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>…
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
Tag: featured
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Angels
Read MORE: AngelsWe have come once more to hear the story of Jesus’ birth. We have come to remember the turning point, when God came to rule his world, to make right what has gone wrong. We gather in darkness, listening for…
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Here I Come!
Read MORE: Here I Come!All Advent, we have been praying, “Stir up your power, O Lord, and come. Stir up your power, O God, and come.” Now on Christmas Eve, we hear God’s reply, “Okay. Here I come.” We jump back. We are afraid.…
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Lesson 11: The Resurrection of the Body and the Life Everlasting
Read MORE: Lesson 11: The Resurrection of the Body and the Life EverlastingThe creed ends with the affirmation that we shall share Jesus’ resurrection. Although there is some concern about when this will take place, there is agreement that Jesus’ resurrection appearances, as recorded in the Bible, indicate what ours shall be…
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Lesson 10: The Forgiveness of Sin
Read MORE: Lesson 10: The Forgiveness of SinAt first, it might seem strange that belief in the forgiveness of sins appears so prominently in the Creed. Sin is not a popular topic in the modern world. To acknowledge a mistake is a sign of weakness. A failure…
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Lesson 9: Alive In The Spirit
Read MORE: Lesson 9: Alive In The SpiritChristians believe the Risen Christ is still among us. The Creed lists several ways this takes place in its third article that describes the work of the Holy Spirit. Whereas the Old Testament claims that Spirit filled certain leaders, the…
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Lesson 8: Resurrection is Hope
Read MORE: Lesson 8: Resurrection is HopeMost of us can’t help ourselves when we speak the last part of the Second Article, “On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come…
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Lesson 7: Descended into Hell
Read MORE: Lesson 7: Descended into HellA close examination of this phrase can help us gain some perspective on what is involved in using a 2000 year-old creed. When I was young, I thought it meant I had to believe in hell. That made me uncomfortable…
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Lesson 6: Jesus Suffered
Read MORE: Lesson 6: Jesus SufferedThe next portion of the second article also emphasizes Jesus was a human with all of our limitations. “He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried”. There is nothing make believe here. Jesus dies. And before he…
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Lesson 5: Is Jesus Special? How?
Read MORE: Lesson 5: Is Jesus Special? How?Creeds are not complete statements of what we believe. For the most part, they state positions the Church has taken on controversial issues. You see that easily when you examine the second article. It skips from Jesus’ birth to his…
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Lesson 4: All Creation is Interrelated
Read MORE: Lesson 4: All Creation is InterrelatedWhen we confess belief in a loving God who creates everything good, we acknowledge all things are unique and interrelated. Francis’ encyclical puts it this way in #86. “We understand better the importance and meaning of each creature if we…
Recent Comments
An extremely timely topic. Thanks, Fritz!
yes we need to forgive our leaders yet make sure they do the right thing – which they aren’t.