Relative Time “Time and space are modes by which we think and not conditions in which we live.” Albert Einstein[1] There is a wall-clock in my meditation area that ticks softly every other second. As I quiet my mind and body, I use its gentle ticking to set a rhythm for my morning breathing and … Continue reading Relative Time
Category: Spirituality
Sin is Its Own Punishment
Sin is Its Own Punishment Do not sin anymore, so that nothing worse happens to you. John 5:14c There are a number of common and misleading teachings about sin. First and foremost is that sin is evidence that we are inherently bad or flawed people. It is not. Rather, sin is evidence that we are … Continue reading Sin is Its Own Punishment
Sin is Separation
Sin is Separation My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of … Continue reading Sin is Separation
Experiential Time, Part 4
Experiential Time, Part 4 “Have you also learned that secret from the river; that there is no such thing as time? That the river is everywhere at the same time, at the source and at the mouth, at the waterfall, at the ferry, at the current, in the ocean and in the mountains, everywhere and … Continue reading Experiential Time, Part 4
Experiential Time, Part 3
Experiential Time, Part 3 “Eternity is in the present. Eternity is in the palm of the hand. Eternity is a seed of fire, whose sudden roots break barriers that keep my heart from being an abyss!” Thomas Merton[1] Eternity is not an extension of chronological time, nor is eternal life something waiting for us at … Continue reading Experiential Time, Part 3
Experiential Time, Part 2
Experiential Time, Part 2 “…only the present is eternal and…all things having a past and a future are doomed to pass away!” Thomas Merton[1] An experiential accounting of time does not follow the familiar chronological conceptions of time that repeat in circular cycles, as with a clock, or in linear perpetuity, as with a timeline. … Continue reading Experiential Time, Part 2
Experiential Time
Experiential Time But do not ignore this fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. 2 Peter 3:8 In last week’s Life Note, as I attempted to illustrate how the concept of eternity cannot be helpfully visualized through the lens of chronological … Continue reading Experiential Time
The Kingdom of Heaven is Near
The Kingdom of Heaven is Near Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe the good news.” Mark 1:14-15 Beginning in childhood and reinforced throughout my life, the stubborn concept developed … Continue reading The Kingdom of Heaven is Near
Nonviolence and Love, Part 3
Nonviolence and Love, Part 3 …if I understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.[1] Last week I noted that Protestantism is a product of the Age of Enlightenment, which propelled intellectual knowing into the most prominent and … Continue reading Nonviolence and Love, Part 3
Nonviolence and Love, Part 2
Nonviolence and Love, Part 2 Then Jesus said to him (Peter), “Put your sword back into its place; for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”[1] How is it that so many Christians – professed followers of Jesus the Christ – have become such staunch gun-toting, Second Amendment, Stand-Your-Ground-law advocates? Either there … Continue reading Nonviolence and Love, Part 2
Contemplating Grace 