For most of us, the cross is seen at best as a decorative symbol, or at worst as an instrument of torture. But now – at the midpoint of Lent – the cross is presented as an image of refreshment
Read moreCross: Life not Sacrifice
To Be or Not to Be… Yourself
In our world, we’re told to “be yourself.” In fact, this is probably the 21st-century American mantra. And it plays itself out in all sorts of ways. For some, it leads them on specific career paths. For others, it leads
Read moreHaving the End in Sight
This past week we’ve seen the fallout of yet another school shooting. Everyone agrees that they must end. But how? Many people are advocating for stricter gun laws. Others think teachers should be armed. And some believe we need to
Read moreForgive or Die
In January, it was good to own stock. Prices soared and, recently, the Dow hit a record high. For many of us, this is where we place our trust: it’s our financial security, our 401(k) retirement, our indication of good
Read moreTo Be or Not to Be… a Loyal Citizen
We live in a time of nationalism. Red, white, and blue flow through our veins. Recently, we had a national debate: is it patriotic to protest racial inequalities in America by kneeling during the Star Spangled Banner, or is it
Read moreCelebrating an Unjust God
It’s human nature to want a just world. Indeed, our view of justice is Lady Justice who is blindfolded, showing that she doesn’t pursue any special interest. Everyone is to be treated equally. She enforces her decrees with a sword
Read moreThe Triumph of Orthodoxy: Squashed?
In one month’s time, we’ll celebrate the “Sunday of Orthodoxy.” Triumphantly we’ll read the Synodikon that proclaims the Orthodox Christian faith to be the faith of the Apostles, the faith of the Fathers, in short, “…the faith on which the
Read moreFrom Belief to a Way of Life
Americans are individualists. One way this has worked itself out is by keeping religion a private affair. This generally means: you believe what you want, and I’ll believe what I want. But, there’s one big problem… the Bible goes out
Read moreCosmic Salvation
In American circles, I often hear salvation spoken about in an individual way. “I’m saved.” “Jesus is my personal savior.” But the Bible casts a much bigger picture. We’re actually meant to be a part of something bigger than ourselves.
Read moreSeats at a Royal Coronation
It’s easy to see the baptism of Christ as simply the immersion of Jesus in the River Jordan. It’s also easy to get caught up in the theological meaning of the event (the sanctification of the waters, the manifestation of
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