Ancient Israel and the command to kill: bloodthirsty or merciful?

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?

Be of good cheer

A couple of months ago, I was studying chapters 14-16 of John. They’re really nice chapters where the Lord is explaining to his disciples what will soon occur for him and them. He’s also helping them understand why it’s necessary and how they can remain at peace despite the loneliness and difficulty to come. In … Continue reading Be of good cheer

The shield of faith

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