Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Part 9b: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. Once upon a time there was a stunningly lame song, the chorus of which began, “Let there be peace on earth, and let it begin with me.” I am profoundly sorry to any of you who now...... Read More

Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Part 9a: Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God. In my years as a hipster, I and my long-haired friends were fond of the saying, “Peace is not the destination, peace is the way.” Never mind that we didn’t really have any idea what that meant;...... Read More

Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Part 8b: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. I think we all agree that God knows us through and through. Sometimes we find out what he sees in us through the ministry of others. Sometimes a friend simply understands us intimately enough to see and say...... Read More

Thoughts on the Beatitudes, Part 8a: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. As a young boy I generally and genuinely enjoyed going to church and Sunday school. Besides being attracted to the weekly Scripture readings, I was also fascinated by some of the illustrations of theological, anthropological, and soteriological issues...... Read More