Reviewed by Peter DeHaan Nomadic traveler, Vianne Rocher (Juliette Binoche), shows up unexpectedly at a rural French village and creates quite a stir. A non-catholic, unmarried mom, and free spirit, she is not like the intransigent townsfolk. To make matters worse, she has the audacity to open up a chocolate shop across from the church—during […]
If we’re not careful, it’s all too easy to end up doing things that, at best, are secondary, and at worst, don’t matter at all. Such was the case of the people of Israel a few millennia ago. The prophet Amos states that God is critical of their religious gatherings, their offerings, and their music. […]
Some people read the Bible like a textbook—to amass knowledge. Other people read the Bible like a book of law—looking for precedent and loopholes to justify themselves, ideas, and behavior. Still, others read the Bible like a “how to” book—noting the things that they should do and the things that they shouldn’t. However, all of […]
Yesterday we had local school elections. There were three people running for school board and a millage renewal. It was about as simple as a ballot could be. I did my homework and was ready to vote. At the polling precinct, I filled out the paperwork, showed my ID, and was handled the paper ballot. In […]
When reading the gospels (the stories about Jesus) in the Bible, it doesn’t take long to run across the phrase “evil spirit.” (Some translations use “unclean spirit” or a “corrupting spirit.”) What is an “evil spirit” anyway? Although contemplating the meaning of an evil spirit may be intellectually inviting, the central point is to remember […]
God is sovereign; it is one of his characteristics. To be sovereign means to have supreme rank, power, and authority. The word sovereign appears hundreds of times in the Bible (mostly in the Old Testament) and is usually used as a title for God or in addressing him, as in “Sovereign Lord.” Many people object […]
The entry “Omni God” mentioned that God is “omniscient.” This means that he has total knowledge, knowing everything. This is a huge and all-encompassing thought that God knows everything about everything everywhere. It is grand and a bit overwhelming. Embedded in this idea that God knows all things, is the reality that he also knows […]
When you read the Bible, do you wear glasses? I mean metaphorically. Seriously, do you? Communication experts tell us that we take in and process information through filters—or lenses. Often this selective process is helpful, removing the minutia of life so that important and relevant information can be observed, remembered, and contemplated. Sometimes, however, this […]
The Bible says that when we are tempted to do wrong, God will provide a way out so that we can avoid it. That is an encouraging promise, but does that really mean that every time—or just some of the time? I think it is every time—really, I do. The challenge is to be able […]
The Three Parts of Who We Are The Bible says that our being—our entity—is comprised of spirit, soul, and body. That is something to contemplate. At first glance, I’d be inclined to reverse the order, from the most tangible (body) to the least (spirit). However, considering that God—who is spirit—made us in his image, it […]