Monthly Archives: February 2009

A Missional Church in Tulare, California

Posted on February 28, 2009 by John Armstrong

Last weekend, February 20-22, I had the privilege of ministering in several different places in California’s Central Valley. For those who do not know the Central Valley is the most fertile and productive farming country in all of the United … Continue reading →

Posted in Missional Church | 2 Comments

Justice in America? The Failure of Our Prison System

Posted on February 27, 2009 by John Armstrong

Our prison system is an unmitigated disaster. Very few Christians know the real problems in the system and even less really care. This is positively wrong. We need to become advocates for justice and mercy in the very best sense … Continue reading →

Posted in Ethics | 8 Comments

The Intersection of Faith, Media and Politics: An Evening with David Brooks

Posted on February 26, 2009 by John Armstrong

Last week I enjoyed another one of those great lectures that I get to hear now-and-then. (I have made reference to these several times recently.) This time the presentation was an evening hosted by the Center for Applied Christian Ethics … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 2 Comments

Ash Wednesday: The Beginning of Lent

Posted on February 25, 2009 by John Armstrong

Many evangelicals believe that Lent, and thus Ash Wednesday, are Roman Catholic celebrations. Nothing could be further from the truth. In this instance the "evangelical sub-culture" has misinformed multitudes of people to embrace a reactionary response against church tradition. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Tradition | 2 Comments

The Passing of the Peace

Posted on February 23, 2009 by John Armstrong

One of the most basic traditions of holy worship practiced by Christians down through the ages is called "the passing of the peace." This tradition is rooted in the several passages in the New Testament that refer to giving one … Continue reading →

Posted in Church Tradition | 4 Comments

The Season of Epiphany

Posted on February 22, 2009 by John Armstrong

We come today to the last Sunday in Epiphany. Next week begins Lent and the church's preparation for Easter. Most Christians, at least those who are Protestants, know very little about this celebration. This is actually a sad loss since … Continue reading →

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Michael Beschloss on Presidential Courage

Posted on February 21, 2009 by John Armstrong

One of the privileges I am afford, living in a city like Chicago, is the opportunity to hear various noteworthy scholars, teachers and journalists speak publicly. Elmhurst College, where both my wife and daughter received a B. A. degree, is … Continue reading →

Posted in America and Americanism | 1 Comment

The Academy Award Goes To . . .

Posted on February 20, 2009 by John Armstrong

The five nominees for Best Picture are Slumdog Millionaire, Frost/Nixon, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Milk, and The Reader. Slumdog Millionaire received ten Academy nominations and thus will, most likely, win the most awards this year. There is some … Continue reading →

Posted in Film | 2 Comments

24: The Seventh Season

Posted on February 19, 2009 by John Armstrong

Yes, I really do enjoy 24. I actually think this is a much better season than the last several years in the 24 series. The shift to Washington, D.C., is genuinely great and the recovery of the heart and soul … Continue reading →

Posted in Television | Leave a comment

Sudan Will Not Go Away

Posted on February 18, 2009 by John Armstrong

Michael Gerson noted this last week "That while a new administration is just getting started, history doesn't stop." He expressed deep concerns about the problems in Sudan and Darfur. There is a very good reason for this concern. President Obama's … Continue reading →

Posted in Current Affairs | Leave a comment