Once again, I will begin this week’s article with a brief discussion of the ongoing the conflict between Israel and Hamas (see my previous articles “Escalating Conflict,” 10/10/23, “The Importance of Building Relationships,” 10/17/23, “Is Life Being Respected” 10/24/23). Israel has now begun sending ground troops into Gaza. They are attacking specific Hamas targets. They have rescued one …
For the third week in a row, I find myself beginning a blog article by mentioning the conflict between Israel and Hamas (see “Escalating Conflict,” 10/10/23 and “The Importance of Building Relationships,” 10/17/23). The situation in Israel is important in and of itself but my referring to it three weeks in a row is more …
Last week I wrote about the escalating conflict between Hamas and Israel. Since then, the fighting has continued with many people injured or killed. It looks like Israel is preparing to go into Gaza with ground troops. Clearly the situation is not good. Clearly, Israel and Hamas do not have a working relationship. It is …
Continue reading ‘The Importance of Building Relationships’ »
There is more fighting in the world than there was last week. The conflict between Israel and the Hamas is nothing new but the level of fighting escalated a few days ago. I heard one report said that the attacks in the last few days are the worst fighting there in 50 years. Lord, we …
Do you pray for the church? There are two ways we can look at this question. First, if we consider the transcendent church, meaning the church that is beyond human institution, one might say why would I pray for the church. It is of God and beyond the need for our prayers. I think that …
Last Saturday I read a news story (Sarah Maddox, “Why thousands of U.S. congregations are leaving the United Methodist Church.” September 9, 2023. CBSnews.com.). You may remember that in 2019, the United Methodist Church held a conference that discussed same-sex relationships. Since then there have been whole congregations that have left the United Methodist Church …
Continue reading ‘One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church’ »
Some people love change. I’m not one of them but I do believe some change is natural and not necessarily something to be feared. Change can be good. There is change we seek. It might starting a new job that we very much want. It might be starting a new relationship with a wonderful person. …
The national and world news has been a little different in the last week or two. First, I would like to mention the situation in Niger. Where is Niger? It’s in Africa. What happened? There was a coup by the military to take over from the democratically elected government. You might say why does that …
Last week the United States Supreme Court issued decisions on two cases involving religious freedom. The first case was 303 Creative vs. Elenis (see Kevin J. Jones, “Supreme Court sides with web designer opposed to same-sex marriage” Catholic News Agency. June 30, 2023 online at https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/254692/supreme-court-state-laws-can-can-t). In this case, Lorie, Smith, a web designer had …
The right to choose one’s religion is a basic human right. Yet Christians (and people of other religions) have faced persecution since Jesus Christ walked on this earth. Jesus himself was persecuted. Until Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 A.D., Christians faced repeated persecution, even death. The Edict of Milan legalized Christianity. …
