In the end of all things is their beginning, and only from the perspective of the end can one know what they are, why they have been made, and who the God is who has called them from nothingness. From the perspective of eternity, the end comes first and the… Continue reading
Almost fifty years ago a friend of ours recommended a book for Christmas entitled “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Many of you may be familiar with the book. It’s the story of the six Herdman kids, the most God-awful children in the world. Among their many crimes were burning down… Continue reading
The third Sunday of Advent is associated with joy. The angel at Jesus’ birth told the shepherds that he was bringing them “good news of great joy which will come to all people.” The last night of Jesus’ life on earth, as he spoke to his disciples about abiding in… Continue reading
We usually think of Advent as a time preparing us for the birth of Jesus—for that coming of Jesus as a newborn babe some 2000 years ago. But traditionally within the church Advent has had a deeper and broader meaning than just Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. In fact, we could… Continue reading
We’ve all seen the bumper sticker which reads, “The Bible says it; I believe it; and that settles it!” And many of us have been “blessed” by Christians who constantly remind us, “The Bible says. . .” This article addresses both claims. A more truthful and humble way of rewording… Continue reading
The following is a prayer I wrote several years ago which we have used at our family Thanksgiving meals. I share it with the hope that some readers may find it meaningful during this Thanksgiving season. Gracious God, we come to this table to give you thanks—thanks for the gift… Continue reading
Imagine what it would be like if a congregation prayed with everyone’s head raised and eyes open seeing, not just looking but actually seeing, each other through the lens of wondrous love. Continue reading
(17 minutes) If we are enslaved by sin, how can we become free? How does God “save” us through the Christ Event (Jesus’ incarnation, life, teachings, deeds, death, resurrection, and ascension). In the previous article, I rejected the dominant theory of atonement in Western Christianity known as Penal Substitutionary Atonement… Continue reading
The article series examines the nature of demonic forces according to Brad Jersak and Brian Zandh, Rene Girard’s mimetic theory, and biblical interpretations of sin. While demonic forces are seen as metaphorical, their destructive impact is real, fostering competition and scapegoating in societies. This entry delves into sin as a form of demonic enslavement, critiqueing the Penal Substitutionary Atonement theory prevalent in Western Christianity. It suggests aligning with Eastern Christianity’s approach of viewing sin as a disease needing healing, rather than a crime for punishment. Continue reading
(10 minutes) Part two of this series looks at the demonic nature of scapegoating in the philosophy of the late Rene Girard. The demonic, understood as a “psycho-spiritual” phenomenon originating within individuals and metastasizing throughout society, is partially explained by Girard’s mimetic theory. Child psychologist Jean Piaget taught that children… Continue reading
