When we lived in Ontario it would happen from time to time that someone I had just met would ask me what kind of Mennonite I was. “Does your church allow cars? electricity? telephones?” I knew these questions arose because there were at least 25 flavours of Mennonites within a 100 km radius of where … Continue reading 25 Flavours of Mennonites
Christianity
Duty of separation of the Christian
That the Christian is commanded to separate himself from the Antichrist, is said and proved by the Old and the New Testament: For the Lord says, Isaiah fifty-two: Depart ye, depart ye; get out of here, do not touch anything unclean, get out of it; purify yourself, you who carry the vessels of the Lord. … Continue reading Duty of separation of the Christian
Spectator or participant?
Canadian politics just became much more interesting. Maxime Bernier has withdrawn from the Conservative Party, of which he almost became leader, to found a new political party. He is speaking up about issues that others want to avoid talking about and this has raised a storm of criticism. Perhaps he is starting a movement at … Continue reading Spectator or participant?
The truth can stand by itself
A friend likes to preface many of the things he says with:“Without a word of a lie.” For some reason I don’t find such a statement all that convincing. It makes me wonder if he is not accustomed to telling the truth. I guess that’s why Jesus instructed us: “But let your communication be, Yea, … Continue reading The truth can stand by itself
What is a talent?
Jesus told a parable of a man going to a far country who distributed talents to his servants. The talents given in this parable were money, not ability, for it says that He gave “to every man according to his several ability” (Matthew 25:15). After generations of misunderstanding this passage we have come to understand … Continue reading What is a talent?
Family
We can choose our friends, but we can’t choose our family. We can conceal things about our past from our friends, but our family knows the real story. And we know theirs. My cousin Ted was 80 on Thursday. Friday evening a few of us got together to celibrate and share memories. Ted’s next older … Continue reading Family
Paul, the master apologist
Being an apologist for the Christian faith may sound like expressing our regrets for being Christians. The true meaning is quite the opposite; it means being able to talk about our faith without fear or embarrassment, and to always be ready to “give an answer” (apologia) to those who ask about it. The apostle Paul … Continue reading Paul, the master apologist
Charles de Gaulle and Christian apologetics
(First posted four years ago.) Why do I think that talking about Charles de Gaulle will help to understand the purpose of Christian apologetics? Follow me as I try to explain. The First World War was mostly fought on French soil, meaning that the people of France bore the greatest share of the war’s death, … Continue reading Charles de Gaulle and Christian apologetics
Africa rising
What picture comes to your mind when you think of Africa? A remote village of mud huts with scantily clad people scratching their subsistence from the soil with hand tools? Or modern cities with skyscrapers, factories, hospitals and universities? Both scenarios exist, but far more people live in the cities. Nigeria is the largest country … Continue reading Africa rising
Doctrines of the Humanist Religion
1. Nothing is real if it cannot be explained by the human mind I may call myself a lover of the truth, but if I am unwilling to believe anything that does not fit the measure of my mind, am I really open to consider what truth is? Scientific hypotheses attempt to fit the … Continue reading Doctrines of the Humanist Religion
Flatlander Faith 