Gary Neal Hansen

Theology. It's good for you.

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You are here: Home / Archives for Misery

Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall: Heidelberg Catechism and the Law of God

August 6, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 2 Comments

You see someone looking in the mirror. Looking. Looking. What is he thinking? Better still, what are you thinking? Too much attention to his reflection — easy to suppose he likes what he sees. We mock the self-absorption of mythical Narcissus, falling in love with his reflection in a pond. But we also fear what […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Calvin, Catechism, Heidelberg, law, mirror, Misery, sin, theology

Where Did That Mess Come From?

February 8, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 8 Comments

In the novel Leaven of Malice Robertson Davies has one character tell another You are in a richly varied mess, true enough.  But, much as I like you, I am clear-eyed enough to see that it is the outward and visible reflection of the inward and invisible mess which is your soul. What fascinates me is Davies’ […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Catechism, Heidelberg, Leaven of Malice, Misery, Robertson Davies, sacrament, sin

Tidings of Comfort and …

January 10, 2013 by Gary Neal Hansen 3 Comments

The Christmas Carol ends that phrase with “Joy”. The Heidelberg Catechism appears to end it with “Misery”!  Or does it? I’ve been spending a lot of time in this text in recent years — the Heidelberg Catechism is a 16th century summary of the Christian faith, and the most widely used Reformed theological standard worldwide. […]

Filed Under: Heidelberg Catechism, Theology Tagged With: Catechism, Christian Education, Comfort, Confessions, Heidelberg, Jesus Christ, Misery

Theology. It’s good for you.

I'm a Church historian by trade. My writing, speaking, and teaching explores the Christian past to equip today's disciples. Join me here for regular posts on the best of theology, spirituality, community, and ministry. read more…

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