Our discussion of the brutality of the NFL reminded me of the good friend of St. Augustine, Alypius, who was a fan of the gladiator games. In his efforts to pursue virtue, he knew that taking pleasure in other men’s suffering and inflicting suffering was wrong, so he resolved not to go to them anymore. Until. . .well, let’s let the Bishop of Hippo tell the story after the jump. [Read more…]
78% of uninsured say they won’t sign up for Obamacare
November 12, 2013 by Leave a Comment
The most serious aspect of the Obamacare trainwreck, if it holds up: According to a Gallup poll, 78% of Americans who do not have health insurance say that they will NOT sign up for Obamacare. [Read more…]
A day of two Martins
November 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Today is the feast day of St. Martin of Tours, which is appropriate since he–an ex-Roman soldier who became a heretic-fighting bishop– is the patron saint of soldiers and this is Veterans Day. Nice how that worked out, since St. Martin’s day has been observed for centuries before Armistice Day, commemorating the end of World War I which officially concluded on the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918; that is, on November 11. That event, still celebrated as such in many countries, was broadened into the American Veterans Day.
Martin Luther’s birthday was yesterday, but today is his Baptism day. A common practice back then was to name a child after the saint whose day it was when the baby was born or baptized. So that’s why baby Luther was named Martin.
Today is a day to honor soldiers, including soldiers of the Cross.
HT: Jackie
Faith & feelings
November 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Are your emotions often out of synch with your faith? Does God feel far away? Do your dry feelings make you wonder if you even have genuine faith? Are you plagued with lingering guilt, dark thoughts, and spiritual depression? Maybe you need to hear this presentation from Rod Rosenbladt.
The audio and the lecture notes are available free from New Reformation Press. A summary after the jump. [Read more…]
Veterans Day
November 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment
This is Veterans Day, so let us honor those who have served in the military vocations. You readers who are veterans, thank you for your service.
I’ve read that some veterans, particularly of our recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, are sick of hearing that. It is good, though, that they are receiving today almost universal respect, unlike the reception in some quarters of Vietnam vets. After the jump, some questions and a link to a classic discussion of the military vocation. [Read more…]
Typhoon kills thousands
November 11, 2013 by Leave a Comment
One of the most powerful storms ever recorded hit the Philippines, killing some 10,000 people. Go here to help.
After the jump, details about the storm, the difference between hurricanes and typhoons, and some Lutheran connections. [Read more…]
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