Numbers are a big deal in the Bible. Over the centuries, scholars have paid considerable attention to numbers like 3 (which seems to signify growth), 4 (often a shorthand for creation, as in the “four corners” of the earth), 7 (which traditionally denotes completeness), 10 (perfection, as exemplified by the Ten Commandments), 12 (the number connected with God’s chosen people, as… Read more »
So how did the prophet Jonah end up on a Mediterranean beach smelling like a tin of sardines? It all began with a call from God that, in Jonah’s mind, was definitely not his dream job: “‘Up on your feet and on your way to the big city of Nineveh! Preach to them. They’re in a bad way and I can’t ignore… Read more »
It happened more than 30 years ago. But I can remember it as if it happened yesterday. In a quest to be oh-so-funny, I made a comment I still wish I could take back. The Sunday service at the church I was serving had just begun. I was the preacher that morning. Dan, my good friend and pastoral colleague, provided the call… Read more »
President Teddy Roosevelt saved football. No wonder he’s on Mount Rushmore. During TR’s presidency in the first decade of the 20th century, college football had become increasingly popular. It had also become brutally dangerous. Safety features were minimal. Leather helmets provided only modest protection. “Real” football meant strapping young men running into each other at great speed, with no regulations governing unnecessary… Read more »
In the realm of celebrity animals, cows aren’t particularly cool. Arnold the pig, Flipper the dolphin, and Clarence the Cross-Eyed Lion all enjoyed the limelight in TV series of the past. Cows haven’t been as fortunate. Yes, Clarabelle Cow was the original best friend of Minnie Mouse. And Cow Steer was half of the offbeat duo that starred in the animated series… Read more »
Disagreements are inevitable. People disagree about climate change, the best way to load the dishwasher, who should be president, March Madness bracket seedings, the efficacy of vaccines, how to eat fried chicken (fingers vs. fork), what to do about Vladimir Putin, and whether green beer should be served more often than just St. Patrick’s Day. Because disagreements often lead to devaluing those… Read more »
In September 1519, Ferdinand Magellan left Spain on a quest to find an oceanic trade route to Asia. Magellan didn’t sail east. Others had already pioneered that route around the southern tip of Africa and through the Indian Ocean. Instead, he sailed west across the Atlantic. Would it be possible to connect Europe with China, Japan, and the East Indies by… Read more »
In the minds of many, the apostle Paul’s version of the Good News has been nothing but bad news for women. Two infamous texts stand out. The first is I Corinthians 14:34-35, where he asserts that “women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must remain in submission.” Then in I Timothy 2:11-15 Paul writes, “I… Read more »
Randall Tallerico was terrified. A recent college graduate, he was now a brand-new hire at Robert Solomon and Associates, a top advertising agency in Detroit. During his first week Robert was summoned to see Kathleen Hay, the agency’s creative director. Kathleen was juggling a phone, a cigarette, and a cup of coffee, all the while issuing orders to a stream… Read more »
Many people feel a twinge of disappointment the first time they see The Wizard of Oz. The heroes have journeyed through one obstacle after another in search of some of life’s best gifts: If I only had a brain. If I only had a heart. If I only had courage. If I only could go home. But the Wizard has nothing to… Read more »
