Tomorrow the Western Church commemorates St. Thomas Aquinas (1224-1274). What should we learn from this Doctor of the Church? A lot. For generations he was required study for Roman Catholics preparing for priesthood — no small influence there. He was also the whipping boy of the Reformation — Luther and Calvin disliked him a lot, […]
Vocabulary Lesson: “Trinity,” “Council”
A couple of weeks ago when I wrote about Gregory of Nazianzus I noted that his approach to the Trinity was radically different from most of what is said on the topic today. “I could say more — just ask me!” I quipped. My dear friend Jack Craft said he’d like to hear more. Here […]
St. Gregory of Nazianzus — “The Theologian”
In much of Western Christianity, today is the feast of St. Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329 – c. 389). In the East he is celebrated on other days and regarded much more highly: they call him “The Theologian.” I can’t overestimate how important Gregory is to me, though in truth I have read only a […]
Need a Tour Guide to the Bible? Heidelberg Catechism, Q. 21-22
How do you make sense of the Bible? It comes in two testaments written in multiple languages and cultures across a vast span of centuries. The list of its literary genres includes poetry, law, letters, micro-fiction, history — and it tends to include multiple versions of key stories. A whole lot of us could use […]
What Do You Hope For? Three Promises In Christ’s Resurrection
Years ago, when I was a pastor, I stood with a family who had lost a loved one — a husband, father, and grandfather. His widow, whom I’d not previously met, was overwhelmed. She hardly spoke in the week I saw her, so wracked she was by the pain of grief. It is hardly surprising. […]