Faith and Facts

Dr. Bruce

Doing as well as hearing the Word of God occupies the center of my life. I am committed to my family, church, community and country. My politics will typically run toward the conservative in fiscal areas and toward the liberal in social issues, despite my strong pro-life stance. When others do not agree with me I am happy to engage in civil discourse that debates ideas and their merits but have no patience with those that substitute personal attacks for reason.

People with double-standards are a pain in my rear. Shouldn’t we apply the same standards and logic to both sides of an issue? Shouldn’t we hold politicians in our own party to the same standard we hold those in the other party? Shouldn’t we criticize those we like when they err? I have been critical of church leaders and churches from both ends of the theological spectrum. I have blasted politicians on both sides of the aisle.

I work with a variety of non-profit groups that focus on helping people; especially women and children. I have two favorites at the moment.

• The Belen Area Food Pantry feeds about 300 families per month. $9.87 feeds a family of 4 for about a week. It is the best investment $10 you will ever make.
• Casa de la Fe (website pending) is a missions group my daughter has started that focuses on Peru and Belize. We raise money to assist groups already in country as well as some direct action. Providing clean water, limited solar power and medical needs are the top items on the list right now.

After planning on a career in law, I have been a pastor of Baptist churches for almost 30 years. I grew Methodist and some church members have never forgiven me for it. Some folks from New Mexico have never forgiven me for being born in Texas either. I played basketball college but three spinal surgeries have put an end to most sporting activities. My wonderful wife, Penny, is more than I ever deserve. And yes, the doctorate is earned.

The Bible instructs believers to engage culture as salt and light. I look forward to the dialog in this forum to discuss just what that means.