Allergies – to peanuts and to doctrine

Some years ago an alarm was raised over the drastic increase in the number of people suffering from peanut allergies. Mothers panicked at the threat posed by peanuts, which led to peanuts being banned from airline flights and from many schools. What is going on here? Peanuts are a healthy and nutritious food. In recent … Continue reading Allergies – to peanuts and to doctrine

Christian doctrine is the most exciting story

Somehow or other, and with the best intentions, we have shown the world the typical Christian in the likeness of a crashing and rather ill-natured bore–and this in the Name of One who assuredly never bored a soul in those thirty-three years during which He passed through this world like a flame. Let us, in … Continue reading Christian doctrine is the most exciting story

What will my reward be?

In describing the day of judgment, Jesus spoke of those who believed they had done great works for him, preaching, healing, casting out demons. But they found themselves turned to the left and protested against this great injustice. Jesus replied: “I had nothing to do with what you did. You did these things to receive … Continue reading What will my reward be?

Why does it matter?

After announcing my intention to write a book entitled Wells Without Water, I have posted a number of articles that might be called the raw material for the book. Which is to say that most of them will need a major rewrite before I am satisfied that I have said what I want to say, … Continue reading Why does it matter?

It’s been quite a journey

August 1, 1970, St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Robert Goodnough and Christine Vance stood side by side, answered questions posed by Rev. Kenneth Vickers and were pronounced husband and wife. Today we go by Bob and Chris and marvel at the journey. We have lived in five provinces of Canada, and attended many … Continue reading It’s been quite a journey

Echoes of invention

[First posted 10 years ago.] The Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) gradually began to downplay some of the distinctive teachings of Daniel Warner, leading some of those who believed strongly in those teachings to leave the church. In 1980, Daniel Layne left the Church of God (Anderson, Indiana) and assumed the leadership of those who … Continue reading Echoes of invention

Humanism versus humanity

[First posted in August 2013.] If anyone is wondering what is happening to our society, a little time spent reading the Humanist Manifesto of 1933 will provide considerable illumination.  Here are some excerpts: Religious humanism maintains that all associations and institutions exist for the fulfillment of human life. The intelligent evaluation, transformation, control, and direction … Continue reading Humanism versus humanity

Cultural Amnesia

[First posted nine years ago.] One hundred years ago, when the Social Gospel was well on the way to infiltrating and taking control of many of the major Christian denominations of North America, my father was already 24 years old. It has lately dawned on me that because I was born when he was 50 … Continue reading Cultural Amnesia

Strange Gospel

[First posted 10 years ago.] Approximately 300 years ago there arose a line of thought in pietistic Protestantism that God’s reign would progressively manifest itself through human action cooperating with God’s action. The belief that the gospel will gradually Christianize the world, bringing a reign of peace and harmony preceding the return of Christ, is … Continue reading Strange Gospel

Wells Without Water

For the past few days most of the posts on this blog have been articles that will find a place in a book I plan to call Wells Without Water, a title taken from 2 Peter 2:17. The book arises out of a concern that many people who are converted in their youth haven’t taken … Continue reading Wells Without Water