In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be called a paradox. There exists in such a case a certain institution or law; let us say, for the sake of simplicity, a fence or gate erected across a road. The more modern type of reformer goes gaily up to it and says, "I don't see the use of this; let us clear it away." To which the more intelligent type of reformer will do well to answer: "If you don't see the use of it, I certainly won't let you clear it away. Go away and think. Then, when you can come back and tell me that you do see the use of it, I may allow you to destroy it.
~ G.K. Chesterton, 1929, The Thing
Read More
I can’t seem to get it out of my head. This weekend I heard once again of the most scandalous and unjust things I’ve heard in my lifetime. I was shocked and appalled at the same time. At times, I was even angry—sometimes sad. The only thing going through my head was, “How doesn’t everyone see through the charade? How can one have all the hard evidence in their favor while the other can’t even keep a story straight? How is the report not going out about how wrong and evil this is? Why is he all alone? Why is no one coming to his defense?”
Read More
“Pastor, why do we have to keep on doing the same old thing?” I’m sure just about every pastor has heard some version of this question. Maybe the questioner is out for blood or maybe he really has good intentions. But, as C.S. Lewis artfully shows in his correspondence as the demon Screwtape, this kind of question and this distaste for permanent things comes from the pit of hell.
Read More
I have read, and again and again reread, the Confession and Apology presented at Augsburg by the Most Illustrious Prince, the Elector of Saxony, and by the other princes and estates of the Roman Empire, to his Imperial Majesty.
Read More
In a Lutheran world ill-prepared for death, there’s still one tool in the pastor’s belt, thank God: the Nunc Dimittis.
Read More