In general, it is not a good idea to base complex theological understandings on snippets and sound bites.
Hard Grace
April 29, 2020 by
It was extremely important for the church of my youth to prove that every single miracle in the Bible be proven as an historical and scientific fact. A literal seven day creation, the parting of the Red Sea, Joshua making the sun stand still, and of course, there was the story of “Jonah and the Whale.”
Connections 01.21.2018: A Second Time
January 14, 2018 by
Mr. James Boggs died a few weeks ago. He was my Little League Baseball coach. He taught me many lessons; one in particular has stayed with me through the almost half-century that has passed since those days. I was at bat. I don’t remember all the details, but I know that we had at least one runner on base.
On Election Day
November 8, 2016 by
We read the end of Jonah’s story on Election Day for the United States. In less than twenty-four hours our fears will be relieved or realized.
Formations 05.25.2014: Human Libraries Combat Prejudice
May 18, 2014 by
The Main Branch of the Long Beach (CA) Library will feature a “Human Library” event on May 31. Such events were first created in Copenhagen in 2000 by Stop the Violence, a team of five activists who were disturbed by the stabbing of a friend and wanted to do something about it.
Formations 05.18.2014: A Reluctant Prophet
May 11, 2014 by
In the Old Testament, obedience ranks high on the list of things God expects from God’s people. Granted, the Bible is clear that there are also other, nobler responses to God: love, adoration, faith, etc. But these things count for little if we are unwilling simply to do as God says.
Formations 05.11.2014: In the Belly of the Beast
May 4, 2014 by
As children, we may have been fascinated with the great fish (usually depicted as a whale) that swallowed Jonah and later spit him out on the shore. To our young, impressionable minds, the whole thing must have sounded like a harrowing adventure.
Formations 05.04.2014: President Condemns Deserting Ferry Crew
April 27, 2014 by
The world continues to grieve with the people of South Korea after the sinking of the Sewol ferry last month. Adding to the grief is the knowledge that the inaction of the captain and crew likely contributed to the tragedy.