the Episcopal Church are: Low or Evangelical, High or Anglo-Catholic, charismatic, liberal, and Broad. At some point, I will prov... More..