I recognize the possibility of autoanthropomorphism whenever one seeks to discern the core (and secondary) messages in the scriptures. Perhaps this risk is most acute when one’s imagination is activated. Nonetheless as I have been pondering various themes for this piece, I began to wonder what feelings God was experiencing as the scene in Genesis … Read more
For many decades I have been a Bruce Cockburn fan. While my take on the dynamics involved in being a faithful follower of Jesus aren’t always in sync with his, the elements of faith that permeate his music often inspire my spirit and even when I don’t fully agree with his analysis of the world, … Read more
Trust is a critical and pervasive part of a healthy life. Confidence in the safety of the food we eat, the reliability of our justice system and dependable friends are all essential parts of being able to develop a life that is wholesome and fulfilling. Trust is therefore precious. Trust is also fragile. Once abused … Read more
WOW! We didn’t see that coming. 145th General Assembly lived up its advanced billing. It was intense, deeply emotional, and contentious. In the end, commissioners choose Pathway B – Inclusion – that disappointed and dismayed us. However, the remits (printed below), to be sent down to presbyteries for approval, propose a much less exclusionary avenue. … Read more
There are many ways to tackle this subject. However, for the brief time we have, I want to explore the theme examining how Jesus approached the Scriptures of His day. First though, some thoughts about the implied verb: thinking. We often define the word as a matter of logic or a left-brained approach – researching … Read more
The approach of Lent in concert with a series of recent encounters, conversations and reading drew my attention to Matthew 7:1-5 and from there to Psalm 139. Most of us can count on one hand the number of times we have heard Psalm 139:19-22 read in public and still have fingers to spare. The harsh … Read more
They say you remember the first time. I know I certainly do. It was in the 50’s. Yes, I was alive back then! The pastor I remember was a hero to many. My aunt and her family attended the crowded worship services of his congregation. My parents listened most Sunday evenings to the radio broadcast of his sermons. He was a force. Then he was gone. I remember the whispers … Read more
The ancient Roman god, Janus, was portrayed with two heads looking in opposite directions. January, the first month in a new year, shares this concept of "double vision" – conveying the sense that as a new year begins and we're now focussing forward, we are not quite free of where we have been. That's a … Read more
Virtually all branches of the Christian Church refer to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the standard of belief with regard to their doctrine and to their practices of faithful living and rituals. In spite of that common affirmation, the diversity of doctrine, practices, and rituals among those who self-identify as Christians … Read more