Danny Bradfield

Christianity is about love.
Love is the no. 1 command.
Love is the greatest spiritual gift.
But love is hard; therefore, many try to make Christianity about something else: beliefs, dogma, purity.

"I know that when God looks upon Jane Goodall, and looks upon what humans are doing to try and protect this earth, and protect all the living creatures of this earth, God smiles." --from a sermon I preached in 2022.

Just before sunrise in Bloomington, Illinois

Don’t let anyone steal your joy.

When is Jesus returning?
Jesus is already here…among the hungry, naked, imprisoned, immigrant, and sick

It’s hard to love one’s neighbor. It’s even harder to love one’s enemies. But if you’re not even trying, but instead brag about how much you hate your enemies or your opponents, you’re not even trying to be a follower of Jesus.

Would you choose the “shorter trail” or the “longer trail?” (We did them both; one going, the other coming.)

Counting switchbacks to this view…

If you believe there is too much hate…show LOVE
If you believe there is too much despair…give HOPE
If you believe there is too much meanness…be KIND

Stopped in to St. Martin Parish Church and lit a candle for my Aunt Carol, whose funeral mass is taking place today in California.

As I prepare to go on vacation, this seems the perfect time to take a little break from social media. The hypocrisy and hatred of many is stressing me out. Please pray, meditate—or do whatever you do to center your thoughts—on kindness, empathy, love, and compassion.

A peaceful end can only be achieved through peaceful means

So… Donald Trump has declared war on #Chicago.

I don’t know who was in charge of the music that was playing at the Y while I was swimming, but I’m not going to lie: going from Mozart’s Lacrimosa to the High School Musical soundtrack was quite exhilarating.

Stop using tragedy to justify hate

Since moving to Illinois a year and a half ago, I’ve made several visits to #Chicago. Each time I was impressed by the city’s beauty and friendliness.

The part of my sermon that got the most reaction was a part I added last minute. It wasn’t even written down in the manuscript.

Can we get a rainbow crosswalk here in #BloomingtonIllinois? 🌈

Sweet Corn Circus. Lots of corn (Yum!). Lots of circus. Very Illinois-y.

Hate divides
Love unites

Woke: a term used derogatorily by some to refer to a truth they can’t handle or that incriminates them.

How wonderful that we live in a time when a boy can fulfill his dream, even if that dream is to be a professional cheerleader.

Good theology is important
Love is importanter.
😁

Little did I know that five minutes later, a crash of thunder would send me running for home…

I saw some cool shows at the Hollywood Bowl, but I wish I could be there for Jesus Christ Superstar!

A pastor (like any Christian) is called to love everyone. But I’m learning that doesn’t mean you need to try to please everyone.

I know a lot of B-types in real life. I’ve encountered a few A-types online. I do not engage at all with A-types.

Those who use the Bible to justify anti-LGBTQ hate either:
A. Intentionally & maliciously misrepresent the gospel to justify their own bigotry, or
B. are good, decent people who unfortunately believe what those in the first category say.

I’m beginning to think the opposite of love isn’t hate, but fear. Get rid of the fear to release the hate, and learn to love.