Contemplating Grace

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 …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 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

Nonviolence and Love You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also…[1]  The message of Jesus is inherently and undisputedly nonviolent. There is … Continue reading Nonviolence and Love

Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 10 Active nonviolence calls us to slow down, to be patient, planting the seeds of love and forgiveness in our own hearts and in the hearts of those around us. Slowly we will grow in love, compassion and the capacity to forgive.”[1]  Here are the ten tenants of A Spirituality of Nonviolence,[2] … Continue reading Spiritual Nonviolence, Part 10