With another Reformation Day come and gone, as usual, it has caused me to reflect upon this most […]
reformation
Another Reformation Day has come and gone, red paraments have dawned on the altar, another rendition of A […]
A couple of years ago, at the prompting of a friend who thought that I had too much […]
On this day, 504 years ago a young monk named Martin Luther stood before the doors of the […]
It’s 16th Century England, King Henry VIII sits on the throne, and the recently ignited Protestant Reformation has […]
Last year we all watched as statues and monuments were toppled and defaced across the country. Statues depicting […]
Born on the 10th of November.
Loved by some. Hated by others. Misunderstood by still more.
Surrounded by history and legend, some of it true and some of questionable validity. With a reputation for enjoying a few beers and spouting off some rather harsh insults, even sprinkling in some profanity to the conversation from time to time.
Loud and a bit brash. Regularly accused of being obnoxious or aggressive, and of using unconventional means to accomplish the mission. Sleep deprived and often experiencing digestive issues thanks to a high carb diet.
Marrying someone off limits. At times, demonstrating absolute disdain for certain kinds of authorities.
Hero or terror, it depends which side of the disagreement you find yourself on. Unafraid of throwing a punch and never holding back. You really wouldn’t want to be on the opposing side, for then the excrement would soon start flying your way.
On January 1, 1863, the President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln, issued an executive order which changed […]
It is no secret, Kanye West struggles with his dad. Whether he is mad, disappointed or frustrated, his […]
By Paul Koch –
500 years ago. Can you believe it? 500 years ago, an unknown monk and professor of theology at a small university in the town of Wittenberg, Germany let his frustrations with the bureaucracy of the church boil over. See, though the church was always a place where the gifts of Christ were given to the faithful, over the years it had become a place marked by systems of penance and work that obscured the gifts of Christ. To continue the growth and strength of the church, monetary payments were attached to your devotional activities. From viewing relics to buying indulgences the Christian was encouraged to ease their conscience and show their repentance by these acts of faithfulness. But this meant that the conscience of the people was always plagued with doubt. Did they give enough or do enough to be sure of their salvation? Where they good enough Christians? Perhaps just one more payment, one more pilgrimage, one more act of penance is needed. In fact, one more is always needed.