The teacher stood at the front of the class and asked, “Why might some people choose to believe in unicorns?” “Because they’re crazy,” mumbled the boy. On what basis is it fair to claim that a person who believes in unicorns is “crazy”? Not being a believer, I certainly feel as though I can understand … Read More →
This morning, awaking in the pre-dawn darkness, I felt pretty despairing of my faith. The sense of failure and of weakness was palpable. I feel like a bad Christian. Of course, this is not a new feeling. Like a weed, this sense of estrangement and weakness has been growing for some weeks. I’ve just been … Read More →
Odd story, really. So, there I am in class exploring with the kids the meaning of festivals and celebrations for communities. We’d been discussing what a festival was. One of the lads, trying to grasp the idea, asked whether “festivals are a bit like Christmas”… which kicked off a wholly weird conversation. Let’s not get … Read More →
Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk (1724-83) mused, “If an earthly king, our emperor, wrote you a letter, would you not read it with joy? Certainly, with great rejoicing and careful attention.” He goes on, in reference to the Holy Bible, to say, “You have been sent a letter, not by any earthly emperor, but by the … Read More →
