https://youtu.be/3gLsEt3sEIk?feature=shared&t=8 To many (I believe), it is almost indisputable that Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) marks the apogee of the Baroque period (seventeenth to mid-eighteenth centuries). His organ chorale titled "Wenn wir in höchsten Nöten sein" (When We Are in Profound Distress) (BWV 641) is from the Orgelbüchlein, a collection of his chorale preludes (1712-1717). The … Continue reading When We Are in Profound Distress (BWV 641)
Knowing God versus Knowing about God
"We come back, then, to where we started. The question is not whether we are good at theology or 'balanced' (horrible, self-conscious word!) in our approach to problems of Christian living. The question is, can we say, simply, honestly, not because we feel that as evangelicals we ought to, but because it is a plain … Continue reading Knowing God versus Knowing about God
Spiritual Myopia
I read a contact lens company's brochure while I was waiting to pick up my new glasses. The brochure was to advertise their new corrective lenses for myopia but it was full of useful information. I learned a few things: The definition of myopia: Put simply, it is near-sightedness.The symptom: Distant objects appear blurry.The cause: … Continue reading Spiritual Myopia
Toronto Pride, Grace, and My Preaching
Peter from the Canadian Tire Auto Service finally phoned around 10 am and said my vehicle was not ready yet. That meant Lynn and I had to travel to Toronto by bus. I was preaching today; so, no matter what, I had to be at church. It was challenging. The bus from home to James … Continue reading Toronto Pride, Grace, and My Preaching
Endo, Silence (沈黙) (1966)
遠藤周作 (Shusaku Endo, 1923–96) was a Japanese Catholic novelist. His occupation with Roman Catholic belief penetrates throughout this entire book. Endo published Silence in Japanese in 1966. Seventeenth century Japan was ruled by the Tokugawa shogunate (徳川幕府)—also known as the Edo shogunate (江戸幕府)—which was ended by the Meiji Restoration (明治維新) in 1868. While the Edo … Continue reading Endo, Silence (沈黙) (1966)