Psychology Archives - Vincent Ryan Ruggiero Official website - Author

Has Salvation Lost Its Meaning?

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:39:12 +0000

Salvation has always been the most important concept for Christians. Their core belief, regardless of denomination, is that from the beginning human sinfulness barred us from heaven, but God in his mercy sent his Son to atone for our sins and make possible our salvation. Most Christians still hold that belief and live by it. But [...]

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A Christian View of Self

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Thu, 18 Sep 2014 16:59:25 +0000

“That I feed the hungry, that I forgive an insult, that I love my enemy in the name of Christ—all these are undoubtedly great virtues . . . But what if I should discover that the least among them all, the poorest of all the beggars, the most impudent of all the offenders, the very [...]

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The Blame Game

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Tue, 28 Jan 2014 14:07:56 +0000

It’s easier to point at others than at ourselves. If you doubt me, try this—extend your arm and point straight ahead. Now turn your hand and point at yourself. The difficulty is not just anatomical; it’s also psychological, a fact increasingly evident today. Though it is most prominent among politicians—Republicans and Democrats blaming each other, [...]

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In Defense Of Guilt And Shame

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 04:00:03 +0000

While reading last week’s church bulletin, I came across an announcement for a mini-retreat titled “Letting Go of Shame and Guilt” scheduled to be held at a nearby Franciscan Center. As I read on, I learned that the program concerned “12-Step Spirituality.” Twelve-step spirituality derives from the Alcoholics Anonymous program that began in the 1930s [...]

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Self-Congratulation And Christmas

Vincent Ryan Ruggiero — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 05:00:50 +0000

Once upon a time, not all that long ago, people sent friends and family Christmas cards with personal messages. Not just the ones already printed in the cards, but personal, handwritten messages that recalled the shared happiness of prior Christmases, expressed affection, and offered wishes for God’s blessings. Some people still do that, and they [...]

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