October Wrap Up
Jane Goodall, Mormon Forgiveness, Extemporaneous Exorcisms and More...
Check out the month-end wrap up for October! We have some great articles on Science & Faith, forgiveness in unexpected places, real life intersecting with grace, and more. Let’s dive into a recap of last month’s law/gospel reflections!
10th Century Cemeteries & Grace
Popular Mechanics reported on a recent discovery in central Poland, where researchers excavated a burial site from the 10th century—exactly when Christianity was emerging and mingling with older beliefs. While some of the graves followed Christian burial customs, the bodies still wore pagan-era jewelry and weapons. What an ironic reminder that the grace of God often works in the in-between - prioritizing slow, layered transformation over finished conversions. In short, grace can meet us mid-story, not just at the ending. | The full article is available here.
Science Declares the Glory of God? Say It Aint’ So…
A new book featuring the work of 62 Nobel Prize–winning scientists argues that modern research—from cosmology to DNA—actually supports belief in a Creator rather than undermining it - imagine that...Despite the age old dichotomy of pitting science against faith, the glory of God is not undermined by our study of His creation. I am always encouraged by any insight that invalidates the commonly held notion that Christianity and science must remain mutually exclusive. After all, cosmic curiosity may not be too far removed from genuine worship…I mean, just ask the psalmist. | To read the full article, click here!
Almost Paradise…
Has the Biblical Garden of Eden been found? One scientist believes so. According to a Daily Mail article, the true site of the iconic garden allegedly lies along the shores of Lake Tana in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Furthermore, this claim is allegedly supported by ancient geography, river systems, and volcanic “flaming sword” ridges. Perhaps the incessant search for Eden is really a longing for our true home — i.e. for unbroken beauty, belonging, and the experience of God’s presence. Even if the actual location remains a mystery, the invitation to a true and better Eden still stands (hint: His name is Jesus). In the meantime, someone call Dr. Jones… | Also, click here for the full article.
Battling Unbelief?
Did you hear about the Pennsylvania pastor who used a rifle as an object lesson during a sermon on spiritual warfare? No, this is not a Babylon Bee article…The illustration fell flat to say the least…and ended up sparking both strong defense (see what I did there?) and strong discomfort in the faith community. Okay, moral of the story here: first of all, if you are a preacher, don’t do this…ever. Secondly, how we communicate faith matters as much as the passion (and ammo) we carry. | To read the full story, click here.
Exorcisms & Exponents of Falsehood
Just in time for Halloween, here is a reflection illustrating Karl Barth’s term for spiritual deception: “exponents of falsehood.” Pastor Jason Micheli details an encounter he once had with the forces of darkness, in which he was able to wield the word of faith with simplicity…in the genuine spirit of ‘the foolishness of preaching’. Make time to read the full story…you will especially love the way it ends…
Death Row’s Altar Call
Inspired by his late mother, Beverly Tate, Snoop Dogg released his second gospel album timed for her birthday. So, I listened to a few tracks and it was admittedly subpar (imho), but hey, I appreciate the sentiment, and the irony of the existence of a Death Row Mass Choir…who knew? If nothing else, this album’s release reminds us that sometimes grief becomes the doorway to gratitude and praise…and that legacy doesn’t just live behind us — it can call something new out of us. | The full article is available here.
Gorillas…and Grace in the Midst…
Shoutout to Josh Retterer for putting me up on the following anecdote. One of Gary Larson’s Far Side comic strips once offended The Jane Goodall foundation, with the cartoon’s insinuation of ‘romantic involvement’ between the late primatologist and the gorillas she studied. The offense remained, until Goodall (who died last month) herself later found it hilarious and eventually used it in a fundraising campaign. What an apt illustration (pun intended) of Low Anthropology, and a subtle reminder of how misunderstandings can become meeting places when grace enters the room…and how humor can become a vehicle for forgiveness. | Check out the full article here!
Mormon Forgiveness
In Michigan, after a deadly attack on a congregation of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints that left four people dead and eight wounded, an online fundraiser was set up not for the victims but for the wife and young son of the shooter. The effort, initiated by a church member, appealed to a deeper idea of forgiveness, compassion, and the recognition that trauma touches more people than just the obvious victims. This story powerfully underscores how grace shows up in the hard place of extending compassion to the unthinkable, reminding us that mercy can dismantle walls we imagined unbreakable. May this story remind us that choosing to offer care rather than only claim justice can itself be a witness to a different story…i.e. The Only Story…hint: His name is Jesus. | The full article is found here.
Love Jason Micheli. Speaking of exorcisms, we watched the movie The Deliverance (Netflix) over the weekend directed by Lee Daniels. A "Christian Film" in disguise, though not one Kirk Cameron would approve of. I don't know if I would say it's worth watching, but an interesting angle on the possession genre.