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 religious instruction. Teaching underprivileged kids to read was a key means to empower them so they […]
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 win. Many people who study religious stuff also pursue knowledge, often making […]
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 ignores several overlooked groups. First, there are childless couples. Some are childless by circumstance. Each time there’s a plea to serve […]
The Church in Thessalonica Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica. 3 Goals He tells them to do three things. I think we should all follow his instructions. Paul teaches them, and us, that: 2 Outcomes Then Paul shares two reasons for doing these things, the two expected results. When we do as he instructed: […]
Featuring Writers Across the Nation In 2013, art enthusiasts found an exciting addition to ArtPrize: the literary publication Imagine This! An ArtPrize Anthology. It adds the written word as a new art form to the acclaimed festival. ArtPrize is one of the world’s largest art competitions (by cash awards) and is held each year in […]
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.” Over-righteous is a curious word. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard it before, and I certainly don’t remember seeing it in the Bible. In fact, […]
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, memoir, poetry, and an array of fiction. Regardless of the genre, the important thing is that we encourage one another […]
Fold Hands, Close Eyes, and Bow Head I’ve blogged about the use and meaning of amen, and shared how amen is used in the Bible: primarily as a way to end a prayer. Three more prayer conventions perplex me as well. The first is to fold our hands while praying, the second is to close […]
Say, “Amen” I recently blogged about the use and meaning of amen. Although its use in modern circles is a bit perplexing—especially from preachers—amen does occur in the Bible. The NIV uses amen fifty-two times. Scriptural Uses of Amen In forty-nine instances, over 90 percent of the time, the Bible uses “Amen” to conclude a […]
When I think about it, the word “amen” perplexes me. Out of training and convention, I say “amen” at the end of a prayer, as if it means “Goodbye, God” or “I’m done, now.” Not only does saying amen tell God my prayer is over, it also lets others know to open their eyes. It’s […]