Why Serve?
For the first time in the history of planet earth, the Christian church is a truly global phenomenon. And it is not barely global, either. Approximately one out of five of our Christian family is an Asian sister or brother. … (read more)
TIP Editorial
“Huh…?”
A few days ago, I stumbled upon an interesting report from the world of psycholinguistics. It had to do with “universal words.” It turns out that “mommy,” or something rather like it, appears in many languages around the world. This … (read more)
Abstraction Not Allowed
Not long ago, a friend of mine reported that she had become “spiritual” — but was no longer “religious.” She thinks “spiritual” thoughts from time to time, she explained. She notices “spiritual” attitudes or impulses creeping up on her, in … (read more)
Christ the King
Just at the end of the liturgical year, and just at the outset of another, falls one of my favorite celebrations of the church year. Christ the King Sunday. This year it falls on November 24. Every year, it seems, … (read more)
“Euphemania”
I have recently stumbled upon an interesting book, filled with insight into our peculiarly American culture and way of life: Euphemania, by Ralph Keyes (New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2010). The title of this book tells you precisely what … (read more)
Evergreen
A few days ago, I stood at the foot of a graven marble slab in the city of Hequ, in the province of Shanxi, where the Yellow River meets the Great Wall of China. The stone is a monument to … (read more)
“The Plague of Impotence”
Recently I have browsed again The Bondage of the Will, by Martin Luther. The book is a bracing experience. The Bondage of the Will was published in 1525 in reply to Desiderius Erasmus, who had published On Free Will the … (read more)
Ascending Toward Jerusalem
A pair of my dear friends has recently had the opportunity to visit Jerusalem. The visit was on their “bucket list,” they told me once – and now they have made it a reality. What a wonderful time they had! … (read more)
Object Permanence
“Object permanence” is a concept from the field of developmental psychology. I remember reading about the idea many years ago, while completing a degree in the field. The phenomenon was researched and described in detail by Jean Piaget, the famous … (read more)
Trinity Sunday
I love Trinity Sunday: edgy, powerful, mysterious, provocative Trinity Sunday. It falls, often enough, now in the month of May. It is celebrated on the Sunday following Pentecost. There is mystery here. Trinity Sunday reminds us that God is beyond … (read more)