"Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved." –John Chrysostom
The Church and culture are usually at odds. For followers of Jesus, this should be neither surprising nor upsetting. Jesus warned us that our faith and obedience would often bring us into conflict with those around us, and that sometimes we would even be hated because of Him. Yet even if we find ourselves in … Continue reading Social Justice and the Art of Listening
The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-36) is among the most well-known stories ever told, even for those unfamiliar with the Bible. For the contemporary reader, the parable is also one of the easiest to misunderstand. Today, the term Samaritan is synonymous with offering assistance to strangers. In the Jewish world in which Jesus taught, … Continue reading The Good Samaritan: A Syrian Perspective
It is puzzling to see so many evangelicals still standing firmly against compassionate actions on behalf of immigrants and refugees. Don't get me wrong; I understand immigration issues are complex. Believe me. I have learned more in the last two years from ground zero of this debate than I ever imagined I could. Certainly the … Continue reading 5 Reasons Immigrants and Refugees Are the Church’s Responsibility
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