Moltmann on the cross
The symbol of the cross in the church points to the God who was crucified not between two candles on an altar, but between two thieves in the place of the skull, where the outcasts belong, outside the gates of the city. It does not invite thought, but a change of mind. It is a symbol which therefore leads out of the church and out of . . .
Kierkegaard on winning the crowd
Christ was crucified because he would have nothing to do with the crowd (even though he addressed himself to all). He did not want to form a party, an interest group, or a mass movement, but wanted to be what he was, the truth, which is related to the single individual. Therefore everyone who will genuinely serve the truth is by that . . .
learning theology at KFC
our sinfulness manifest over fast food
Dinner tonight was just three of us--Hana, Clark, and me--so I let the kids pick dinner. KFC made the final cut, so in we strolled. As soon as we walked in, we could tell something was wrong. Service at this particular KFC is always a bit slow, but we walked in to a small group of ladies complaining about how long they had been waiting. Up to . . .
Posted in: theology
on imperfection
Purging the soul is a lifetime effort. There is no reason to be upset by our imperfections, for perfection is nothing more than fighting against them. How can we resist them unless we see them? How can we overcome them unless we face them?
— Francis de Sales
on ashes and water, sin and baptism
meditations on Ash Wednesday worship
As is tradition in our parish, last night we held Ash Wednesday worship service. Part of this service, of course, includes the imposition of ashes on the foreheads of the penitent. By the end of the liturgy, one thing jumped out to me:
Sin and death are messy. Literally.
As I struggled last night to move back and forth . . .
on sin and boldness in prayer
Tear doubt out of your heart! Never allow doubt to hinder you from praying to God by perchance thinking to yourself, “How can I ask anything from the Lord, how can I receive anything from him since I have sinned so much against him?” Never think like this! Instead, turn to the Lord with your whole heart. Pray to him without wavering and . . .
the gospel for all and fear for none
Where does Jesus send us? There are no borders, no limits: he sends us to everyone. The gospel is for everyone, not just for some. It is not only for those who seem closer to us, more receptive, more welcoming. It is for everyone. Do not be afraid to go and to bring Christ into every area of life, to the fringes of society, even to those . . .
