The next heresy in B. Quash and M. Ward, Heresies and How to Avoid Them: Why It Matters What Christians Believe concerns “theopaschitism.” The chp is by Michael Ward, an Anglican priest and an expert on C.S. Lewis. What is this heresy? Some believed that, due to the union of the natures in Christ, God suffered as God when Christ was crucified. Those who propounded theopaschitism included Peter the Fuller (patriarch of Antioch) and John Maxentius (Scythian monk). Ward observes... Read more
Nope, forget Tim Horton’s. The finest Canadian coffee I’ve had is Second Cup. We first tasted this coffee in Edmonton, we’ve got a bag or two of the beans, and I have to say that this stuff rivals some of the better coffees I’ve had. Ours is the Ethiopian Limu — smooth, creamy, and a great aroma. Indeed, so good one does want a second cup. Great lingering aftertaste. Read more
I wonder how many Christians, especially since the Reformation, genuinely believe what James — in powerful adaptation of his brother — says in James 1:26-27. If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.... Read more
Every discussion about homosexuality is fraught with a singular challenge. It is the challenge of civility. I believe civility is the Third Way in this moral debate. On this blog last week we published “A Letter” and then Andrew Marin, a Christian friend and advocate for Christian civility, posted a response (we will be posting about his new book Love Is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation With the Gay Community soon). Today I’d like to post my own challenge to... Read more
This is a series by a pastor’s wife (spouse) who cares deeply about the particular struggle that many pastor’s spouses feel and experience. His her reflection from a recent pastor’s wives retreat. I was with a number of pastors wives on a retreat recently. I realized there are some serious issues PWs can’t discuss (sorry ministry husbands, it was a women’s event). Issues we discussed included the unusual way some found their current ministry location (the whole confusing search process)... Read more
Goes to the British Royalty decorum management group that decides, somehow, that America’s First Lady, Michelle Obama, acted outside the boundaries in warmly touching the Queen. For this, we give the first-ever “Big Lips” kiss award. The “Big Lips” kiss award will be given when we find someone who does something that deserves an award for nonsense. Smack on you! Read more
A critical statement made by our President, Barack Obama, is worth conversation today. Afghanistan under Karzai has recently made shifts toward more sharia law, and the implications for women are nothing short of enormous. I’m glad Obama speaks out here but this conflict of local culture (Islam, Afghanistan) and the gravity of human rights (freedom) will take time. I’m wondering what you think of this development? What can we do? How can we do something? Obama: “We think that... Read more
When they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany, near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately as you enter it, you will find tied there a colt that has never been ridden; untie it and bring it. If anyone says to you, `Why are you doing this?’ just say this, `The Lord needs it and will send it back here immediately.'” They went... Read more
Almighty and everliving God, in your tender love for the human race you sent your Son our Savior Jesus Christ to take upon him our nature, and to suffer death upon the cross, giving us the example of his great humility: Mercifully grant that we may walk in the way of his suffering, and also share in his resurrection; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.... Read more
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