What was the original purpose of Sunday school? Religious instruction, right? No, not at all. The initial goal of Sunday school was to provide basic academic instruction to poor children. Sunday school started as a philanthropic effort, not as...
In our society we value information and knowledge. We pursue it at great cost (just consider the price of a college education). In many situations, knowing the right answer is what matters most, and knowing more than someone else is the way to...
I Want to Learn More (Visiting Church #28) Sunday we visit another small church. I expect a traditional, liturgical service. The sanctuary is simple, filled with color and symbolism. Several lit candles mesmerize as incense fills the air. A...
Most churches in the United States structure themselves around the nuclear family. The mindset of these churches assumes married couples; their programming assumes children. While covering the majority of attendees in most congregations, this...
Paul tells the church in Thessalonica to do three things. I think we should all follow his instructions. Paul teaches them, and us, that: We should strive to lead a quiet life. We should mind our own business. We should work to meet our own...
More Youthful Worship (Visiting Church #27) We arrive at church about ten minutes early, and after milling about for a while, we sit down. A mostly youthful praise team assembles on the stage, which is a mere eight inches high; the low ceiling...
Heresy is holding to an opinion or doctrine that’s at odds with established beliefs. While the Christian church has arguably never been without heretical views throughout its history, some people worry that leaderless, self-governing, or...
DeHaan’s Poem Included in Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology Mattawan, Michigan, October 1, 2013 – Author Peter DeHaan was selected as a finalist with his poem, “Why I Write,” for the literary publication Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology. The...
The book of Ecclesiastes (in the Bible) is an example of wisdom literature, and it makes for an interesting read. At one point the author says, “Do not be overrighteous.” Overrighteous is a curious word. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard it before...
Life is Better When Shared With Friends I’m fortunate to have many valued friends in my life. Some of us get together once a month for our writers critique group, where we help each other improve as writers. Collectively, we write non-fiction...
