Disciples Discussion Den

This category is the main purpose of this blog. Yes, we will spend time discussing politics, the environment, technology, and all kinds of fun stuff. But the real purpose of this blog is to make new disciples of Jesus Christ and to strengthen those who are already disciples. Please read the post "What is Discipleship?" to understand further. Even though this blog is called the Disciples Discussion Den, anyone, of any religion, or no religion at all, can join in and make comments. The guidelines for civil debate laid out in the "About this Blog" post apply to everyone, including me. Image Source: https://redeeminggod.com/sermons/luke/luke_6_12-16/

This page is where I post poems I have written and some of my favorites by other writers. Most of my poems just come to me at certain points in time. I can't seem to generate creativity on demand. These poems are deeply personal and are about my family or important events in my life. I often include a note about the circumstances that prompted each poem at the bottom of the post.

This category is where we will discuss various issues concerning the environment. I recognize that there is controversy over the politics and science of "Climate Change". As with anything controversial we need to discuss and debate with mutual respect and opinions based in fact. We may not agree if Climate Change is "real" or "caused by humans". But we should be able to agree on the need to protect our planet and look at the pros and cons of different ways to achieve that goal. I do not consider myself to be an expert on environmental issues, just a concerned global citizen. I have been concerned about the environment all my life. I grew up in Africa as the son of missionaries. I have seen first hand the devastating effect of drought and the lack of clean drinking water on both animal and human populations. I have watched in dismay how the once plentiful and diverse animal populations in Kenya and Tanzania are now dwindling both in range and populatio...

My given name is James Thomas Dunkerton, but I use my middle name, "Tom". I was born in Nairobi, Kenya as the son of missionaries. In 1974, I graduated from Rift Valley Academy in Kenya and moved to the United States for college. I went to Geneva College in Beaver Falls, PA where I got a BS in Physics and Computer Science. I graduated in 1978 right in the middle of the “Carter Recession”. Many of my classmates were having trouble finding jobs, but I was very fortunate to be hired by IBM in Endicott, NY. I worked at IBM until 1986 when I first felt the call to go into the ministry. I then left IBM and went to Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary where I got my Masters in Theology. I served as a pastor in two rural churches for almost twenty years, while working part-time as a computer programmer, a substitute teacher, and in the mental health field. I am currently semi-retired and working part-time as a substitute teacher in Erie, PA. I met my life long soul mate, Ann Kolterm...

Too often internet-based discussions are filled with rancor, misinformation, and rarely result in people changing their minds. It is especially distressing when ideas and opinions hurt relationships in the same family or church or among close friends. Often we are guilty of repeating information which is either not true or only half true. I think we all say things online that we later regret, only to find out that our words will live forever somewhere in Cyberspace. This most often occurs in political discussions, but can often occur when discussing a variety of topics, even Theology. My goal is to present well researched, balanced, information and opinions which I desire to be discussed in a civil, respectful manner. Not everything will be controversial. Some will simply be educational and fun. When we do disagree with one another, I ask that we do so respectfully. The internet is full of places where people can express themselves freely without moderation. I do not want to limi...