Column title: Crossed My Mind: Thoughts on Culture and Communication Column entry: “Untangling CRT for Christians (Part 4 of 4)” By John Hatch, Ph.D. Eastern University (retired) CCSN Senior Fellow Column Description: As Christians, we are called to have the mind of Christ. This goes against the grain of our social and cultural conditioning. We seek personal or political advancement; …
June Vlog Entry, A Heart of Wax or a Heart of Stone, with Stephanie Bennett
In this entry . . . What does it mean to have a soft heart? First off, it is totally counter-cultural. God may want to create a soft and compassionate heart in each of us, but it is not what the world wants of us. The teaching of Jesus is needed today more than ever, but it seems that everything the …
A Prayer for Refreshment, Saint Augustine, 4th Century
For Refreshment O Lord our God, under the shadow of Thy wings let us hope. Thou wilt support us, both when little, and even to gray hairs. When our 50strength is of Thee, it is strength; but, when our own, it is feebleness. We return unto Thee, O Lord, that from their weariness our souls may rise towards Thee, leaning on …
Quote of the Week, Reading, by Oswald Chambers
It is impossible to read too much, but always keep before you why you read. Remember that “the need to receive, recognize, and rely on the Holy Spirit” is before all else. —Oswald Chambers, Approved Unto God, 11 L (Amazon Associates Link) Questions for reflection: how do you rely on the Holy Spirit in your reading? Your scholarship? Your teaching?
Quote of the Week, Hospitality and Communication, by Henri Nouwen
“Hospitality, therefore, means primarily the creation of free space where the stranger can enter and become a friend instead of an enemy. Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.” ― …
A Prayer for Pure Joy, Gelasian Sacramentary, 5th Century
For True Joy Almighty God, who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men; grant unto thy people that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to …
Quote of the week, Our Christian Intellectual Life, by Frank Gaebelein
“In contrast to the secularist outlook, said Gaebelein, Christians must insist that ‘our intellectual life is infused with faith.’ But that does not mean that Christian intellectual activity is an easy thing. We must pay a price if we are to use our minds to glorify God. ‘And the price will not come down. It is nothing less than the …
A Prayer, On Earth as It is in Heaven, by Gillette Elvgren
On Earth as It is in Heaven Lord, never having been there, my question is: What is heaven on earth to me? Is it the possibility of man existing side by side with the animals, none preying upon the other? Is it taking part in the dance of the stars in heaven, of the trees and mountains and waves in …
Quote of the Week, The Task for Christ Followers, by Gregory of Nyssa, 4th Century
“The task for followers of Christ is to take on the things that lift our spirit and let go of, that is, become poor to, the things that drag us down.” –Gregory of Nyssa, 4th century, from Gregory of Nyssa: Sermons on the Beatitudes (Formatio, 2012), p. 33. Questions for reflection: How does your communication “lift the spirit” of others? …
A Prayer to Live My Christianity, by Peter Marshall
“. . . So may I go from this place to live my Christianity every day, in the things I say to others, in the things I do for others, in the way I live with others, that my own witness may be made to the love of Christ Jesus, my Lord. A-men” –Peter Marshall (1902-1949), from The Prayers of …
