I was reading in Lamentations recently and came across some verses that I found particularly interesting. It’s traditionally claimed that Lamentations was written by the Prophet Jeremiah. This is based on the reference in the Book of Jeremiah to the writing of a lament for King Josiah in 2 Chronicles 35:25. However, the Book itself … More Laments and Carrying On
There is something that is no longer appreciated. Perhaps it was never really liked. We live in a world filled with mystery, yet, many people seem to see mystery as something to be overcome. In our insatiable drive to eliminate mystery for the world, there has been an explosion of knowledge. “In his 1982 book … More The Discomfort of Mystery!
There’s one thing that I know I need more of: physical exercise. I regularly attend an exercise class, usually three times a week. And have taken up swimming ½ to ¾ mile before the class. It’s hard to keep the body in shape. (I should say, “in a healthy shape.” After all, round is a … More The Discomfort of Growing Spiritually
I wish I could know what was going to happen in the next few weeks or, at the very least, in the next few days. My life would be much more comfortable if I didn’t have to guess about the future. I suspect there are many who feel the same. However, I have some bad … More Life is Unpredictable
I have to admit, I want to be right. Still, why do so many people strive to prove they are right no matter what other people say? Desire to be right drives me to look for research on topics of interest. I look at what is said, how the research was done and who was … More Believing the News or Not
There have been so many mass killings that I can’t keep track. I started to revise this article several times and each time realized the listing I had of killings was outdated after only a couple of days. Months ago, I was shocked to hear of the killings in Atlanta, Georgia. Eight women were killed … More Why Violence
“Loyalty” means different things to different people depending on the context in which the word is used. It’s a concept that we would all do well to think carefully about before committing ourselves to something, be it a nation, a religion or even to a family. Loyalty is complicated when life demands loyalty to … More Loyalty
There are words that are “loaded.” By that, I mean words that when used, can set people against each other whether or not that was the intention. One of those words is “racism.” The first reaction of many people to hearing the word “racist” is to deny they have any part in it. “I’m not … More Racism
When Pilate asked Jesus, “What is truth?” he wasn’t the first person to question what truth was, nor would he be the last. Jesus didn’t respond. As I read the passage (John 18:38) it appears that Pilate wasn’t really interested in an answer. He asks the question and then goes out to speak to the … More What Is Truth?
Terms like “white privilege,” “Black Lives Matter,” “racist,” “white supremacist” and others are casually tossed around, usually with a political implication. It is important to remember that each of these terms has a spiritual component. It is unfortunate that attitudes, including the fear of the loss of personal freedoms and positions in society make it … More White Privilege
Ross T Lucas 