If we look at the Reformation and conclude “it was merely the result of years of societal injustices that eventually lead to a tipping point”, then we are not looking at the entire picture. What happened in 1517, and the surrounding years, was the result of what had happened to Scripture. At the time, the […]
On Tension
Up to this point there has been an undercurrent theme in these posts. We could call that theme “tension” (other words like “balance” or “discernment” could also be used). Understanding that rooted and fruitful faith means living a life of tension sets the stage for future reflections on this blog. When we embrace tension (both […]
On Time
It is a wonder that Martin Luther was able to live out his life to the end, dying of natural causes. While most protesters of his day were tortured or killed, he lived. Why God granted him the grace to live out his life, we will never know. Time remains one of the greatest mysteries […]
On Speaking Out
Yesterday, the reflection was about silence as an opportunity for self-discovery. There is more to be said about silence though, as it not only provides us with a deeper understanding of ourselves, but also a deeper understanding of God and what He is pushing us towards. Eventually silence reaches a tipping-point and we have to […]
On Silence
We know little about the first 30 years of Jesus’ life. History is mostly silent on the matter. I sometimes ponder about the Jesus of his teens and 20s: What did he do when he was a young adult? Did he do the work of his earthly father, Joseph? (A carpenter.) Or did he do […]
On Language
Having been involved with several churches and denominations within the Christian Community, I have noticed two “languages” used to talk about faith, with each person and church having its own preference. The first is “Kingdom” language. With this language people ask, “How do we bring about the Kingdom that Jesus talked about?” The second is […]
On Protest and Reform
The two roots of the Protestant Reformation: Protest and Reform. To truly appreciate the Reformation and to discover how it can still impact our lives today, we need to value both of these roots. Some people are only focused on protest, in the sense of resistance. To them, the goal of the Protestant movement is […]
On Discussion
While scholars debate if Martin Luther actually nailed his 95 theses to a church door (or if he instead “mailed” them), no one debates his intention: to start a discussion about the abuses he saw in the church of his day. His purpose at that moment in his life was not protest or reform. He […]
On Questioning
It is human to question. And it is up to God to answer. We fool ourselves if we think we are somebody wise and can fully understand God. And yet, we are naturally driven to seek out God. We desire to see Him as He is. And this is right and good. A main aspect […]
On Purpose
Two benchmarks have been swirling in my head lately. One is personal: my upcoming birthday. The second is perhaps a little more globally relevant: the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. With both those things on my mind, I’ve been contemplating life, faith, and the future. As part of my mental journey I thought it might […]
Relevant Reformation 