“It’s just not my gift to witness to other people about my faith. I get all flustered and nothing comes out right. Other people can do it, but I just can’t.” Have you ever said something like that? I don’t know if I’ve ever said it, but I’ve certainly felt that way. After experiencing those … Continue reading The myth of incompetence
Christianity
Foreign to Familiar
The Delta flight was leaving on time. Three of us were strapped in, one next to the other, each finding it easy to make small talk. As the plane lifted off, so did our burdens of office work. We were off to Glorietta, New Mexico, for a week-long conference, and our minds were filled with … Continue reading Foreign to Familiar
Let’s be led’s
A true Christian should be a light emitting disciple (led). Our purpose as a light emitting disciple is not to dazzle folks with our brilliance, but to shed light on their path. We don't want to be a cold light, there needs to be some warmth, but no one should ever get burned from coming … Continue reading Let’s be led’s
What people need from a church
There are three things that every human being needs, and the Christian church is the only institution on earth with the potential to meet those needs. First, there is a longing in the heart of every man, woman and child to understand the meaning of life and their place in it. People who reject God … Continue reading What people need from a church
Is there an antidote for extremism?
First a little background for those who may not be up on the news from Canada. There have been two incidents this week of what one newspaper writer calls “microterrrorism.” On Monday in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Québec an automobile driver struck two uniformed soldiers, killing one and injuring the other. Wednesday in Ottawa, a man shot a … Continue reading Is there an antidote for extremism?
Am I a suspect?
We lived in a village in south-western Ontario for 12 years. The United Church Manse was right across the street from our home. Several ministers and their families came and went during that time. We exchanged a few pleasantries, but never really got to know them. One couple was different. The husband had been raised … Continue reading Am I a suspect?
I dreamed there was no God
[From an out of print book, When I Was Thirteen by Christina Young. I first posted this in March of 2013, and thought it worth posting again as it seems to me that far too many people today are living in just such a nightmare and do not know that it would be possible to … Continue reading I dreamed there was no God
Dying with dignity
The Supreme Court of Canada is currently considering the question of assisted suicide, or what some people call the right to die with dignity. This has brought back to my mind something that happened many years ago. This account would not have any significance to the legal minds who are arguing before the Supreme Court, … Continue reading Dying with dignity
We don’t need better politicians, we need better Christians
Well, better politicians would be good, too. But we get what we deserve; and the present crop of politicians are doing the best they can with the information they have. Better Christians could be a means of making better information available to the politicians, as well as everyone else. "But take heed to yourselves: for … Continue reading We don’t need better politicians, we need better Christians
Peace in the Valley
Back in 1932 I was 32 years old and a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago's Southside. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis, where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to … Continue reading Peace in the Valley
Flatlander Faith 