The goal of this series is to see how the principles of permaculture, the discipline of living, working, and creating sustainably within one’s environment, might interact with Christian faith to help us, as individuals and as communities, find ways of living faithfully for the long haul, without burning out, flaming out, or getting snuffed out. … Continue reading A Faith that Lasts: Observe and Understand
Last Sunday’s Gospel reading featured the wonderful interaction in which Jesus and his disciples talk about his identity. Peter, of course, identifies him as the long-awaited Messiah, the anointed leader who would restore Israel, and the passage ends with Jesus blessing Peter for his insight. But, as is so often the case, both with Peter … Continue reading A Tale of Two Rebukes: A Reflection on Matthew 16.21-28
If we look at ‘how the world works’ right now, it’s clear that things aren’t actually working. Our economic systems are benefiting fewer and fewer people, our education systems are focused on making ‘good workers’ more than good, informed, and critical-thinking citizens, our community organizations are emptying out even in the midst of a loneliness … Continue reading A Faith that Lasts: Introduction
[This series explores the way some of my favourite novels engage with spiritual things. As much as I will try to avoid discussing major plot points, I will be using quotes from the novels and be discussing how they fit generally into the story. So please take this as a spoiler warning.] A motif I … Continue reading Wisdom IN Literature: The Brothers Karamazov on Two Spiritual Paths
For those of us who call ourselves Christians, literally ‘Christ-lings’, or ‘little christs’, there are few questions of greater importance than who and what the Christ was and is. That question takes centre stage in today’s Gospel reading, Matthew 16.13-20, which includes Jesus’ famous question to his disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” … Continue reading The Power to Bind, the Power to Free: A Reflection on Matthew 16.13-20
Matthew Root 