At some point in my young life, I began participating in my parents’ nightly prayer time. Using the denominational devotional guide, one of them would read the suggested Scripture passage and the printed meditation, and then say a short prayer.
Connections 09.11.2016: The Hope of “That Day”
September 4, 2016 by
If you’re a regular reader of Coracle—or a regular participant in a Bible study class that uses it—you may or may not read the Scripture references before you read the articles. Today, I encourage you to look up Isaiah 25:6-10a and read it thoughtfully before you go any further.
Formations 01.31.2016: Creation from Catastrophe
January 24, 2016 by
This September marks the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London. Among those commemorating the event is the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba), which has already opened an exhibition.
Formations 08.02.2015: Loving—and Forgiving—Our Enemies
July 26, 2015 by
Two days after Dylann Roof murdered nine members of Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, the families of his victims posted a YouTube video in which they extended forgiveness and urged Roof to repent.
Formations 07.05.2015: Unspeakable Tragedy
June 28, 2015 by
What does one do in the face of unspeakable tragedy? In the weeks to come, Rev. Goff will have to deal with the hurt, anger, frustration, and despair of an entire congregation, and entire city, and even an entire country.
Uniform 07.05.2015: The Stranger Among Us
June 28, 2015 by
You are sitting with your friends, getting ready for Bible study. It’s a weekly event that you all look forward to—good company along with spiritual growth as you learn about God together. A visitor walks in.
Uniform 04.05.2015: Of Resurrection and Moon Landings
March 29, 2015 by
On this Sunday, a high holy day for Christians around the world, many Americans will observe a holy moment in pop culture: the premiere of the final season of Mad Men.
Formations 03.01.2015: Prepare for the Worst
February 22, 2015 by
It may be tempting to get lost in the maze of end-times teachings that often accompany a text like this. For you and your class, it may be just as easy to dismiss the entire thing as irrelevant speculations with no clear application to the world in which Christians live.
Formations 01.11.2015: Praying in Times of Tragedy
January 4, 2015 by
After showing hospitality to Elijah and seeing her meager provisions miraculously multiplied, we readers might have been lulled into thinking that the widow of Zarephath’s problems were now over.
Formations 09.14.2014: Reeling from a “Lifequake”
September 7, 2014 by
Americans remember September 11, 2001 as a horrific day in which the world was shattered by the destructive acts of ruthless fanatics. According to Dr. Howard Samuels, all of us have also faced smaller, more personal “ground-zero” experiences that have left us reeling, struggling to get back on our feet, and wondering how we could ever survive.
Uniform 08.31.2014: Look for the Helpers
August 24, 2014 by
When I was little, I felt like I knew the man who invited children into his home each week and treated them like a true neighbor. Fred Rogers was more than a television star. He was our friend.
A Prayer for Ferguson
August 20, 2014 by
O God, We don’t have to tell you that the city of Ferguson, Missouri is coming apart at the seams. Please give the people there peace with justice and justice with peace.
Formations 06.08.2014: We Will Always Remember
June 1, 2014 by
Three years ago, the deadliest U.S. tornado since 1947 slammed into Joplin, Missouri, killing 161 and injuring 1,100. It destroyed or damaged 7,500 homes and displaced 9,200 people. Last month, on the third anniversary of this devastating tragedy, the people of Joplin said “thank you.”