The following is a version of an ancient folk tale that I read in French on the internet several years ago. The main character is called Chicken Little in the USA and Petit Poulet in France. I have used the name that is more familiar in Canada and the UK. Henny Penny made her breakfast … Continue reading Henny Penny as allegory
peace
Responsibilities of a Christian
While the New Testament does not indicate that we have a right to expect others to treat us rightly, it has much to say about what others have a right to expect of us as Christians. That makes sense, doesn’t it? We have no choice in the attitudes and actions of others, but we do … Continue reading Responsibilities of a Christian
Hatred cannot build a road to peace
It is sad to see the hatred manifested by many in Canada because of a conflict in the Middle East. One would think that people come to this country in order to live in peace, so why import hatred? Of course, Canada has seen this sort of thing before. Back in the mid 1800's the … Continue reading Hatred cannot build a road to peace
Self-centred or God-centred?
We entered this world as helpless babies and we were totally self-centred. We had to be. We needed nourishment, we needed help when we hurt, we needed help when we were afraid, but we could not provide any of those things for ourselves. So we were vocal about our needs and our parents had to … Continue reading Self-centred or God-centred?
Without God, we don’t know who we are
If the things we see, hear, touch, taste and smell are the sum total of reality, then we are orphans cast adrift in a meaningless world. Life has no meaning, no purpose. People may try to construct their own meaning, but that leads to conflict with the meanings imagined by other people. We have been … Continue reading Without God, we don’t know who we are
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
The weapons of a Christian
The whole world is in a mess. What can we do about it? The answer Jesus gives is : Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you. That's counter-intuitive isn't it? Our intuitive response is to answer … Continue reading The weapons of a Christian
So Send I You
After the resurrection and before Jesus departed from this world, He told His disciples "As the Father hath sent me, so send I you" (John 20:21). Just a few simple words, so clear and plain that we are apt to miss their implication. The Father sent Jesus into the Jewish nation to teach and portray … Continue reading So Send I You
The alternative to a peaceful and contented heart
Neither prosperity not empire nor heaven can be worth winning at the price of a virulent temper, bloody hands, an anguished spirit, and a vain hatred of the rest of the world.-John Milton
Misunderstanding the Gospel
In 1655 the plague spread through London, killing a quarter of the population. The city was rife with reports of strange visions, prophecies and rumors. Daniel Defoe wrote about the happenings during the plague, writing in the first person although he was only four years old at the time. Nevertheless, the book is not fiction … Continue reading Misunderstanding the Gospel