(…continued) One long ago writer who struggled with this issue was John Donne (1572-1631; pictured above). Donne lived during the reign of King James, the king who authorized the first official (and first legal) translation of the Bible into English (1611). William Shakespeare was also a contemporary. Excellent writing and eloquent speaking were much […]
3284) Who’s the Judge? (2/2) Read More »
It is common today for people to get angry with God. It is the preferred voice of many when speaking of or to the Supreme Being. The world is filled with suffering and pain, and we insist on an explanation from God. We are the judge and jury, and God is the defendant; and
3283) Who’s the Judge? (1/2) Read More »
This piece is from a 1944 interview with C. S. Lewis (1898-1963); from the book God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics, by C. S. Lewis, pages 51-52. QUESTION: Many people feel resentful or unhappy because they think they are the target of unjust fate. These feelings are stimulated by bereavement, illness, deranged
3183) Making Good Use of Our Troubles Read More »
Pictured above is the Karna Lutheran church in Malmslatt, Sweden. Like many of the churches in Europe, this church is very old. The present structure is no doubt the result of several expansions and remodelings of the old church, but the original part of the building is believed to go back over 800
Image above: Self-Portrait, Spring 1887 —————- You have probably heard of the painter Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890), but you may not have heard of ‘the Rev.’ Vincent van Gogh. Actually, before Vincent was a painter he was a pastor. He followed in the steps of his father, going to seminary and then serving
3113) Rev. Vincent van Gogh Read More »
“Let Someone Serve You in Suffering,” by Vaneeta Rendall Risner (pictured above with her husband). See her website at: https://www.vaneetha.com/ —————————————- I don’t like asking for help. Frankly, I’d rather take care of myself, by myself. But independence has become a thing of the past for me. Because of my disability
3096) I’ll Get By With a Little Help From My Friends Read More »
Geoffrey Canada is an African-American man who grew up on the streets of Bronx. He is the author of the book Reaching Up for Manhood: Transforming the Lives of Boys in America. In it, he shares some of his personal experiences and tells how he overcame many adverse circumstances. He gives great credit to his
3083) Leaning on Grandma’s Faith Read More »
From: II Maccabees (Apocrypha), chapter 6 In this chapter King Antiochus is persecuting the Jews in Jerusalem, commanding them to forsake their faith, or face torture and death (approx. 170 B.C.). An elderly scribe named Eleazar refuses to abandon his faith, and he faces death with courage and faith. The Oxford Annotated Bible tells
3042) The Martyrdom of Eleazar Read More »
Image above: Chaos and death in the streets of Rome during the plague. ******************* Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you
3029) Something Strange? (2/2) Read More »
Above painting: St. Peter’s Crucifixion, by Caravaggio (1571-1610), Rome, Italy ******************************** The New Testament book of I Peter was written to encourage Christians in the early church who were suffering severe persecution. I Peter 4:12 says: “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange
3028) Something Strange? (1/2) Read More »
