The first marriage took place between Adam and Eve. There was no certificate issued, no record in the government bureau of vital statistics and no ceremony, there having been a notable lack of preachers and witnesses at the time. Nevertheless, a precedent and a principle were established: " Therefore shall a man leave his father … Continue reading What is marriage?
Author: Bob Goodnough
Inhumanity in the name of God
Anyone who pays attention to the news these days cannot help but be appalled by the brazen, boastful brutality of ISIS, skilfully orchestrated for the maximum in publicity value. If a belief in progress and the advance of civilization had led us to think that such things could never happen again, this should be a … Continue reading Inhumanity in the name of God
It seemed like such a good idea at the time
It was a really hot day today, so I stopped after work to get a two scoop black cherry ice cream cone. That really hit the spot. As the young lady scooped my ice cream, I saw that both of her arms were covered with tattoos and wondered how long she will consider them an … Continue reading It seemed like such a good idea at the time
Okay, God has a plan for me. Now what?
For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. (Jeremiah 29:11) This verse comes in the middle of the words that God gave Jeremiah for the Jews who had been captured and led away to Babylon. He told … Continue reading Okay, God has a plan for me. Now what?
Putting away childish things
When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (1 Corinthians 13:11). Does this mean that grownups should not play games? My father hardly ever seemed to have the time to play games … Continue reading Putting away childish things
Perfection and humilty and servanthood and leadership
Is it possible to be perfect, humble, a servant and a leader all at the same time? According to the New Testament, God expects us to be all of the above. If that seems impossible, perhaps we have gotten hung up on a misunderstanding of the meaning of one or more of those words. Many … Continue reading Perfection and humilty and servanthood and leadership
The weakness of the law – any kind of law
The confederate flag is disappearing all over the US South. That should make black folks feel more like they belong, shouldn't it? At least it's a symbolic act, one that shows that racism should not have any part in a society that calls itself civilized. Yet I fear that Mr. Roof is symbolic of a … Continue reading The weakness of the law – any kind of law
The pursuit of happiness
Times are tough for writers today. Every writers' group and every writers' conference tells us that no publisher will even look at a book manuscript unless the author has an impressive "writer's platform." That would consist of a blog with at least 10,000 followers and a similar presence on Facebook and Twitter. And then there … Continue reading The pursuit of happiness
Touche pas à nos cornichons!
[Leave our pickles alone!] Alas, but it's too late. Authentic dill pickles are no longer made in Canada. My mother used to grow rows of cucumbers in her garden, plus a short row of dill. She would pick and wash the cucumbers and layer them in an earthenware crock with a few sprigs of dill … Continue reading Touche pas à nos cornichons!
Peace in time of war
There are four main religious groups in Lebanon: Maronite Christians, descended from the old Syriac church and united with the Roman Catholic Church, yet maintaining some of the old ways, including a married priesthood; Shiite Muslims; Sunni Muslims and Greek Orthodox. A power sharing agreement was worked out after the Second World War that worked … Continue reading Peace in time of war
