In his book “After You Believe” N. T. Wright describes the character-culture into which Jesus and Paul entered. It was dominated by Aristotle “about 350… Read More »Pagan Character and Christian Character (After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters – N. T. Wright)
Enable me to show favor to the poor in spirit who have no one but you in their corner, the mournful so weary of the wrong in… Read More »The Sermon on the Mount Prayer
Chris Altrock – April 11, 2010
In his book Surprised by Hope N. T. Wright warns that some of the classic Christian hymns about heaven may be misleading.[1] He cautions that some hymns can be misunderstood to teach a kind of escapism. They can be misconstrued and make us so heavenly minded that we are of no earthly good. For example, the 1920 hymn “Where the Gates Swing Outward Never,” states: “Just a few more years with their toil and tears, And the journey will be ended.” The hymn states that life is filled with toil and tears. And thus it might lead someone to think that we’ve got to escape this toil-filled and tear-filled life as quickly as possible and get to heaven. The 1876 hymn “Beyond This Land of Parting” sings: “Beyond this land of parting, losing and leaving, Far beyond the losses darkening this, And far beyond the taking and the bereaving, Lies the summer land of bliss.” The hymn states that all this life offers is parting, losing, leaving, taking, and bereaving. And thus it might lead someone to conclude that the only thing to do is escape this life and get to that heavenly summer land of bliss.
Read More »Courage From Above: The Hope of Heaven on Earth (2 Cor. 4:10-12)
Today is the 28th day of Lent, a 40 day season of spiritual reflection, repentance, and renewal. During these 40 days we’ll explore the prayer life… Read More »Day 28 of 40 Following the Prayer Steps of Jesus