(This question dogged me all during Lent: Have the people who govern us become ash-like–the life-stealing residue of destructive forces being unleashed on us each day? Today’s entry summarizes one set of answers to my own question…) The fires that live inside of some of our political leaders are creating conflagrations that are slowly destroying much of what we have taken for grantedMORE...
(What’s “Easter living” for those of us who are older? Something that might reinvigorate us, to keep us keeping on, to motivate us during these later years of life. Today one possibility….) The basic Easter promise is new life, an assurance that death isn’t the final story. That’s comforting for those of us who are older, but what’s “new life” mean when the spring in our step has sprung, whenMORE...
When Lent began this year, it struck me as odd that the Ash Wednesday rite is called The Imposition of Ashes. This word—associated with “control from an external force”—doesn’t sit lightly on my soul. In most contexts it feels abusive for anyone or anything to intrude on my life without my permission. I don’t like to be manipulated by the insistent actions of others. I’m not naturally disposed toMORE...
The national and international anguish we’re experiencing right now might be more about religion than politics. Fundamental changes in the world order are being promoted or forced by a faith family that’s gathered around wispy Scriptural evidence, and historically connected to evangelical or fundamentalistic theologies. The leaders self-identify as “prophets” and “apostles”. They see themselvesMORE...
BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.