Theologian Jaroslav Pelikan said: “Tradition is the living faith of the dead, traditionalism is the dead faith of the living.” Let me explain. Tradition is the “living faith of the dead.” It’s a reference to the dynamic and life-changing Christian faith of those who have gone on before us, and which we remember through certain … Continue reading The dead faith of the living?
meaning
Is the point of life to be a good person?
Is the point of life to be a good person? A lot of people think so. But what do they mean by “good”? Many things that were “good” in our society 50 years ago are no longer “good.” And many things that are “good” today will no longer be considered “good” 50 years from now. … Continue reading Is the point of life to be a good person?
Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
“When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.” I’m guessing none of us would use that statement for a church outreach campaign. ‘Hey everybody, come discover what it’s like to follow Christ! It’s great; plus, you die in the process!’ The quote is from The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer. He … Continue reading Time to build your old self a coffin and re-enter the world?
Smashed trophies
I heard a story about a college student who REALLY wanted to be the school tennis champion. It was all he wanted. He focused exclusively on that goal to the detriment of his relationships, grades and everything else. And he did it. He won the championship! And the trophy was prominently displayed in the school’s … Continue reading Smashed trophies
You’re not starting at ground zero
In North America depression is on the rise. But why? It’s a complicated topic, but psychologist Martin Seligman says we have replaced church, faith, and community with a tiny little unit that cannot bear the weight of meaning—and that tiny little unit is “the self.” What I think he means is that when people used … Continue reading You’re not starting at ground zero
Despite your circumstances
Viktor Frankl was a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. In World War Two he was in a concentration camp serving voluntarily as a doctor to his fellow prisoners. Some men approached him because they thought they found a way to escape. They wanted to know if he wanted in on the plan. He thought about it… … Continue reading Despite your circumstances
Doing something “significant”
[My apologies to those of you who received this yesterday as well -- programming error!] What does it mean to do something “significant”? John Bowen tells a story about his friend Paul, a top student at Yale University. During his summers he was a camp counselor. He worked in a program that helped disabled young people. … Continue reading Doing something “significant”
What is the purpose of life?
A question most people ask at some point in their lives is this: What is the purpose of life? I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but our society seems to have an answer: 'The purpose of life is to be healthy and happy.' That’s certainly what the TV shows, talking heads, radio programs, advertisers, and … Continue reading What is the purpose of life?
The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
Holocaust survivor, neurologist and psychiatrist Victor Frankl said that, “Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” He was referring to what I call the crisis of purpose. I think it’s a huge part of the general malaise and apathy which can seep into so many people’s minds … Continue reading The means to live (but no meaning to live for)
“I just don’t see God working in my life”
Over the years I’ve spoken with some people who have told me something like this: “I just don’t see God working in my life.” Because of that, they stop looking, and they stop expecting him to be working in their lives. So let me offer some advice: When you do the work of God, you … Continue reading “I just don’t see God working in my life”
