Shedding Light on the “Dark Ages” The Inquisition, the Crusades, the stifling of science—Christianity often gets a bad rap when it comes to the Middle Ages. But what does history actually reveal about the influence of Christianity upon Western Civilization? The Inquisition was rare and unusual, not characteristic of the church as a whole. It … [Read more...] about Is the Church Really to Blame?
The Holy Art of Dying – Memento Mori
Part I: Memento Mori (Remember You Must Die) This last September, my family and I had the opportunity to attend a quaint and curious carnival: the aptly-named “Hearsefest.” As its name implies, Hearsefest is a car show for hearses. Over 100 hearse collectors from all over the country drove to the tiny town of Fowlerville, Michigan to show off … [Read more...] about The Holy Art of Dying – Memento Mori
Crossing Paths: On the Road to Jericho
Part 1 - Rahab and the Spies (Joshua 2:8-13) A little girl wanted a cell phone for her tenth birthday. Her father said she wasn’t old enough. Undaunted, she challenged him by citing precedent: “How old were you when Grandma and Grandpa bought you your first cell phone?” Her father was born in 1967. Many find it hard to believe that people … [Read more...] about Crossing Paths: On the Road to Jericho
Our Holy Substitute
As we approach the holy season of our Lord’s nativity, we likely will join in asking the question: “Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass lately fed?” My fellow sinners, we all know the answer quite well. As shameful as it is, we know our Lord Jesus even as a baby was our holy Substitute. Since He came to take our place, He descended to … [Read more...] about Our Holy Substitute
Luther at the Wartburg: The Secret visit to Wittenberg
Luther’s Bible translation is considered one of his most important contributions not only to the Lutheran Reformation, but to language, literature, and culture. The translation was begun at the Wartburg after Christmas in 1521, and the first draft was completed in an astonishing eleven weeks. Back in Wittenberg in March, Luther had the help of … [Read more...] about Luther at the Wartburg: The Secret visit to Wittenberg
Praying the Psalms: Psalm 25
This last psalm in our year-long series is also the first. It is the last psalm we’ll consider for now, but in the Church’s worship services, it is the first. Psalm 25 is the appointed psalm for the First Sunday of Advent. And as the first psalm traditionally heard as a new Church year begins, let’s ascribe it to Adam. Adam’s psalm. Adam, … [Read more...] about Praying the Psalms: Psalm 25