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Sunday, April 21, 2013: John 10:22-30
I’ve always been challenged by the lectionary readings for this Sunday....
What about white mainliners and immigration reform?
If you happened upon the front page of the Wall Street Journal [today] you saw the headline, “Evangelicals Push Immigration Path.” It’s one of several recent articles focused on white evangelicals’ changing tune when it comes to legal paths to citizenship. Megachurch pastors are willing to lose members over the issue. The National Association of Evangelicals is organizing a campaign to educate and prod congregations to political action.
Associated Church Press's 2012 awards include eight for the Century
I'm back from the annual gathering of the Associated Church Press. The week included the ACP's annual awards banquet, at which the Century was honored in eight categories.
Tuesday digest
New today from the Century: Awards for the Century, Amy Frykholm interviews Orly Noy, more.
Surprise and delight
I love Don Juel’s description of Jesus as a “master of surprise.” The ways Jesus reveals himself to his followers in the post-resurrection stories testify to his delight in surprising those who love him, and whom he loves.
Jesus’ moments of self-revelation are not only world-shaking but intimate, relational, invitational and even clever.
Confirmation as bridge
Like the majority of Presbyterians—and perhaps the majority of all mainline Protestants—our church offers confirmation for youth who are in eighth grade....
Monday digest
New today from the Century: "Letter from Birmingham Jail" at 50, Mark Burrows reviews Douglas E. Christie, more.
The Blue Sapphire of the Mind, by Douglas E. Christie
Philosophy begins in wonder, claimed Plato long ago. In The Blue Sapphire of the Mind, Douglas E. Christie identifies this posture as a good place to start for those who seek to dwell on Earth faithfully and responsibly.
Seeing through Piero
Reviewers of the Piero della Francesca exhibit seem to want to hold the Renaissance painter's genius close but his religion at arm's length.
Tutu’s work on forgiveness wins prize
Desmond Tutu, the former Anglican archbishop of Cape Town, South Africa, who won a Nobel Peace Prize for his battle against apartheid, has won the 2013 T...
Doubting Thomas didn't doubt
The Lord said to Thomas, “Do not doubt, but believe.” We know that line well. Too well, in fact, since Jesus didn’t say anything to Thomas about doubt....
Scars, doubt and breathing peace
When a friend got a major scar, the doctors asked her what kind of plastic surgery she wanted. She laughed at the question, responding, “Are you serious? Do you really think I’m going to give up these bragging rights? I earned this scar!”
Frances and Bernard, by Carlene Bauer
This is that rare novel in which the main characters are theologically literate....
Discovering the saints: A church meets a cloud of witnesses
When my senior colleague proposed a ten-week sermon series on the saints, I was hesitant. Would anyone find this interesting?
Pope says women in church have a ‘fundamental’ role
Pope Francis recently said women play a “fundamental role” in the Catholic Church as those who are mostly responsible for passing on the faith from one g...