These words, from the chorus of "God rest ye merry, Gentlemen," nicely sum up the intended impact of the birth of Jesus Christ. The angel who first appeared to the shepherds said, "Fear not: for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people." After the shepherds had seen … Continue reading Tidings of comfort and joy
Author: Bob Goodnough
Why wait for spring – do it now
A few days ago my wife and I got to talking about a catchy advertising jingle of fifty years ago that was heard incessantly at this time of year. My wife even remembered all the words and sang them. It was the theme song of a government of Canada campaign to help building trades people … Continue reading Why wait for spring – do it now
Persecution of Menno Simons
Saturday I posted excerpts from an article by Menno Simons. He mentions several times in this article that his life was in danger. The danger was very real, there was a price on his head for teaching contrary to the official state church. In 1542, Emperor Charles V upped the reward for Menno's capture to … Continue reading Persecution of Menno Simons
Témoin anabaptiste
Alert readers of this blog may notice a new entry in the blogroll on the right. If not, I'm telling you about it. I have started a new blog in French, called Témoin anabaptiste. This is a project that I have been thinking about for a number of months. The content will be somewhat similar … Continue reading Témoin anabaptiste
Menno Simons: Why I do not cease teaching and writing
"For Zion's sake I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness and the salvation thereof as as a lamp that burneth; and the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory" Isaiah 62:1; 2. Therefore for the sake of … Continue reading Menno Simons: Why I do not cease teaching and writing
How many Mennonites does it take to change a light bulb?
There was a time not so many years ago when ethnic jokes were popular. The jokes generally depicted members of the targeted ethnic group as being not very smart. Members of an eastern European ethnic group who are quite numerous in Canada were often the brunt of such jokes. One such joke went this way: … Continue reading How many Mennonites does it take to change a light bulb?
We have met the enemy and he is us
That famous quote from the Pogo comic strip was referring to pollution, illustrated by litter in the Okefenokee swamp. I have often found my life littered with debris, debts piling up, deadlines fast approaching, projects unfinished because something else came up, disappointments, hurt feelings, resentments. Of course it was very evident this was all due … Continue reading We have met the enemy and he is us
Analyzing ourselves to death
Everyone seems to have an opinion about what has happened, and is still happening, in Ferguson. There seems to be an element of truth in every analysis, even though the conclusions conflict. There's really not much those of us at a distance can do about Ferguson; and I'm afraid that much that is being counselled … Continue reading Analyzing ourselves to death
Universal public confusion
If an educated electorate is the best defence against arbitrary government, the survival of political freedom appears uncertain at best. Large numbers of Americans now believe that the Constitution sanctions arbitrary executive power, and recent political history, with its steady growth of presidential power, can only have reinforced such an assumption. What happened to the … Continue reading Universal public confusion
FAME, part 2
Oh think not genius, with its hallowed light, Can break the gloom of the eternal night; For splendid talents often lead astray The unguarded heart, and hide the narrow way, While the unlearned and those of low estate, With faith's clear eyes behold the living gate, Whose portals open on the shoreless sea Where time's … Continue reading FAME, part 2
Flatlander Faith 