Othering: The Original Sin of Humanity, Charles K. Bellinger (Cascade Books, Eugene, 2020). I was excited to have the opportunity to review Charles Bellinger’s book, Othering: The Original Sin of Humanity. I was hopeful the book would provide an insightful survey into society’s tendency to marginalize groups, disempower them, and make them the enemy. There […]
Author: Kevin Ruffcorn
Devotions on Matthew 25:13-46, The Son of Man Comes
The Son of Man Comes Monday–The Son of Man Comes “When the Son of Man comes to his glory and all the angels with him, then he will set on the throne of his glory” (Matthew 25:31-32). Very few high school students make it through four years of education without at least once being called […]
Devotions on Matthew 25:1-13–The Ten Bridesmaids
The Ten Bridesmaids Matthew 25:1-13 Monday–The Ten Bridesmaids “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like this. Ten bridesmaids took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom” (Matthew 25:1). James was on the hunt. He had recently graduated magna cum laude from a well-known college. Armed with his degree, he was looking for a […]
Devotions on Matthew 22:1-14–The Wedding Feast
The Wedding Feast Monday–the Wedding Feast “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son” (Matthew 22:2). Life was hard. Villagers worked hard to sustain a meager existence. Times were slightly better when the weather was good and a little worse when the weather was bad. […]
Choosing Faith
Choosing Faith, John W. Saultz (Resource, Eugene, 2019) Choosing Faith Faith is an overused word in modern society, especially in Christian circles. We “live by faith,” “are saved by grace through faith,” “need more faith,” and take “steps or leaps of faith.” We commonly encourage people to “have faith,” or “keep the faith.” We use […]
You’ve Got the Power
You’ve Got the Power You’ve Got the Power: Four Paths to Awaken Your Body’s archetypal Energies, Lavinia Plonka (Maven Press, Ashville, 2022) Lavinia Plonka brings a fresh perspective to the self-improvement/self-empowerment genre, with her book You’ve Got the Power. Though I’m not a frequent reader in the area, the majority of books I have read […]
Devotions on Matthew 20:1-16–Laborers in the Vineyard
Laborers in the Vineyard Matthew 20:1-16 Monday–Laborers in the Vineyard “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard” (Matthew 20:1). Wow, what a picture of heaven! There are no pearly gates, fluffy clouds, or gold streets. Nor are there feasts and […]
Matthew 18:15-35, Forgiveness+
Forgiveness+ Devotional Thoughts on Matthew 18:15-35 Monday–Forgiveness+ “If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone” (Matthew 18:15). Jesus’ instructions seem so simple, but we certainly have a difficult time following them. Karen and Juanita served on their congregation’s outreach committee. During […]
Elements of Life and Grace
Rationality, Humility, and Spirituality in Christian Life, Dennis Hiebert (Cascade, Eugene, 2020) Elements of Life and Grace Dennis Hiebert has written a fascinating book, which investigates three aspects of the Christian Life. His book is entitled, Rationality, Humility and Spirituality in Christian Life. It is all too easy for us to become complacent in our […]
Matthew 16:24-17:8 — Following Jesus
Following Jesus Matthew 16:24-17:8 Monday–Following Jesus “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross” (Matthew 16:24). Denying oneself is not an American tradition. American’s have accumulated the greatest personal debt in the world largely because when we see something we want we purchase it immediately. Americans are […]