by Kent Ira Groff Sometimes you can reflect on a failed project or a dumb little thing you did last week—in light of St. Augustine’s concept of felix culpa. Often it’s translated, “happy fault or fortunate fault,” referring to the fault/fall of Adam and Eve, which becomes the occasion for each of us to realize…
by Kent Ira Groff A woman on silent retreat was praying when she and I heard a construction worker say, “Holy shit!” Later she and I queried: Can this pop phrase mask our human yearning for life’s “waste” to morph into wholeness—even holiness? Maybe some folks are “praying” without knowing it—that life’s lowest places might…
by Dr. Robert Cornwall Since the beginning of time human beings have been trying to explain how things came to be. Today we often turn to science for answers. The most respected answers assume some form of evolutionary development occurring over vast periods of time. Those who disagree with this assessment most often do so…
by Dr. Robert Cornwall As a child I had a classmate who remained seated as the rest of us stood to say the “Pledge of Allegiance.” While we pledged our allegiance to the nation symbolized by the flag, thinking nothing of the religious implications of our act, my classmate, who happened to be a Jehovah’s…
by Bob Cornwall The day that Pope Francis addressed a joint session of Congress, and through them the American people, I’m sure that some felt this was an unwelcome mixture of church and state. It is true that the Pope is a head of state (Vatican City is a recognized nation), but he wasn’t speaking…
by Chris Freet The following is an excerpt from the book A New Look at Hospitality as a Key to Missions p. 3-4. —————————————————— A key issue concerning the American church and the role of hospitality involves the role of migration, immigration and refugees. Today, most nations face issues related to globalization. The…
by Chris Freet Over the last five to ten years or so there appears to be an upsurge in the focus upon hospitality within the Western church culture. Whether it is in the form of books (of which there seem to be many), lectures, or seminary/college courses, hospitality is experiencing a renewed interest for which…
by Chris Freet Is hospitality something that has, in a sense, been co-opted in the West? Perhaps a quick Google search could shed some light on this for us. The result of this search brings up websites pertaining to restaurant and hotel management topics and issues. It would indeed seem that hospitality in the West…
by Rev. Dr. Robert R. LaRochelle Now that a few weeks have passed since the whirlwind visit of Pope Francis to the United States, I think it would be worthwhile to pause and explore some of its significance. However, I have to begin with a disclaimer. For the first forty five years of my life,…
by Bruce Epperly As a child growing up in a Baptist church in the Salinas Valley, California, I remember altar calls in which the congregation sang: Just as I am – without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, -O Lamb of God, I…
Rediscovering the Power of the Lord’s Prayer Prayer as Advent – God with Us While the Lord’s Prayer is ancient and familiar, three titles from Energion Publications invite readers to encounter it with fresh eyes. Whether you are looking for a radical spiritual wake-up call, a study on Christian character, or a guide connecting prayer…
We can ship these immediately for your Christmas gift list! Theology Devotional Ministry Christian Living
If you need a gift for a scholar in your life, we have a great option for you: Why Four Gospels by David Alan Black. While many of our catalog items are print-on-demand, we have copies available in stock at our office that can be shipped within 24 hours in order to reach you before…
