Marcianus Aristides was a second century Christian apologist, who addressed his work to the Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius (138-161). He begins his address by stating that in his contemplation of the orderly creation he has concluded that the hidden God stands behind all that is moved. He decided to investigate this Mover without the pretense…
In America the spiritual life and the exercise of religion are being squeezed out by the sights and sounds around us. Among these phenomena are: Street and highway noise Noise in the market place (e.g. blaring music in the stores) Constant advertising, reaching especially into the home (telephone soliciting) The media (though we have a…
Nihilism is a philosophical and theological view that human life has no ultimate meaning.–no God, no morality, no sense. The word from Latin literally means nothing. We find it in the English word, annihilate. Signs of nihilism in America include: Great decline in belief in God and religious practice including churchgoing Decline of public and…
Intolerant of any opinion that differs from their own, distorting the views of others, and using ad hominem attacks to advance their argument sound to many moderns like Christians throughout history. These characteristics are impressed on us by those who actually do these things, namely left wing activists. Right wing ideologues can do the same…
In the first centuries after the death and resurrection of Christ, several Christian writers produced apologies for the Christian faith. Among their intended audiences were the Jewish community, the Roman government, the philosophers, and the pagans. In several articles over the next year we will closely examine some of these works. An early apology outside…
In the last chapters of the Gospel of John Saint Thomas plays the pre-eminent part as the doubter. At an appearance of the resurrected Jesus, Thomas was not present. When the apostles told him that they had seen the Lord, he did not believe. He said, “Unless I see in his hands the mark of…
Christian practice is grounded in Christian faith. Faith leads to faithfulness; belief leads to action. Among essential elements of this practice are gratitude, humility, and wonder. The Christian disciple must be ever grateful for all that God has done in his life. Contained in the First Article of the Creed and an essential part of…
Peter is a central figure in all four Gospels. While the Gospel of Matthew sets Peter at the very center of apostolic authority, John places his authority beside the beloved disciple who may be John himself, the writer of the Gospel. In both Gospels the account of Peter’s betrayal is given with some differing details. …
In the American political arena insults are daily exchanged between antagonists. At times, even the word evil is dropped to describe opponents. Who is evil? What are the criteria for calling another evil? It is not necessarily one’s political ideology that makes one of evil opinion. Many political ideologies and positions fall within ethical parameters….
Pilate’s first response to the leaders who brought Jesus to him was that they should deal with Jesus themselves. The Jewish leaders reminded Pilate that they did not have the authority to execute Him. Pilate then interviewed Jesus to find out the facts of the matter. In this part of the conversation our Lord asserts…
