For some years now we have taken Christmas donations to provide a membership to those who would very much want one but cannot afford it. Blog members who want to make it possible donate the fee and we put memberships on offer. It’s a nice holiday tradition.
I will post on my social media (Facebook and Twitter) as well as on a public post here, the availability of memberships starting in a couple of days. I will give out as many as we have. Would you like to provide one or more people the opportunity? I get requests *ALL* the time — not just in response to this annual announcement (dozens then) but also throughout the year, often a couple of times a week. Your donation can make it possible.
As you know, annual memberships start at $29.95. So let’s think in terms of $30 increments. If you’d like to donate a membership, that would be $30. Three? $90. 827? $24,810. You get the idea.
This is a win-win situation. Your donation is completely tax deductible, and you can make someone(s) very happy here in the season of giving.
If you are interested in participating, just take two very simple acts: (1) send an email to [email protected] (do NOT comment here, on the blog) indicating your intention to make a donation and specifying how many memberships you would like to donate; and (2) make the donation on the blog itself (just login, go to the bottom of the landing page, and choose one of the two donation options). We will be collecting these donations over the course of the holiday season (no term limit, just give when you’re ready) and be giving them out as quickly as they come in.
Many many thanks to those who have already made donations to the Blog (and therefore, to the charities we support), and for all who are willing to do so now!
I would be willing to sponsor another member. I think that it’s great idea. Thanks for bringing it up!
kevin
How do you decide who these other members are? I am not sure that it affects my willingness to consider donating, but it is a question of curiosity.
They aren’t members yet! I send a note out on social media saying that if someone can’t afford a membrership but wants one, to tell me about it. I give out as many as I can.
Not related to this post: A question I didn’t think to ask this afternoon at the book club is “What do you make of ‘Simon the Zealot’ listed as one of Jesus’ disciples in the gospels?” I.e., if the Zealots really didn’t appear as a group till the 66 rebellion, then where did this term come from? Is it an anachronism, reading back into the disciples terms that were current when the gospels were written? Or what?
It’s either an anachronism or it is not used in the technical sense, but simply Simon, the one who was known to be zealous.
May I ask an off-topic question I’m looking for a recommendation of a book on the psychology of religion.
Some thing a non-scholar could read and understand.
I just I’m trying to figure out why since the beginning of civilization man has had to worship a god or gods.
There are millions of views about such things. But I’d suggest the classic by William James, VArieties of REligious Experience as a good start.
Thank You
Hello,
I just suscribed to the top tier Platinum membership and would like to donate any gift members that included with that membership be donated to someone who cannot afford one.
Great! Click on help and send a note to support, and we’ll get on it!