Ancient prophets were probably prudent as well as prescient. They looked around and saw the realities of consequences. Seeing likely corollaries —“if/then” at its root—they could look ahead and conclude what might occur in the future. Inequities and iniquities would bring on “punishment.” Idolatry—including the sexually pleasurable worship of pagan gods and goddesses—would also weaken societyMORE...
1 Individualism took a hit in Texas this past week. Alongside the punishing circumstances of power outages and bursting water pipes was the realization that disregard for the common good eventually hurts everyone. Even those who thought of themselves as rugged or self-sufficient were brought to their knees—a distressing posture when your power is out and your knees are deep in freezing waterMORE...
Today let’s explore one feature of the Christian theological landscape: The irksome questions that swarm around theodicy. How can an All-Powerful God allow evil to happen? Does God not care about evil ? Is God actually NOT all that powerful? I will NOT be parsing this doctrine here. Instead, let me suggest something a bit different: You could be the key for some folks to understand howMORE...
In a recently televised interview, author/columnist Thomas L. Friedman has coined an expression that calls for further reflection. He compared the dynamics of Brexit and the American presidential elections to following the advice of “someone who has no second paragraph.” His turn of phrase is clear: Some folks have few clues about what to do the morning after their viewpoint or candidateMORE...
“You reap what you sow”—is a lifestyle axiom that exists in almost all religious traditions. At this time of life, we’re “paying later”—dealing with the consequences of actions or inactions that took place long ago. It’s a tough part of being older, an expected phenomenon that’s still irksome. (Some examples: We didn’t floss when we were younger, and now the endodontist is our new best friendMORE...
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.