Reflections on God … Man … Life
In my last post, I outlined what I consider to be the most pressing problems we face as a nation. At the end, I said I wanted to address a more foundational need that is essential if we are to turn things around. What I’m about to say might sound simplistic to some, but I believe it is the root of all our problems and, if taken seriously, is also the solution. Critics of Ronald Reagan used to say that… Read more »
I’ve had a couple of different questions directed at me after the news of Osama bin Laden’s death. Let me use my post today to give my perspective on these questions. One of the questions is ancient—not new at all—dealing with the concept of a “just war.” There has been a strand of Christian thought that rejects the idea that any war is just. This viewpoint, normally labeled pacifism, says it is always wrong to take up arms regardless of… Read more »
I’ve never wanted to use this blog as some sort of personal diary of my family’s life, but sometimes events are worth mentioning. I hope you will indulge me today. My wife, Jan, was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive breast cancer. She has now begun chemo treatments. We expect surgery to follow later. When something like this occurs, one certainly must do what the name of this blog enjoins—ponder principles. As a Christian, I view all of life as… Read more »
No one who was present on that first Good Friday would have given it that name, not even the Pharisees and Sadducees who sought Jesus’ death. The earthquake and the veil of the Temple being torn in two probably put a damper on their celebration. Dismal Saturday was, if possible, even worse for the disciples than the day before. It was a day without hope. But hope was coming sooner than they knew. Resurrection Day made the two previous days… Read more »
The day after Good Friday was probably the worst in the lives of those who had chosen to follow Jesus. They had left all—they had believed He was the future. Now He was gone. All they saw was an empty cross. But that empty cross was only the beginning of an incredible journey. One day later, their despair would turn to delirious joy. But they would have to go through that dark day first. They would have to experience anguish,… Read more »
A Woman’s Choice, our local Christian pregnancy center, which helps women with what we normally call crisis pregnancies, provides for both material and spiritual needs. Last night, the center had its annual fundraising dinner—and it was truly a special event. The speaker was Scott Klusendorf, a lecturer on bioethics who debates on university campuses and other venues, showing the validity of the pro-life position, morally and scientifically. I had never heard him speak before, so I didn’t know quite what… Read more »
Rev. Terry Jones, the Florida pastor of a tiny church of “let’s burn a Koran” fame, finally decided to do it. He burned one Koran. Word somehow got out to Afghanistan where the natural response of an Islamic mob was to attack the UN headquarters and begin killing people. It was not just a one-day affair; it might be continuing still. At least two of the people killed were beheaded. Somehow, because of that pastor, the United States has become… Read more »