In North Africa in the early 4th century, a presumably theological point of contention morphed into a ecclesiological debate that ultimately split the church in that area. Yawn. The issue behind it all related to Christians who had crumbled during one of the more recent rounds of persecution; specifically, church leaders who turned over copies of the Scriptures to the authorities for burning. Once the persecution ceased, the church had to decide what to do with these traditores of the faith. One group (the laxists) encouraged the church to respond gracefully, forgiving these lapsed … [Read more...] about IMB’s Baptismal Policy and 4th Century Schismatics
The Convention’s Unconventional Name Change
Quick: what's the longest name in all of North American professional sports? No cheating, googling, etc. Just sit on your answer for me; we'll come back to it. As I've watched the lively debate surrounding the potential for a name change in the SBC, I've had to admit a certain apathy. In many ways, it mattered not to me how we organized the letters that form our identifying nomenclature, so the convention's name was off my radar. Then, of course, I realized it really did matter to me; there are certain words I to which I certainly would object (satan, hate, platypus, Calvinist, … [Read more...] about The Convention’s Unconventional Name Change
Who Are We to Teach Hope?
motorDeath comes easily in some places. As a general rule, the world is deadly. There are some locales, though, where death is a constant companion. Living is simply what people do while waiting to die. Death is closer than God, and has more explanations for its existence. In Port Au Prince, Haiti, if the earthquake didn’t get you, the cholera will. Or perhaps the mounds of garbage, left to rot by a municipality that lacks waste management plans, will lead to some sort of infection. The poverty could help in shuffling off this mortal coil; then again the limited access to medicine … [Read more...] about Who Are We to Teach Hope?
Are We Simply the Sum of Our Sins?
This was originally composed in March 2011. Enjoy. I went to the town of Puyo last week for the third time. It reminded me that I'd like to introduce you to a new friend. The first thing you'll notice about my pal Carlos is how shockingly skinny he is. Wow. If he stood sideways and stuck out his tongue, he would look like a zipper. If you put a quarter in his left hand and a dime in his right, he'd lose his balance. The second thing you'll observe is that Carlos is quite homosexual. If you watch a little longer, you'll see that he is probably more so than you originally … [Read more...] about Are We Simply the Sum of Our Sins?
Comfort As Evangelism?
Juana hangs out in Plaza Bolivar, in front of the birthplace of South America's liberator. Caracas is not an extremely picturesque city as compared to, say, Prague, nor is it filled with centuries of cathedrals and places of historical note. The city's greatest claim to history is Simon Bolivar's house, or at least the one his mother occupied when he was born. It is restored and painted now, converted into a museum. Directly in front of the home lies Plaza Bolivar. The plaza is not large; being lined as it is by small stores, internet cafes, and copy shops only makes it appear more … [Read more...] about Comfort As Evangelism?
How Sensitive Are Our Souls?
I wrote this back in early June while we were still in Ecuador. Enjoy. Last week Zachary missed his first school days of the year. Coughing, hacking, dizziness, fever; he tolerated it all quite well, for a 10-year old. As usually happens when he is home without his siblings, Zach wanted to watch a movie with me. He's like that; "Just the two of us," he says. We settled in to watch a movie I had already seen and approved for his viewing. My only real concern was the 5 or so cuss words that I knew came up during the flick; however, I was sure Z had already heard them all. Besides, … [Read more...] about How Sensitive Are Our Souls?
Inquiring Minds
As most parents will tell you , there are moments in life that are somewhat disturbing when you have kids. These are not exactly frightening moments, and yet they are times when the heart skips half a beat, when you slowly close your eyes and very carefully ask for clarification. Sort of like when my ninth grade English teacher used to grasp the edges of her podium so tightly her knuckles would crack and ask me, “Jeremy, does your mother love you?” For me, I think these moments sometimes center on the questions our children ask. We don’t always know why they ask us these things or where … [Read more...] about Inquiring Minds
Returning to the Seat of the Crime
There’s a chair across the room from me that I fear. Or hate. It’s pretty non-descript. As a furniture piece, it adds character to a room simply due to its age. Designed and built over 70 years ago, the thing just looks different from its surroundings. It is now an addendum to the décor, something to spice up an entry way or flesh out a den; its days as the centerpiece of a collection have long since passed. It used to be my chair. I sat in it every day. I watched TV there. Drank coffee there. Read the newspaper and college textbooks, too. Fell asleep, slumped over at an … [Read more...] about Returning to the Seat of the Crime
Five Questions with….an IMBer from Birth
The answers for today’s Five Questions come from Cleopatra Cloppenclapper. Miss Cleo has spent her entire life as an MK/missionary with the FMB/IMB/imb connecting, which is to say about half a century. I could have said she’s been around for 50 years, but “half a century” sounds far, far older. She's the most colorful M I know. She's tatted, pierced, and dyes her hair more often than I check my oil. When she was younger she worried about freaking out the older missionaries. Now that Miss Cleo is so old she's stopped buying green bananas, she worries about scaring off the younger … [Read more...] about Five Questions with….an IMBer from Birth
Five Questions with….an IMBer Who Left
Today's Five Question interview is with Eddie Funkowitz. Eddie was a career worker for the IMB, but has moved on to different challenges in the US. We caught up with Eddie as he was applying for a Sam's Club membership while slurping a 64 ounce drink he got for a buck down at the Stop N Go. As always, names are changed to keep my interviewees from coming to my house and stealing my jalapenos in retaliation. Everything else is absolutely true. 1. Many IMB workers feel cut off from SBC life and trends. Returning to the North American SBC work force often means figuring out the latest … [Read more...] about Five Questions with….an IMBer Who Left