The common condition of mankind down through history has been one of bondage. For example, in the mid-nineteenth century, of some 60 million Russians about 50 million were serfs – a form of bondage little better than abject slavery. The word “serf” comes from a Latin word meaning slave. Adding several million who were conscripted into the army and others in prison or other forms of bondage, fewer than ten percent of the Russian population had anything like what we would consider personal freedom. Read More »

During September of 1993, all of the 1994 season, and in the first two months of the 1995 baseball season, I was a left-handed batting practice pitcher for the Iowa Cubs, the Triple A affiliate of  National League Chicago Cubs, in Des Moines, Iowa.  Before each home game, I would “pitch” one of the sessions to team players who would work on their hitting skills before the game that day. Read More »

In our recent Commentary, “History, science and faith,”  Richard A. Wilson remarks: “Anyone trying to prove who God is and if the Bible is truly His inspired word needs more than ‘sentimental feelings or blind faith.’” And because that statement is true, it is worth asking further, “How do some people get to thinking that ‘sentimental feelings or blind faith’ are enough?” Read More »

To prove that the Bible is the authoritative word of God, one must rely on a combination of secular history, scientific fact, and one’s own faith that the Bible is the true word of a higher power.   Plus the belief that God’s power, the Holy Spirit, is working with those God has called to understand His plan for mankind. Read More »

“Going green” is all in vogue, as the need to conserve – and the practicality of recycling – becomes even more compelling in crippled economies around the world. Things that were once thoughtlessly discarded are now often repurposed or recycled. More energy-efficient methods of doing daily chores and routine tasks are being sought at every level.  It just makes good sense to do some of these things. Read More »

My family and I watch our share of nature documentaries, and we are always entertained by scenes of newborn animals – gazelles, giraffes, etc. – struggling, mere moments after birth, to walk. As they struggle on their wobbly legs, instinct pushes them to walk and run as soon as possible, lest they fall as quick prey to predators or become a burden on their herds. Read More »