A larder full of implications, a commentary upon what we have become. Law and policy are no longer determined by Almighty God, nor objective reality. Nor are laws supposed to be binding upon all alike. Instead, right and wrong, together with actual enforcement, will henceforth be determined solely by what identity politics’ darlings indicate are … [Read more…]
I noticed a book on one of my shelves, The Great Plague by Walter George Bell, about the devastation wrought upon London in 1665. It is, to say the least, instructive to learn of other epochal bouts with disease in Western history (and not limited to the famous flu pandemics of the last 100 years). … [Read more…]
It started with Crest–the family choice. It was seriously backed-up-mouth-magic, according to the ads. I write out the following blurb from memory: “Crest has been shown to be an effective decay-preventive dentifrice that can be of significant value when used in a conscientiously applied program of oral hygiene and regular professional care.” –as per some … [Read more…]
A research team from the Hoomey campus of the University of Alabama published a paper yesterday in the Journal of Mnemonic Insights (Winter 2017) suggesting that a factor or factors recently or currently operative in a region stretching all the way from Huntsville to Mobile, has either halted–or in several cases even reversed–some of Alzheimer’s … [Read more…]
America never quite had firm and fixed class distinctions, such as those which were evident in the European nations which fed our colonies and founding states. Our early rhetoric–and our ensuing ownership of its implications, instead worked in the opposite direction. Now that we have succumbed to egalitarian rhetoric and convictions, now that we have … [Read more…]
The men who have deeply influenced my thinking have been several, and I’d gladly list them if asked, telling particular ways each has contributed to my understanding of Scripture and life. Those who influenced my preaching, however, are fewer (which may partly account for its deficiencies). Few or many, the influence of Marcus Dods upon … [Read more…]
by Rev. Steve Schlissel In a moral universe, offenders grant power to the offended. The ineradicable, relentless presence of equity takes right from the wrongdoer and puts it into the account of the victim. It is for this, among many other reasons, that it is not only blasphemous, it is nonsense to speak of forgiving … [Read more…]
Some have asked for guidance in their thinking and reaction to the killing of Ben Lowdown. Okay, some quick ones. But first let me assure you that these comments are NOT personal and have no one in view. That said, I mourn over our unreaction to this unqualifiedly wonderful news and regard our confusion as … [Read more…]
Good day Friends! Wanna join us live for a Bible Study in NYC with Pastor Steve Schlissel? Well, now you can—depending on the meaning of the word,”live.” Messiah’s announces its maiden effort to bring some new technology into the service of the King: A live-streaming Bible Study at our new internet channel MessiahsMedia*, broadcasting Tuesdays, … [Read more…]
Beloved Friends, 12/31/2010 Greetings in our Messiah. Here we are, a full decade—plus one— of years since the world was in the grip of a different brand of fear: Y2K-mania, or, The Error Terror. Born with the favor of a terminal date by which it would be revealed as either malignant or benign, it came … [Read more…]
by Rev. Steve Schlissel At a 9/11 Memorial Service near Ground Zero in Manhattan, I was challenged by the speaker. No, I wasn’t challenged to become a better person, a more responsible citizen, or even to win friends and influence people. I was simply challenged to remain in the room and feign attention. The speaker … [Read more…]
by Rev. Steve Schlissel I’ve heard comedians draw howls as they sought atonement by offering to their audience a self-deprecating confession, admitting they watch infomercials. “It occurred to me that I didn’t, in fact, own a knife that could cut through my shoe.” Not to be outdone by their high-tech electronic counterparts, direct-mail marketers dreamed … [Read more…]
Thursday, November 26th Beloved family of Messiah, Thanksgiving greetings in the name above all others. Several of us have been delivered from that lugubrious shadow cast over the Christian life by the so-called Regulative Principle of Worship. It was originally intended to be a help, enabling Christians to live happier lives in their Christ-won liberty … [Read more…]