Theology with Ricky Nazworth

 Thanksgiving holds a special place in the heart of America. It is more than just a national holiday—it's a celebration of faith, gratitude, and the enduring spirit that defines the American people. As we gather in 2024, we must remember the deep theological significance and the patriotic roots that have shaped Thanksgiving into the cornerstone of American culture. In a time where divisiveness, uncertainty, and global challenges abound, Thanksgiving stands as a beacon, calling us back to the foundational values of faith, gratitude, unity, and love of country. The Theological Foundation: Gratitude as Worship At the heart of Thanksgiving is the act of giving thanks, not simply as a matter of tradition but as an expression of worship. The Bible repeatedly commands believers to live with hearts full of gratitude. In fact, the Psalms are overflowing with exhortations to offer thanks to God. Psalm 100:4 says, "Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thank...

 In May 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic spread fear and uncertainty across the globe, my life felt like it was unraveling. At just 15 years old, I was grappling with an overwhelming sense of isolation and doubt. The pandemic had not only disrupted my daily life but also caused me to lose many friends, and most importantly, my girlfriend, which only deepened my sense of despair. My faith, which had once been a cornerstone of my identity, was now teetering on the edge of collapse. Although I had been raised in an Evangelical tradition, my belief in anything, including Christianity, had become incredibly fragile. In this time of turmoil, I even began to identify as a Roman Catholic, but even that connection felt tenuous and uncertain. I was in a dark place, questioning everything I once held dear. Joshua Graham As someone who has always found solace in video games, I turned to them during this difficult time, hoping for a distraction from the chaos. It was then that I played the "Hone...