meme \MEEM\ noun. 1: an idea, behavior, style, or usage that spreads from person to person within a culture. 2: an amusing or interesting item (such as a captioned picture or video) or genre of items that is spread widely online especially through social media. ~ Meriam-Webster Why Memes? Sometimes I have something to say. I don't always have the time to flesh out what I'm … [Read more...]
In the Lake of Fire: A Letter to My Church Family
With the above image in mind, this morning I sent my church family the following email. I hope it encourages you, as well. GFC Family, This image is circulating on social media. It is a picture, taken from a plane, of the current California wildfires, from above the clouds. After staring at this remarkable image for a few moments, my thoughts turned to the untold … [Read more...]
City of Iowa City vs Anthony Edward Miano: Case Dismissed!
That's right. In the City of Iowa City vs Anthony Edward Miano (me), District Associate Judge Deborah Farmer Minot dismissed the "disorderly conduct" charge against me. As you will see in her published ruling below, Judge Minot determined that the City of Iowa City code under which I was cited is unconstitutionally vague and unconstitutionally broad. I am grateful to … [Read more...]
Identification: When Are You Required to Show It To An Officer?
You are engaged in public evangelism and/or ministry outside of an abortuary. An officer arrives and asks for your identification. What should you do? Introduction There continues to be some confusion among street evangelists and abortion abolitionists regarding when or if one is required to show a police officer a form of identification when asked to do so. In this article, … [Read more...]
Self-Love: Rethinking the Doctrine and Its Use in Evangelism
I have often told people the reason they don't see the gospel as a message of love is that they love themselves more than they love God. I was wrong. Evangelista, Semper Reformada "Preacher [or 'evangelist'], Always Reforming." That's the English translation of the Latin phrase Evangelista, Semper Reformada. I have now proclaimed the gospel on the streets and have preached … [Read more...]
Why Every Evangelist Must be Rooted in the Local Church
There is a particular piece of advice I have given many Christian officers over the years. The same advice, dealing with the church, can and should be applied to evangelists. Fighting the Hardening of the Heart "It seems like I'm angry all the time. I don't trust anyone. If you don't wear a badge, you're one of them. I assume a person is lying to me because their lips are … [Read more...]
The Death of George Floyd and the Death of Christian Civility
As I thought of the tragic and unnecessary death of George Floyd, it took my mind elsewhere--the apparent death of Christian civility in cyberspace. My Love for Cops, Those Fallible Human Beings It's no secret that I have a soft spot for law enforcement professionals. They were and are "family" to me. Do I tend to give officers the benefit of the doubt? Yes, I do. Am I an … [Read more...]