Space and Place: In the Aftermath of Notre Dame

Posted on by under building, church

notre dame cathedral

This past week the world learned of the fires that burst aflame in the Notre Dame Cathedral of Paris. There have been a lot of responses across the spectrum, both amongst religious and non-religious folk.

I myself have been interested in the response of religious folk, Christians especially. In particular, I came across a social media post in which, on the day of the fire, someone responded with a paraphrase of Acts 17:24: God does not dwell in temples made with hands.

From this post, and my subsequent interaction with the person, what he was basically saying was this: “God doesn’t care about buildings. There are more important things, spiritual things, things of the Spirit.”

Something of that effect, as far as I can make out. Continue reading →

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Why I Hold to Non-Violence (or Pacifism)

Posted on by under nonviolence, pacifism, violence

violence

Our world is riddled with violence. From verbal to physical, personal violence to collective violence such as war. It is everywhere. Our neighborhoods, the news, social media, across national lines, within national lines and more.

So it’s difficult to even consider living a life of non-violence.

Very difficult.

Yet, that is the place I found myself some years ago. I was pulled slowly toward the gift of non-violence. And, so, I am now an advocate of non-violence across all areas of life.

Now, let me make clear that, in championing non-violence, I do not consider myself “better” than others. Honestly, I don’t. And if I were to, I’d need to watch it. This is simply the journey I’m on and the position of which I am an advocate. I want non-violence to affect my personal life and I want it to affect the way I live in society.

In all, I have chosen non-violence as a very practical way to live out the peace, or shalom and well-being, of God.

There are three reasons as to why I hold to and look to practice non-violence as best I can. Continue reading →

The Sensory and Slow Expression of Worship (Leviticus)

Posted on by under Leviticus, Old Testament, worship

ram

Not too long ago, I read through the book of Leviticus. We don’t usually run to Leviticus as a place for spiritual nourishment. I suppose we could summarize it as a book of sacrifice and strange laws. At least they’re strange laws for us today.

We may recall the Day of Atonement, which is told of in ch.16. Yet there is still so much about linen undergarments, bulls, goats, blood and bathing in that chapter alone that we may still find it difficult to connect with.

Leviticus is demanding. It demands our full attention to the details to understand what’s going on. And it’s those demanding details flowing out of an ancient culture that seem to bog us down. Continue reading →

Fresh Perspective on the Book of Revelation

Posted on by under Bible, Jesus, revelation

Vision-of-St-John-the-Evangelist

I’ve been thinking quite a bit about the book Revelation the last couple of weeks. I’m not sure why, initially. I think it followed my Immanuel sermon a few weeks back. I continued to think about the presence of God being with us (Immanuel = God with us). So my mind went to Revelation. God with us in Christ, as seen through the pages of Revelation.

I’ve continued to think a bit more about John’s apocalypse as I’ve been preparing some material for a New Testament course I will teach. Continue reading →