Jesus calls on us to be peacemakers. Now that is a tall order. Fortunate (aka Blessed) are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” ~Jesus Source: Matthew 5:9 (NASB) The sequence of thought from purity of heart in the previous prescription for happiness (aka beatitude), to peacemaking seems very natural. One ofContinue reading “He Called Me a What?”
Author Archives: Intentional Faith
When Did Parents Become the Child’s Greatest Threat?
Almost overnight, millions of American parents discovered that they are what they never planned to be—homeschoolers. It is ironic, therefore, that Harvard Magazine decided to run an article entitled, “The Risks of Homeschooling.” The author of the article is Erin O’Donnell, but the main figure behind the ideological thrust of the story is Elizabeth Bartholet,Continue reading “When Did Parents Become the Child’s Greatest Threat?”
Are We Asking the Right Questions 20 Years Later
(I apologize for not editing this further but it deserves to read in its entirety) The question of “Islamic fundamentalism” became of general interest only after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Before that tragic date, it was a subject for specialized scholars. After 9/11, it is discussed both in Parliaments and in coffeeContinue reading “Are We Asking the Right Questions 20 Years Later”
Your Battle Isn’t With Porn
In the final days of his life, John Wesley, a minister in the Church of England, wrote a letter to a young politician named William Wilberforce. Wesley had urged him to use his political clout for opposing the slave trade in the British Empire. Wilberforce did. He made that fight his life mission. He wasContinue reading “Your Battle Isn’t With Porn”
A Fatal First
Proverbs 4:20-27 Make no mistake! Your heart is under siege. Like marauding hordes surrounding a fortress, advertisers, porn moguls, and media mavens scheme to find a point of entry. They lob projectiles and drop subtle baits, looking for weaknesses, and shout taunts, hoping to gain an entrance. They want in so they can bring youContinue reading “A Fatal First”
Take the Red Pill
Life as usual, many will come to realize, was never life as usual. When Christ returns, many will discover too late that they lived within a dream. Years came and years went. Spring turned to autumn, autumn to winter. They grew and grew old but never awoke. “Normal life” lied to them. So, Jesus foretells,Continue reading “Take the Red Pill”
Defending Life Was Once Nobel
Time was when the defense of life was regarded as something natural and noble. Whether defending the vulnerable from oppression and attack, standing out against totalitarian regimes, building a bulwark against terrorism, or fighting to preserve the life of the unborn, society celebrated those who sought to protect and rescue those less able to protectContinue reading “Defending Life Was Once Nobel”
Euthanasia Takes a Dark Toll
Euthanasia causes deep distress to the doctors who perform it, according to a new book about the experiences of medical practitioners in Belgium where assisted suicide has been legal since 2002. The revelations come as a new assisted suicide bill is due to get a second reading in the House of Lords this autumn. Baroness Meacher’s privateContinue reading “Euthanasia Takes a Dark Toll”
Covid Passports
Nicola Sturgeon has announced that Covid vaccine passports will be introduced in Scotland at the end of this month if, as seems likely, the Scottish government backs her plans. The plan is for certain ‘non-essential settings’ including nightclubs, adult entertainment venues, unseated indoor live events with more than 400 people, unseated outdoor live events withContinue reading “Covid Passports”
When We Have Only Words
Matthew’s Gospel speaks about integrity intwo ways. To begin with, there is the debate around authoritybetween Jesus and the religious leaders. This confrontationhappened just after Jesus had thrown the money changers andanimal sellers out of the Temple. The leaders wanted to knowwhether Jesus really had a valid right to do what he did, so theyquestionedContinue reading “When We Have Only Words”
