Note: This online-only article is part of a series showcasing past Banner editors. You can read all the content celebrating The Banner’s 160th anniversary here.Rev. John Yeury De Baun, a pastor of the True Reformed Dutch Church in America in New Jersey, published the first issue of The Banner of Tru
To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.Books About GazaRegarding the reviews of two books of the Palestinian West Bank and Gaza (Daughters of Palestine, online): in 1972 through 2019, I worked as an archaeologist in and out of the West Bank, and since I was
As I Was Saying is a forum for a variety of perspectives to foster faith-related conversations among our readers with the goal of mutual learning, even in disagreement. Apart from articles written by editorial staff, these perspectives do not necessarily reflect the views of The Banner.I’m the kind
In this marvelously formatted and illustrated picture book narrated with simple text for very young children, author Lola Schaefer and illustrator Frenci Sanna relate the intricate connectedness of God’s created world: “Because of a bee, / a strawberry. / Because of a strawberry, / a butterfly. / Be
In memory of the beloved Dolly Parton, I watched a film full of timeless quotes, witty comebacks, sweet Southern hellos, and heartfelt goodbyes. Steel Magnolias, based on the play by Robert Harling, showed viewers how six Louisiana women navigate the ups and downs of life, family, friendship, mother
Sandra Brown has always felt secure in her marriage to her husband Aaron, in her role as a parent of two children, and in her prestigious career, which regularly boosts her self-esteem and affirms her gifts. And she loves living in New York City with her extended Colombian American family nearby, es
Synod 2026, the annual general assembly of the Christian Reformed Church in North America, made several consequential decisions for the future of the CRCNA, including adopting a 10-year strategic plan for discipleship, church planting, and renewal. It also requested a study of Christian nationalism,
The CRC has a long history of working together and pooling resources to further God’s kingdom work around the world. This year we will feature a special column in each issue that includes an interview with the directors of these shared ministries: Thrive, Resonate Global Mission, ReFrame Ministries,
The CRC Loan Fund is an independent nonprofit subsidiary of the CRCNA whose purpose is to provide low-cost financing to CRCNA churches. It has been serving the denomination since 1983.Over the last decade, the Loan Fund’s lending volume has declined by almost half ($18.6 million in 2016 to $9.6 mill
In the heart of Soroti, Uganda, a quiet yet intentional equipping is happening through turning pages and sharing breakfast. Pastor Richard Oonyu sits at a table chatting with peers as he carefully flips through the pages of a new book over breakfast.Resonate Global Mission missionary Anthony Sytsma
To most of us, Jericho is the walled city the Israelites defeated in the book of Joshua. In Joshua 6:20, it says that on the seventh day of walking around the city of Jericho, “When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall coll
Emilia’s thoughts are saturated with wishes. She wishes she had her own bed instead of having to share one with her sister; that she could eat sugary cereal for breakfast instead of the toasted tortillas her mama makes; that her family had a new car instead of the clunky old truck they get around in
Reformed denominations are buzzing with controversy about Christian nationalism. Synod 2026 called for a study committee to consider the issue. Part of the problem is that the term “Christian nationalism” means very different things to different people. It might be helpful to consider whether any fo
I am growing resentful of my spouse because I feel like I am doing everything alone, and it’s not getting better. What do I do?I see this often in my clinical work. I’ll give an example using the man as the “lazy spouse,” but wives can fill that role too: A couple has difficulty negotiating their ro
“The hard part is now. The hard part is prayer,” said my friend, referring to the CRC’s 10-year plan. He shared how pumped he was after Synod’s decision that the CRC would multiply disciples. He spoke to his men’s group. And to the council. And an education team. Folks were polite—but mostly the big
I was pleasantly surprised to see John at church one Sunday. I caught up with him just before he left the building. “So good to see you here this morning, John!” He looked at me with a cynical grin and said, “Yeah! And the church is still standing,” as he scooted out the door.Later in the week I sto
I wonder if you, like me, have wondered about airplane flight paths. When I look at a map online, the routes always appear curved.It doesn’t seem to make sense that a flight from Chicago to Japan would cross over part of Alaska. On a flat map, the most direct route looks like a straight line across
Monday. 7:15 a.m. The November air was brisk, but pleasant.Up ahead, two figures. A man. A woman. Each carrying black plastic bags.A barrage of yelling pummeled the morning air. Spewed words I couldn’t hear but recognized as hateful, angry, demeaning—in a word, abusive.I kept my distance—watching an
Acoustic Worship SessionsBy Clark BeckhamReviewed by Paul DelgerSinger, songwriter, and American Idol alum (season 14) Clark Beckham puts his spin on six modern worship tunes with his project, “Acoustic Worship Sessions.”“I think the elements of this record have always been in me, I just didn't know
Any celebration of The Banner’s birthday has to include a story about The Bananer, even though it is 56 years old and appeared when the magazine had only recently turned 100. It’s hard to imagine now that a spoof of The Banner would cause threats of university expulsion, even excommunication, for it