Christian claim #7: “We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins.” I have long appreciated this fascinating quote from Reinhold Niebuhr: Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore, we must be saved by hope. Nothing which is true or beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore, we must…
“I have faith! Help my lack of faith!” (Mark 9:24) Teresa of Calcutta, known affectionately by the world over as Mother Teresa, spent half a century tending to the poor far from her homeland. Yet in letters published only after her death, she speaks of decades filled with “dryness”, “darkness”, even “torture.” “Jesus has a very special love for you”…
One of the most beautiful descriptions of what intellectual Christian faith involves was penned in the year 1077. In the first chapter of his Proslogion, Anselm writes these stirring words: I acknowledge, Lord, and I give thanks that you have created in me this your image, so that I can remember you, think about you and love you. But it…