We have come to the month named after the Roman god of war. It is not difficult to understand why, as we are in for a month long battle between the increasing warmth of the sun and the lingering power of winter. Even little children know which force will eventually win this war, but there … Continue reading Warfare: meteorological and spiritual
faith
Not by might, but by my Spirit
The following paragraphs are found at the end of Jonathan Goforth's book By My Spirit, first published in 1929. Jonathan Goforth was a Canadian missionary to China from 1888 to 1935. During the late Manchu dynasty, scholars were expected to know the classics of their sages off by heart. How do the scholars of so-called … Continue reading Not by might, but by my Spirit
In memory of Mauvereen
Uncle Gary is my mother’s second youngest brother, the last one still living of a family of fourteen. He will be 90 in August. My grandparents were members of a small congregation of Sommerfelder Mennonites in southwestern Saskatchewan that was somewhat isolated from other Mennonite communities. They spoke Plautdietsch and English at home; the church … Continue reading In memory of Mauvereen
Should Christians tithe?
Some Christians firmly believe that the Old Testament 10% rule is still in force for Christians today. They tell inspirational tales of someone who was struggling financially and could hardly find any spare change for the collection plate. Then they began to give 10% off the top of their income and, as if by magic, … Continue reading Should Christians tithe?
Humanism as the established religion
It appears to have began long ago with Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274), the patron saint of Roman Catholic theologians. He studied Greek, Arabic and Hebrew philosophers and incorporated some of their thinking into Christian theology. His major innovation was the idea that God and truth are not solely revealed by the Bible, but that man by … Continue reading Humanism as the established religion
Remeniscences
My cousin Julia was 18 years old when I was born. I think she started teaching in a one room country school in the fall of that year, taught for two years, then married Ed Ludke. Their first child, Doreen, was born a year later. I knew nothing of Julia without Ed until he passed … Continue reading Remeniscences
Belief and unbelief, according to Blaise Pascal
I marvel at the audacity with which some people presume to speak of God. In giving their evidence to unbelievers, usually their first chapter is to prove the existence of God from the works of nature. I would not be surprised about this project if they were addressing their arguments to believers, for those with … Continue reading Belief and unbelief, according to Blaise Pascal
Does stupidity make you more responsible?
This is the antithesis of the question asked by the headline of my last post, and it is an even dumber question than the last one. Nevertheless, I have heard sincere Christians advance arguments that sound an awful lot like this question. “We’re just humble people, we know what we believe and don’t need to … Continue reading Does stupidity make you more responsible?
The head or the heart?
The year is 1620, we are on board the Mayflower, anchored at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Several ladies are sitting on the deck beside their possessions, waiting to disembark. Suddenly there is an intrusion from the 20th century, several young girls dressed in the manner of young girls in 1990. The ladies gasp in shock, “Were you … Continue reading The head or the heart?
Be not conformed to the world (the present age)
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Romans 12:2 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of … Continue reading Be not conformed to the world (the present age)
Flatlander Faith 