ANGELS, DEMONS, and JINN – OH MY!

One of my ministries in Dubuque is serving on the board of Dubuque’s ecumenical conversations, the Children of Abraham. The goal of these conversations is to build an atmosphere of civic life that builds inter-religious solidarity, cooperation, and friendship. I

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DID WE ARRIVE LATE?

Visitors who come early to Orthodox services may be a bit confused. Often, even when you come early, there’s a service already started! If the sign says church starts at 10:30, and I come at 10:15, why has the priest

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HARVESTING, RESTING, and MARRYING

This post is going to be a little different than others. If you like it, and you’d like more posts like this, please comment and let me know! I’ve challenged myself to read through the entire Greek New Testament. So

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Can We Open the Presents Now?

Even though America is a melting pot, we still have our own customs and traditions. One such custom is the exchange of presents and gifts. We exchange presents on Christmas, on birthdays, on wedding anniversaries, and other occasions that are

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JOINING THE FAMILY

When couples struggle with fertility, one option for them to expand their family is adoption. It’s a great joy when there’s a new member of the family! Often there are celebrations, parties, and, perhaps, once upon a time, the fathers

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TEMPORARY TENTS

On August 6th, millions of Christians around the world will celebrate the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord. This is an ancient Christian feast attested by many of the Church Fathers, and has probably been celebrated by billions

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DID GOD CREATE PAIN AND SUFFERING?

The above picture appeared in one of my Facebook feeds. Like other memes, it’ll make its way around the internet and people will see some sort of truth in it. I think it can be understood in one of two

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BAA BAA BLACK SHEEP

I think all families have black sheep. In some families the black sheep is simply the odd person out. Perhaps his interests are different, or he has a different sense of humor. In other families, it is the black sheep

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TRANSLATION NIGHTMARES!

One question I get quite regularly is: which Bible translation should I use? First, let me CONGRATULATE YOU! You’ve decided to read the Bible and become more familiar with it. That in and of itself is good news! I do,

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