On Feb 16, we commemorate the birth of reformer Philip Melanchthon (1497). A collaborator of Martin Luther, Melanchthon was a keen thinker who wrote the first protestant systematic theology. He was known for his piety and his even headedness. For more information about this under-celebrated reformer, check out the Christian History Institute's website. Notes for … Continue reading The Bible in a Year Challenge – Week 8 (Feb 14-20)
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The Bible in a Year Challenge – week 7 (Feb 7-13)
The Sunday before Ash Wednesday is the day that liturgical churches celebrate Transfiguration Sunday (known in some circles by the catchy name "Quinquagesima Sunday"). On this day, we recall when Jesus' full glory was revealed to Peter, James, and John (pictured here in a painting by Raphael). The texts we read this week are … Continue reading The Bible in a Year Challenge – week 7 (Feb 7-13)
2016 Bible in a Year Challenge – week 6 (Jan 31-Feb 6)
On Wednesday, Feb 3, liturgical churches commemorate St. Ansgar, who in the 9th century was sent to evangelize Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. Today, he is known as "The Apostle of the North." Here, Ansgar is depicted by the great 19th c painter Gustaf Olaf Cederstrom. Reading Notes for the Week The Tabernacle: This week’s passage … Continue reading 2016 Bible in a Year Challenge – week 6 (Jan 31-Feb 6)
Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled (A Meditation on John 14:1-14)
Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” But… ISIS thugs wage their ghastly campaign of fear and domination, and Syria bleeds. Russia grumbles and schemes of war, and Ukraine burns. Boko Haram spills rivers of blood in the cause of jihad, and Nigeria weeps. And yet Jesus says, “Do not let your hearts … Continue reading Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled (A Meditation on John 14:1-14)
Covenant-First Window Devotional #5 – David and Goliath Window
On Mondays through the summer, I will be running a series of devotionals based on the stained glass windows at Covenant-First Presbyterian. These devotionals originally ran in the Covenant Courier newsletter, and we are editing them for re-issue as a devotional later this summer. All the photos are by our member, nature photographer Jerry Fritsch. We invite … Continue reading Covenant-First Window Devotional #5 – David and Goliath Window
Covenant-First Window Devotional #2 – Ruth and Naomi Window
On Mondays through the summer, I will be running a series of devotionals based on the stained glass windows at Covenant-First Presbyterian. These devotionals originally ran in the Covenant Courier newsletter, and we are editing them for re-issue as a devotional later this summer. All the photos are by our member, nature photographer Jerry Fritsch. We invite … Continue reading Covenant-First Window Devotional #2 – Ruth and Naomi Window
Tardis Theology #6: In which the Editor reveals the subtle ways of Satan’s Snares
Do you ever get the feeling that something is off? There’s something not quite right? That things aren’t quite what they should be? The Doctor gets that feeling in the episode “The Long Game.” He brings his companions 200,000 years into the future, but something’s wrong. There’s something behind the scenes, corrupting the time, keeping … Continue reading Tardis Theology #6: In which the Editor reveals the subtle ways of Satan’s Snares
Tardis Theology #5: In Which The Doctor Confronts His Greatest Enemy – Himself
Every great fictional hero has an iconic villain, a villain that they are most identified with in the public imagination. A villain that the audience loves to hate. Sherlock Holmes has Moriarty; King Arthur has Mordred; Batman has the Joker. And the Doctor has the Daleks. Ever since the early days of Doctor Who, the … Continue reading Tardis Theology #5: In Which The Doctor Confronts His Greatest Enemy – Himself
Tardis Theology #3: In Which Charles Dickens Questions The Value Of His Life’s Work
What could be better than a Christmas ghost story by Charles Dickens? How about a Christmas alien invasion story featuring Charles Dickens, in which the master of melodrama himself helps the Doctor thwart an extraterrestrial horde’s plan to conquer the Earth? Yes, it’s an absurd premise. Absurdity, after all, is part of the fun of … Continue reading Tardis Theology #3: In Which Charles Dickens Questions The Value Of His Life’s Work
Tardis Theology #2: In which Rose Tyler is wrong about what it is to be human
In this episode, the Doctor takes Rose five billion years into the future to view the end of the world. They crash an exclusive soiree for the Universe’s wealthiest notables. Held on a specially shielded space station, this cocktail party’s main event is the viewing of the expansion of the sun and fiery death of … Continue reading Tardis Theology #2: In which Rose Tyler is wrong about what it is to be human
Horizons of the Possible 