The Power of the Creed: These Ancient Truths Will Change You and Your World, Mark Nauroth, (San Bernardino, 2019). The Creed Gets Personal In my theological education, as a Lutheran pastor, I have read and studied several books on the creeds—the statements of faith—of the church. Mark Nauroth’s book, Power of the Creed, is one […]
Author: Kevin Ruffcorn
Closet Discoveries
There’s a God in My Closet: Encountering the Love Who Embraces Our Skeletons, Ben Delong, Resource Publications, Eugene, 2019. The purpose of closets is to store things. Jackets and coats go in the closet near the front door. Clothes are hung up in the bedroom closets, and towels in the closets near the bathrooms. Frequently […]
Daring to Think Again Offers Fresh Perspective
Book Review: Daring to Think Again By David Brisbin Perspective is very important. We have all seen pictures that are optical illusions. In one you see a young woman or and old hag. In another a chalice or the profile of two people. There are scores of others, and what you see is determined by […]
A Scientific Approach to Time Management
A Scientific Approach to Time Management Book Review: Unbusy: How to Leverage the Physics of Flow to Accomplish more of what Truly Matters and Feel Less Busy at the Same Time, Andy Dragt, 2019 There are a plethora of self-help and time management books on the market. Unbusy, by Andy Dragt, can certainly be listed […]
Grief 2 Growth: A Story Shared
Grief 2 Growth is a story. Each of us has a story. It is important for us to share our stories. Living in community, we strengthen, encourage, and educate each other, when we share our stories. Our stories bond us together as we face the heartaches, challenges and triumphs of life. Grief 2 Growth: A […]
Mark 1:21-45–Jesus Begins His Ministry
Jesus casts out an unclean spirit Jesus Begins His Ministry Devotions on Mark 1:21-45 December 30-January 5, 2020 Monday–Jesus Begins His Ministry “They were astounded at his teaching.” (Mark 1:22a) Rob Bell in his video “Lump” http://nooma.com/films/010-lump tells the story of what happened when his oldest son lied to his wife and him. When he […]
“The Faithful Spy” Tells a Powerful Story
Book Review: The Faithful Spy The Faithful Spy, by John Hendrix (Amulet Books, New York) is a graphic novel. Comic books, which were the graphic novels of my childhood, are distant relatives of today’s graphic novels. Be assured, though, The Faithful Spy is much more than a comic book, or even a comic book on […]
“Irrevocable”–A Book on Inclusiveness
Book Review: Irrevocable: Paul’s Radical Vision in Romans 9-11, and Why Christianity Can’t Handle It “Discovering St. Paul’s Inclusiveness” The church has always struggled with inclusiveness. “Who is in and who is out” has been one of the driving questions in Christianity throughout its history. It started with the discussion on whether or not Gentiles […]
The Way to a Man’s Heart
A Whisper is Heard, “Blessed is the Man” “Blessed is the Man,” by Dale Fredrickson Society shouts at males, both young and old to “Man up!” The commands are well known. “Stop crying! Real men don’t cry.” “Don’t be a sissy—don’t get emotional.” “Competition and winning make a man.” “Success is wealth, possessions and career […]
A Skeptic’s Guide to Belief
A Skeptics Guide to Belief Helps the Search for Truth and Faith Ken Crispin has written a fantastic book for those of us who are not satisfied with easy answers or simplistic cries to “keep the faith.” His book, A Skeptics Guide to Belief, (Resource Publications, Eugene, OR, 2019). leads the reader on an […]