Gottesblog

A popular sentiment in our divided synod is that the problem is “lack of trust.” But that is not the problem. That is rather a symptom of the problem.

In response to my contribution to the discussion, a Roman Catholic traditionalist dismissed me as a “heretic” and included a “quote” from Martin Luther - authoritatively presented by means of a meme, complete with a portrait of Luther, no less (who can argue with that?) - in which Luther is attributed with the following quote: “I am absolutely convinced that the handicapped are merely demonically possessed pieces of meat without souls which should be drowned.”

…to all of our brethren who think the idea of striving to live in a Christian nation is a bad thing, and who think diversity is our strength. We now have mainstream Republicans and Democrats wishing us a Happy Diwali.

One of the interesting things in Eusebius concerns the genealogies of Jesus. While modern scholars often argue that one genealogy is for Joseph (our Lord’s legal line through adoption), while the other is Mary’s genealogy, (showing our Lord’s biological descent). Eusebius, however, citing a letter from an earlier scholar named Julius Africanus (c. 160-240 AD), whom Eusebius considers to be “no ordinary historian,” makes the case that both genealogies are for Joseph.

In years and cultures past, society valued young men.  There was a common-sense realization that strong men meant a strong fabric of society.  Christianity recognized the divinely-ordered family structure of the godly leadership of husbands and fathers, as well as masculine leadership in society.  Indeed, God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, describes the leadership of women and children as a curse (Chapter 3).

As a continuation of my thoughts in an earlier piece that I wrote called “The Church is Not a Business,” I wanted to reflect on the concept of entrepreneurship. This is part of running a business under the capitalist, free market model of economics.

“How big is your church?” is often the first question a pastor gets. It usually isn’t “What confession does your church hold?” or “Is it interesting to serve as a pastor?” Rather, they want a number. And if you say, “A thousand,” you will get a nod of approval and raised eyebrows. But the reaction would be quite different if you were to say “twelve.”