The temple of Santiago gets a breath of air.
CHR Comment: The article briefly describes the Spanish colonial who established the church. Interesting.
Author: edengelbrecht6
Oldest King James Bible Draft Discovered
The earliest-known draft of the King James Bible offers clues to understanding how the volume was put together.
Source: Oldest King James Bible draft discovered: Did translators work alone? – CSMonitor.com
The researcher raises questions about whether the translators worked on teams or as individuals. The notes likely indicate that both happened. One can easily imagine individuals doing research independently and then sharing it with the group. That is still common practice today since most translations are prepared by editorial committees.
Pastor in Detroit Shoots Violent Visitor
Man with a brick killed in church by pastor with semiautomatic pistol, police said.
CHR Comment: This article describes incidents of violence at churches this year and raises questions about whether the clergy should arm themselves against such violence.
Church Tips Driver $1,000 for $5.99 Pizza
A Domino’s driver was left in tears when an Ohio church congregation tipped her more than $1,000 after she delivered a $5.99 pizza, according to local media.
CHR Comment: The congregation was studying generosity. One notes, however, that someone was video taping the exchange with the driver and somehow the story was delivered to local media. It looks more like a publicity stunt than a random act of kindness.
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (Matthew 6:3-4)
Source: Church tips driver $1,000 for $5.99 pizza
Church Asks Boy Scouts to Leave Over Gay Rights
Church of Christ asks Scouts to meet elsewhere after decision to accept gay adult leaders.
CHR Comment: This conservative church, from the Disciples of Christ family of churches, has separated from the Scouts organization. It remains to be seen whether other congregations will respond in a similar way or whether there will be an effort among conservative churches to retain a relationship to the Scouts.
Church Abuse and Confession
Daniel Irwin didn’t know why, or who, called a counseling session for the Leonard family in the Word of Life Christian Church after services last Sunday.
CHR Comment: Rumors of abuse were the cause for calling a “counseling session.” The session involved attempts to force confessions out of the teens.
Source: Witness: Father whipped sons multiple times – News – Uticaod – Utica, NY
Sacred sites: The 31 oldest churches in the USA
28 predate the Declaration of Independence, and all were built before the Constitution.
CHR Comment: Beautiful photos of the oldest church buildings. Of course, log cabin versions most likely predated each of these. Would be interesting to learn whether some of the clapboard buildings are log cabin construction underneath.
Reformation 500th Anniversary
When the Reformation began in 1517, the Church and culture were soon to change forever. But centuries haven’t changed one thing: it’s still all about Jesus!
Source: Reformation 500th Anniversary | News, Resources, History
This new sight is filled with content on Reformation history and theology, including a massive timeline.
Spanish Archbishop Sells Arawak Indian Slaves
A century ago, Christopher Columbus was considered the most glorious explorer in American history. Today, major cities are voting to eliminate the national holiday in his name. What happened?
Source: How did Christopher Columbus become so controversial? – CSMonitor.com
Columbus brought Indians to Europe as slaves, which a church leader in turn sold. How did churchmen get into the business of slavery, which had all but died out during the medieval period? (Serfdom has similarities to slavery but also important differences.) The fact that this happened in Spain, which most keenly felt Muslim influence during the medieval period, should not be overlooked.
Will Children Bring Millennials Back to Church? Modern Church
Church attendance is down, but those who go are more devout. Here’s what draws them.
Source: Why religion still matters – CSMonitor.com
The article broadly surveys religion in America, noting that attendance is down but steady while commitment is actually up. The situation is comparable to the boom in church attendance that came after WWII. A major question for Christians is whether the younger generation, which has put off having children, will return with commitment as they do have children and feel the need to pass on the faith and practice of the Christian life to the next generation.
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