Articles written by John Devera

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About me - John Devera

John DeVera is a professional writer who ascribes heartily to the dictum of Samuel Johnson that "No man but a blockhead ever wrote, except for money." As yet, his career has not allowed him to wallow in the luxury to which he would like to be accustomed, but

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Religion & Spirituality > Churches & Organizations Should Christian churches allow gays to be ordained as priests?: 1 of 126
Christian churches should not allow the ordination of gays. Here is a very simple and Biblical way of looking at the problem.1) What constitutes a Christian Church? If a church wishes to identify itself by applying the identity of Jesus Christ in its characteristics, then that implies that the church wishes to be known as a p... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Christian Beliefs & Culture Is Christianity dying out?: 1 of 123
It is a very sad thing to enter into a beautiful cathedral and see just a few nuns and pensioners in the pews during a service. Throughout Europe churches are drawing such small congregations that one could easily start to believe that Christianity is dying out. In America, the congregations of many of our mainstream churches... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Should one's faith influence a citizen's vote?: 4 of 305
Let's begin by defining terms; that's always a good place to start when there's a debate about a significant issue between people of intellectual and ethical sincerity. First, faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. That means that faith is that belief we have in things that we would be un... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Ghosts & Paranormal Phenomena Do Ouija boards really work?: 1 of 63
Ouija boards really work. That's the problem. They work in different ways, though, and so we need to examine what a ouija board is. A ouija board is any flat surface with symbols on it. On this board is placed a planchette, a pointer of some sort. Participants place their fingers lightly on the planchette and allow it to slid... More..
Arts & Humanities > Arts & Humanities (Other) Is artistic skill natural or learned?: 2 of 110
This question possesses its own answer. Artistic skill is learned. Artistic talent is natural. Anyone can learn to draw, be a craftsman, an illustrator. Being an artist, being great at it, requires more. It requires talent. Let us consider some examples.Vincent Van Gogh came from a family with no history of artistic talent. H... More..
Arts & Humanities > Meaning of Life Is this a perfect world: 1 of 49
Perfection implies that nothing can be better. This world is not a perfect world, because, of course it could be better. For instance, this world would be much better if I were a millionaire. All kidding aside, this world is imperfect simply because it can be improved. This discussion, of course, stipulates that we are regard... More..
Arts & Humanities > Meaning of Life How those who don't believe in an afterlife view and cope with death: 1 of 46
Those who believe that there is no afterlife exist in a world that functions like an electric light. If the switch is on, there is light. If you flick the switch, life is gone. That's it. End of story. Now, don't assume that this viewpoint necessarily dictates that one is an atheist. Mainstream Judaism has no dogma about the ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Spiritual Insights How can we change our destiny?: 2 of 85
Being able to change your destiny is secondary to understanding destiny. If you don't have a personal definition for destiny, then you have no concept of what it is you wish to change. Destiny means different things to different people. To change your destiny, examine the different meanings people ascribe to that word.DETERMI... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Social Values & Norms Lessons in life: 6 of 220
After four decades spent making a variety of mistakes, I would like to offer my valuable experience. These are lessons that I guarantee will improve your life immeasurably. Money back, if not satisfied.1) Learn these three phrases and apply them whenever applicable. "I'm sorry. It's all my fault. It'll never happen again." Th... More..
Arts & Humanities > Schools of Thought Proof of God's existence and rational thinking: 1 of 34
There are a number of substantial proofs that God exists, but only arguments that he does not. You see, to argue that God does not exist is fruitless; one cannot prove that something (anything, including God) does not exist. So, we have two main arguments against the existence of God, THE PROBLEM OF EVIL, and THE PROBLEM OF F... More..