We have this delightful mythology of the middle class white Christian who goes to some “dark heathen land” to preach the gospel and finds people who respond to the message with enthusiasm. He reports large numbers of conversions and baptisms, he establishes churches and all is wonderful. This mythology is fed by missionary hymns and … Continue reading The impossibility of the missionary’s task
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Where have all the doctrines gone?
There were three churches in the town where I grew up. The doctrinal position of each was well understood and inflexible; none of them would have been considered evangelical. About the time I began high school, an itinerant evangelist held meetings in a rented hall and people’s hearts were sufficiently stirred that a Baptist congregation … Continue reading Where have all the doctrines gone?
Catholicism or catholicity?
I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. This is the final clause of the ancient confession of faith which is commonly known as the Apostles’ Creed. It is the earliest complete confession of the Christian … Continue reading Catholicism or catholicity?
Relevant to what?
Relevant to what? Everybody talking about the decline of Christianity in the Western world says that it is because the faith preached over the pulpit is no longer relevant to our society. What they cannot agree on is in what way it is no longer relevant. For over a century now, many churches have struggled … Continue reading Relevant to what?
A light shining in the darkness
In 1671 there arose a severe persecution of the Mennonites in Switzerland, causing many to flee the country. Brethren in the Netherlands came to their aid and gave them refuge. In all, about 700 persons, among them some very aged, fled Switzerland. They were destitute, their lands and properties having been seized by the Swiss … Continue reading A light shining in the darkness
Circling the wagons is not an option
The Western movies of my boyhood often contained a scene where Indians attacked a wagon train of settlers. The settlers would draw their wagons onto a circle to form a protective wall, then try to fend off the attackers with rifle fire. This would go on until the ammunition was gone and their doom appeared … Continue reading Circling the wagons is not an option
Humanism versus humanity
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 of such associations and institutions … Continue reading Humanism versus humanity
The curse of knowledge
“Once you know something, it’s hard to imagine not knowing it.” The title for this post, and the quotation above, are taken from the book Made to Stick, © 2007, 2008 by Chip and Dan Heath, published by Random House. The curse of knowledge is a stumbling block for every Christian who attempts to speak … Continue reading The curse of knowledge
The sabbath restored in Christ
When the Lord God had made all things he rested on the seventh day, and since man was made in the image of God and was adorned with the image of God, man was right and good, and without any sin. If man had remained in this state, he would have rested with God. But … Continue reading The sabbath restored in Christ
The last best hope of mankind
Twenty-five years ago, as I walked the dirt streets of Plimoth, Massachusetts, Samuel Fuller fell into step beside me and began to visit. “The churchmen in England say that we have no church here because we have no ministers. A church is made up of Christian people; they don’t have a church over there. Who … Continue reading The last best hope of mankind
Flatlander Faith 