In religious terms, meekness and hope are both powerful concepts necessary to elevation of character in this life and eternal joy. Outside this sphere though, these words seem to have lost their power, becoming meaningless and worthy only of pity for those who profess to seek them. Dictionary.com defines meekness as (a) humbly patient or … Continue reading The Power of Meekness
The Old Testament is full of extraordinary events and fascinating people. Far removed from our time, the differences between life then and now are sometimes enormous, enough that it can be very difficult to comprehend some of the more astonishing occurrences it records. Things that we find inconceivable – like a whole sea dividing itself, … Continue reading Ancient Israel and the command to kill: bloodthirsty or merciful?
How is the ‘shield of faith’, described by Paul, both a protection and a weapon against ‘principalities, powers, the rulers of darkness of this world’, and ‘spiritual wickedness in high places’ (Ephesians 6:12)? Our class teacher asked us a question like this in Gospel Doctrine a couple of weeks ago. After thinking about it, I … Continue reading The shield of faith
I like the imagery Paul uses in his letter to the Roman Saints as he teaches them about sin, grace, justification and salvation. He contrasts the actions of Adam and Christ and parallels them with death and life. Sin, or transgression, brought death into the world – and us. Grace through the Atonement of Jesus … Continue reading The life-giving power of the Sacrament
Some people get concerned over Paul’s direction (e.g. in 1 Corinthians 14:34,35) that women should “keep silent” in the church and be subject to their husbands. Besides the less-than-perfect translation, women being “subject” to their husbands or needfully “silent” in any situation is a difficult principle for people to accept today. This is partly because … Continue reading Saving families – why women don’t ‘rule’ in the Church
Peaceable Treasures 