This category contains short essays on a wide variety of topics centered on the questions: Is Christianity reasonable, and if so, What does living faithfully to Jesus' teachings look like in the 21st century?

He turns winter into spring

“That is one good thing about this world...there are always sure to be more springs.” —L.M. Montgomery, Anne of AvonleaJesus was walking along a road, a large crowd following, when he was stopped by the leader of a nearby synagogue. His daughter was very ill, he explained. Could Jesus please ... Continue reading

The man who lost his mind

So they [sailed to] the region of the Gerasenes, across the lake from Galilee. As Jesus was climbing out of the boat, a man who was possessed by demons came out to meet him. For a long time he had been homeless and naked, living in the tombs outside the town. As soon as he saw Jesus, he shrieked and ... Continue reading

Shining light on good deeds

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone ... Continue reading

Apostles’ Creed: I believe in Jesus Christ

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, —The Apostles' CreedWe have three options. 1. Jesus Christ never existed. 2. Jesus Christ was a mysterious historical figure about whom we know little for certain. 3. Jesus Christ is as the New Testament portrays him.An honest look at ... Continue reading

The women who made Jesus’ ministry run

Soon afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby towns and villages, preaching and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out ... Continue reading

Did Jesus bury the lede?

As Jesus traveled the countryside preaching and healing, the question everyone asked was: "Who is this guy?"John the Baptist was asking the same thing. One day, he tasked a couple of his own disciples to go have a talk with Jesus. Here's how Luke describes the meeting:John’s two disciples ... Continue reading

Mostly dead is slightly alive

Miracle Max (speaking over the dead body of Wesley): He probably owes you money huh? I'll ask him.Inigo Montoya: He's dead. He can't talk.Miracle Max: Whoo-hoo, look who knows so much. It just so happens that your friend here is only mostly dead. There's a big difference between mostly dead ... Continue reading

Apostles’ Creed: Creator of heaven and earth

I believe in God... creator of heaven and earth. —The Apostles' CreedWe tend to credit Edwin Hubble with discovering the expanding universe, but in truth he confirmed by astronomical observation what others like Alexander Friedmann and Georges Lemaitre had theorized earlier, based on, of ... Continue reading