No, I’m not thinking about the lingering physical malaise that is sometimes called “long COVID.” I’m thinking about the lingering social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual effects caused by two years of social distancing, isolation, mistrust, and fear. We all went along with it; what else could we do without further isolating ourselves? Psychologist Jody Harrington … Continue reading The long-lasting effects of COVID
compassion
The Great Omission
Yeah, I know; I’m cloning a clever title that others have used. But please bear with me as I attempt to explain what I fear is so often missed when Christians claim to be putting the Great Commission into practice. Here are the last three verses of Matthew’s gospel, which are customarily referred to as … Continue reading The Great Omission
Thinking outside the zeitgeist – 3
Surveys show that people are searching for truth - so churches offer them entertainment. Isn't that because money will get you a magnificent building with excellent acoustics, top notch musicians and rousing speakers, but money can't get you servant leaders with compassionate ears and caring hearts?
In Memory of Jay Bullock
My wife and I used to be part of a small congregation in a little village north of Saskatoon. The biggest event of the year for this congregation was the Vacation Bible School that took place in our village and in a much larger nearby town (a suburb of Saskatoon). This program had been going … Continue reading In Memory of Jay Bullock
In the world but not of the world
I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (Gospel of John 17:15-17) Neville Chamberlain returned to London September 30, … Continue reading In the world but not of the world
The lady had an anchor
Princess Elizabeth made her first public speech during World War II. She was fourteen and spoke on the Children's Hour radio broadcast on October 13, 1940. "Thousands of you in this country have had to leave your homes and be separated from your fathers and mothers. My sister Margaret Rose and I feel so much … Continue reading The lady had an anchor
Empathy vs Compassion
empathy noun. Psych. The power of identifying oneself mentally with (and fully comprehending) a person or object of contemplation. (Oxford) I was 15 when this word was first being introduced to the population of North America. It was touted as the best way to relate to the sufferings of others. I didn’t buy it then; … Continue reading Empathy vs Compassion
Confused churches
Louis Riel, the 19th century Métis leader, was troubled by the things he experienced from the churches of his day. He read in the Bible about a Church of Jesus Christ that was characterized by love and peace. What he saw in both the Roman Catholic and Protestant churches was oppression and pride. The churches … Continue reading Confused churches
Hillbilly connection?
I wrote my last blog post shortly after reading Hillbilly Elegy* by J.D. Vance. The book is a very personal memoir which incorporates sociological insights into the roots of poverty among the Scots-Irish people of the Appalachian region, the hillbillies. As J.D. Vance writes, the poverty of a large swath of black people in the … Continue reading Hillbilly connection?
Recipe for poverty
A home with a revolving set of parents A home where parents scream at each other and at the children A home where parents throw things at each other and at the children A home where parents have no interest in what children are learning in school, or whether they are learning anything at all … Continue reading Recipe for poverty
Flatlander Faith 