Fritz a wonderful lesson – and esp. reading has a flow I found encompassing. If only …….. yes we can…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
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Lesson 11: When Does Life Begin?
Read MORE: Lesson 11: When Does Life Begin?A few of you asked about the official position of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America concerning when life begins. That was the question we were asking in the 1960s. When we were unable to find consensus, we did the…
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Lesson 10: What is Life?
Read MORE: Lesson 10: What is Life?The present abortion debate taking place in our society revolves around the question, “When are we dealing with a life that should be protected by civil law?” Answering the question adequately involves some understanding of what comprises life. We seldom…
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Lesson 9: The Role of Technology
Read MORE: Lesson 9: The Role of TechnologyBack in the last century when ministeriums discussed their differing viewpoints in hopes of finding a resolution for the community, this joke was often told: “Three people discuss abortion. A man says he does not believe in it, because his…
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Lesson 15: Community Beyond Family
Read MORE: Lesson 15: Community Beyond FamilyIt is obvious one difference between Jesus’ community and the modern Church has to do with his band treating its members with the intimacy usually associated with the biological family. They shared their money and loved unconditionally as would be…
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Paint Yourself Into the Nativity
Read MORE: Paint Yourself Into the NativityShortly after we were married, Faith and I purchased a wonderful reproduction of Hugo van der Goes, “The Adoration of the Child Jesus.” It is a triptych done on three wooden panels about eight inches high which we have set…
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Lesson 2: Freedom in the Theology of the Cross
Read MORE: Lesson 2: Freedom in the Theology of the CrossFreedom has become a big issue during the pandemic. Many politicians claim refusing to wear masks is your patriotic duty for it opposes authoritarian mandates. They call on their followers to choose to live as free people. Some water down their…
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Lesson 49: What is Islam?
Read MORE: Lesson 49: What is Islam?Before starting a new online course, let me offer few words about Islam. Lately people have been asking if there something about it that fosters the violence of its radical fundamentalists. I often ask the same thing about Christianity that…
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Lesson 48: Electronic Conversations
Read MORE: Lesson 48: Electronic ConversationsLet me first summarize the responses to how the church can foster conversation and then make a few observations about religious use of electronic communication. Conversations with Myron lead me to speak a few words about Islam next week. Then…
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Lesson 47: Conversation in the Community
Read MORE: Lesson 47: Conversation in the CommunityI hope you remembered we are trying to make a list of ways the church might foster creative conversation, I can not report on our progress until next week as I am on vacation. However, let me offer some of…
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Lesson 46: Conversation in the Community
Read MORE: Lesson 46: Conversation in the CommunityYesterday I worshiped at a Greek Orthodox Cathedral. I left elated having heard a fine sermon and participated in a beautiful liturgy. However, as the day progressed, I became more and more melancholy. When I reflected on why this was,…
Recent Comments
So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!