In her book Circle of Quiet Madeleine L'Engle repeats Dorothy Sayers' story of a Japanese man who's politely listening to a Christian who is trying to explain the concept of the Trinity. The Japanese man is very puzzled.
"Honorable father, very good.
Read full transcript...On the topic of marriage, The Rev. Gunn writes, "A true wife delights more in her husband's companionship than in any success he may achieve. The apostle Peter offers excellent counsel to husbands; he says, 'Likewise ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife as being heirs together of the grace of life.' The husband who accepts this counsel has a happy wife and a happy home."
This book may not be a bestseller on the New York Times list. But it must be required reading for seminarians, pastors or community leader who want to bring their pastoral care to our most challenged populations.
This is the time of year when we get to respond to this treasure with our lives. Now is the time to show up as followers of Jesus, followers of God’s new way in the world. Now is the time to tell some 21st century versions of Luke’s story we call Acts.
In the deadly aftermath of the tornado that destroyed so much of Moore, Oklahoma, pain is only compounded by the implication that somehow the survivors are complicit in the death of a loved one because of their strength as a person. If God is only giving me what I can handle, then it would seem my boys would be a lot safer if I were weak.
In churches around the world, Psalm 8’s resounding praise of God will be read this Sunday. Women and men will confess that these are the words of God. But we will do so with grief, with deep questions about God and the world God has crafted and continues to sustain. As we have learned anew in the last few hours, tornadoes are indiscriminate terrors.
Knowing and communicating financial facts (whether good or bad) can calm anxiety in a congregation.
We watch the stories of the hoarders on television and feel sorry for them and go away being proud not to be one of them, but wait a minute, perhaps we are more kin to them than we realize. As we travel along our life journey, what are the things that we are holding onto that keep us from hearing the voice of the Spirit and separate us from living the life that is meant for us?
In part 6 of this series, Darkwood Brew welcomes John Philip Newell, a poet, peacemaker, minister and scholar, acclaimed for his work in the field of Celtic Spirituality. Based in Edinburgh, Scotland, Newell’s work relates to the sacredness of the earth and the oneness of the human soul.
On May 26, 2013 we will celebrate Trinity Sunday. Here is this week’s reading from the book of Romans.
A meditation on what this season's graduates should know, thanks to Jeremiah and Mary Oliver.
When churches ignore or marginalize mental illness, they fail at the most basic Christian calling: rescuing the perishing and loving the seemingly unlovable.