Anabaptism is about having a relationship with Jesus: a relationship that has a beginning but no end. We cannot simply grow into this relationship, not knowing just how or when it began. We may have had warm, fuzzy feelings about Jesus when we were little children, but we lacked the maturity then to make a … Continue reading Anabaptism is not a warm fuzzy experience
Jesus Christ
What has happened to tolerance?
George Orwell’s dystopian vision, expounded in his novel Nineteen Eighty-four, appears to be slowly and inexorably taking shape around us. The thought leaders of our society have constituted themselves into an unofficial Ministry of Truth, changing the meaning of words and inventing new words. The result — and make no mistake about it, this is … Continue reading What has happened to tolerance?
Jesus was not a white man
Jesus was born in the Middle East, among people who were mostly dark-haired, dark-eyed, and of a swarthy complexion. If He had appeared different from others around Him, we would expect to find some note of that in the Bible. For instance, Esau is described as having red hair, Moses’ wife was called an Ethiopian … Continue reading Jesus was not a white man
Memories of Christmases past
December 24, 1955. At 11:15 PM my parents and I got into our old GMC half ton and drove into town and through it to the little white Anglican church on the north side. I was driving, even though I was only thirteen, almost fourteen. An RCMP constable attended this church, too, but he carefully … Continue reading Memories of Christmases past
Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Friends of ours in the USA had a frightening experience several months ago when the wife awoke in the middle of the night gasping for air. It was serious enough that her husband called the ambulance. In the hospital, they found fluid on her lungs and initially suspected pneumonia. Within a couple of days that … Continue reading Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Thous shalt not kill
The teachings of Jesus: Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment: But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever … Continue reading Thous shalt not kill
Missing Fathers
Twenty years ago, Québec psychologist Guy Corneau published a book entitled père manquant, fils manqué. The title is a French play on words that is untranslatable, but means that there is something lacking in the development of a son when the father is missing. Mr. Corneau explained that he did not only mean fathers who … Continue reading Missing Fathers
Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of
At the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry, Satan came to Him with this temptation: “Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down … Continue reading Ye know not what manner of spirit ye are of
The mommy cat did it
I was visiting with my neighbour’s one hot Sunday afternoon, sitting outside with them on the shady side of the house by the back door. Their children were playing around us and going in and out the door. After a while, a half-grown kitten came out the door and we all took note that the … Continue reading The mommy cat did it
Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Maybe No The date and most of the customs associated with Christmas originated with the Roman Saturnalia, a winter solstice festival celebrating the rebirth of the Sun. Schools were closed, great feasts were prepared, gifts were exchanged, all in honour of a heathen god. Early Christians considered this an abomination, but somehow it has crept … Continue reading Should Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Flatlander Faith 