"Christianity Offers No Answers About the Coronavirus." [link]
N.T. Wright via TIME magazine
N.T. Wright is an Anglican New Testament professor and prolific writer. Most recently, he published a piece at TIME magazine online titled, "Christianity Offers No Answers About the Coronavirus. It's Not Supposed To."
In contrast to the Pentecostal and Fundamentalist Baptist types who argue that COVID-19 is punishment . . .
Passion Sunday: the fifth Sunday in Lent
contemplating collects
We beseech Thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon Thy people, that by Thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
-- Common Service . . .
the Church: essential or non-essential?
considering church in the midst of global pandemic
In the past couple weeks, as cities, counties, and states across the United States and around the world have basically shut down to help slow the spread of Coronavirus, leaders have tended to categorize everything as 'essential' or 'non-essential.' The idea being, of course, that essential services, activities, and . . .
Laetare: the fourth Sunday in Lent
contemplating collects
Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
-- Common Service . . .
a prayer in time of storms
be they on the sea or in our lives
O Thou who dwellest in the light that is unapproachable, while clouds and darkness are round about Thee, we thank Thee that the day is thine, the night also is thine. When deep calleth unto deep, and all thy waves and billows are around us, we recognize the voice of the Lord our God. We know that the sea is his, and that he . . .
"Worship Goes Viral" by Ben Witherington
Dr. Ben Witherington, New Testament scholar at Asbury Theological Seminary, wrote a poignant piece about online or virtual worship. He challenges us to be faithful in the midst of pandemic and fear. He calls us to be mindful of what worship is and does in a culture that is self-absorbed and twisted by radical consumerism. Here's a tease:
. . .Oculi: the third Sunday in Lent
contemplating collects
We beseech Thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of Thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of Thy Majesty to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
-- . . .
