Forgiving the Unforgivable: Mark Stroman & Rais Bhuiyan
Even after suffering a hate crime, Rais Bhuiyan was determined to forgive the shooter and care for his family.
Asking Why: The White Rose
Facing the horrors of the Nazi regime, members of the White Rose asked why and they acted. Asking why strengthens our faith for action.
Faith Can Take You All Over the World: Mary Fisher
Mary Fisher was an illiterate, uneducated 17th century English indentured servant when she heard George Fox preach. As a dedicated Quaker, she called out her pastor, challenged students at a seminary, and risked her life to preach in America.
Speaking with the Spirit Whatever the Price: Anne Hutchinson
Anne Hutchinson shared the good news of the Gospel in the mid-17th century even though it was different from the dominant understanding. Ultimately, she was banished.
Domestic Violence as Idolatry
The ancient gods blamed humanity for their own failings and problems. If humanity didn’t soothe them, they were struck down. Abusers treat their victims the same way.
Role of Women in the History of the Church
Women had leadership roles in the early church, but then that power was taken away. Reformer John Knox railed against women’s leadership, as did men at a General Assembly meeting in America in 1811.
Tea & Cookies with Protestors: Desmond Tutu
Desmond Tutu was still trying to bring down Apartheid in the mid-eighties. The powers that be hired protestors to try to smear Tutu, but he ended up sharing a tea party with them.
A Martyr to End Slavery: Rev. Elijah Parish Lovejoy
Elijah Parish Lovejoy was a minister and journalist who felt called to fight slavery. He refused to stop speaking out, to stop writing, to give up his cause. He was murdered by a pro-slavery mob.
The Stories We Tell about our Enemies
A West African proverb: until the lion tells the story, the hunter will always be the hero. Hearing the stories, the understandings, the circumstances of those we disagree with is the path to peace along the way of Christ.
The Impact of the Title “King of the Jews” on Herod the Great & Caesar Augustus
Only gentiles called Jesus “King of the Jews.” The Herods and the Caesars claimed many titles for themselves, but they perpetually felt their power threatened.