Category: Theological Discussions

By David Gill, reprinted from The 313. What would an economic system look like if God designed it? I mean the God who loves everybody on earth. The God who loves the poor as well as the rich, east and south as well as north and west. Would it be all about free enterprise and individual responsibility, relying on the “invisible…

By David Williamson. Magnificent, skillfully worked, hand-crafted carvings are scattered throughout our home; they are fresh works of art, a personalized adaptation of folk art, from an untrained yet masterful wood carver, my father. I am coming to appreciate and value these pieces more each day. They are mostly owls and eagles, lovingly carved out of basswood. A manager of…

By Demi Prentiss, reprinted from Living God’s Mission. The writer of Ephesians urges us to “walk worthy of the vocation to which you’ve been called.” (Ephesians 4:1) In the midst of daily life, that can be a challenge, especially in our daily work. In a recent blog, Bob Robinson offered six markers that distinguish a “job” from a “vocation.” He thinks…

By Fletcher Lowe, reprinted from Living God’s Mission. Over two thousand years ago, Paul said it this way: “Equip the saints for ministry.” (Ephesians 4:12) Sixty-six years ago, the Second Assembly of the World Council of Churches, fleshed it out: The real battles of faith today are being fought in factories, shops, offices, and farms, in political parties and government agencies, in countless…

By Michelle Koh, reprinted from her blog; via the Salt & Light Australia Daily Devotional. Recently, I found myself needing some medical care urgently on the weekend. Unfortunately, there were outside my regular doctor’s work hours, so I proceeded to call a service that provided a call out service.  When that doctor arrived, I was shocked. Not simply because he didn’t…

By Fletcher Lowe, reprinted from Living God’s Mission. You may have heard the story of a recent conversation between the Devil and God. Gleefully the devil says, “Well, God, looks like I have beat you this time.  My virus has shut down all your churches just as I planned.”  God replies, “You are correct that the church buildings are closed…

Reprinted from the Chalmers Center; also see the Chalmers Center’s statement on racial injustice and call to prayer and lament. So what is the church supposed to do about racial injustice? Many responses to this cultural moment have emphasized that racism (and injustice in society, more generally) is ultimately a spiritual problem, so the church’s response should be to focus on…

By David Williamson. It is now June – summer is here, finally! Perhaps this year, the arrival is appreciated even more. Covid-19 and the closing of restaurants, gyms, retail stores, etc., began in March – the tail end of winter. There is lots of pent-up anticipation for summer and being outside, doing fun summer-like activities. It is starting to happen!…