We hear a lot of fake news, big and small. It should be no surprise then that fake news has real world consequences. One recent example in the United States is the fake news surrounding vaccinations and the belief that they cause autism. As a result, unvaccinated children are getting the measles virus unnecessarily. Social … Continue reading Did Fake News Affect the Development of Christian Culture?
Bible
Paul’s Policy of Accommodation
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23) “I have become all things to … Continue reading Paul’s Policy of Accommodation
God’s Family
"And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, … Continue reading God’s Family
Baptism: A Normative Redemptive Act
Baptism is a normative redemptive act I believe a conversation about baptism begins with humility. As we wrestle with the function and importance of baptism we should regard ourselves as finite interpretive beings led by the communal work of the Spirit. I cannot know perfectly the mind of God but I can faithfully and humbly … Continue reading Baptism: A Normative Redemptive Act
Thankfulness
When Giving Thanks Includes More Than what Makes You Happy I was asked by our local interfaith clergy group to say a few words on the topic of thankfulness. I was hesitant at first but decided to accept the invitation. Since then, I have been mulling over what to say. It occurred to me that … Continue reading Thankfulness
The Significance of Mimesis to the Theme of Jesus’ Identity
This paper assumes the use of mimesis in building the structure of Mark’s gospel. Mimesis is the imitation of another’s work; a common practice in the ancient literary world. Mark imitates the structure of the Elijah-Elisha narrative (1 Kgs 17:1 – 2 Kgs 13:21).[1] I propose that this imitation has significant consequences to the gospel’s … Continue reading The Significance of Mimesis to the Theme of Jesus’ Identity
Helping People Move Closer to God and Each Other
I recently attended a meeting with the community health organization CHNA. It gave me an opportunity to meet community leaders, social workers, and police officers invested in healthy community. While I was there a panel of four people spoke about Burlington and the surrounding areas. Like most coastal communities Burlington is not immune to the … Continue reading Helping People Move Closer to God and Each Other
Peter on the water
Matthew 14, in particular, the story of Jesus and Peter walking on the water. In this story, we often focus on the relatable character of Peter, who after seeing Jesus, steps out in faith to walk upon the water with Jesus. I can imagine Peter, with his eyes focused on Jesus, walking bravely toward his … Continue reading Peter on the water
Chais DiMaggio 