In British Columbia, if we see someone poaching or polluting we are encouraged to call the ORR hotline: Observe, Record, Report. But what about when we see something breathtaking? King Solomon “spoke about plant life, from the cedar of Lebanon to the hyssop that grows out of walls. He also spoke abo
I graduated from Calvin University steeped in the language of vocation, which Frederick Buechner defines as “where your deep gladness and the world's deep hunger meet” (Wishful Thinking: A Seeker’s ABCs). A year later, I’m in the job market for the third time and still trying to figure out a vocatio
Do you know what a merism is? Merism is a rhetorical device in which a combination of two contrasting parts of the whole refer to the whole. For example, if we search high and low for something, it means we searched everywhere. Merisms are common in the Bible. For instance, when Isaiah 57:19 says, “
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.My 5-year-old
Our church is doing more intergenerational ministry events. Don’t people learn best with their own age groups?Historically, congregations did everything together. First-century house churches certainly had no specialized ministry for kids or teens or retired people. Some church historians say the tr
I've been writing news stories for The Banner as a correspondent since 2017. Throughout these years, I've been fortunate to witness firsthand the power of faith-driven action, as I've spoken with countless churches, organizations, and individuals who are using their time, talents, and treasures in u
“Where are you going to college?” As high school was ending, I remember the same question being on everybody’s lips. I heard it so often I rehearsed a bundle of canned answers. Sometimes I’d change these slightly depending on who was asking or how fast a given deadline was approaching. Throughout my
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. The Banner h
Is Jesus’ admonition “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matt. 7:12) an example of moral relativism?Jesus’ Golden Rule seems easy to caricature. I would like each of my neighbors to give me $20. Does this mean I must give each of my neighbors $20? I would like to be fre
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.The holidays
Can I lose my salvation? It’s easy to understand why many ask. There are plenty of examples of people who have gone from committed Christian believers to adherents of other religions, agnosticism, or atheism. Loss is a painful part of life, and we all experience it at times—sometimes even when it co
I struggle with my kids’ constant fighting. How can I stop the competition so our home can find some peace?Parenting is a challenging job, and we can feel overwhelmed when outnumbered by children competing for attention. Breathe deeply and ask for the leading of the Holy Spirit as you consider how y
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. The Banner h
How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! … You give them drink from your river of delights. For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light. —Psalm 36:7-9In the small Portuguese town of São Lourenço do Bairro, on a quiet Sunday morning in 2023, residents were stunned when they l
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 love my dau
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. The Banner h
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. The Banner h
I never considered myself to be a pessimistic person until I read this quote from author Nicole Zasowski: “Pessimism is a means of control as we attempt to take the element of surprise out of our grief.” I’d always thought I leaned toward the glass-half-full side; I didn’t know what I didn’t know.Th
To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.Synod 2024I believe the staff of The Banner was jolted by the results of Synod 2024 and at a loss on how to report it (“Resounding Words,” July/August 2024). … While most mainline churches have abandoned or reinterpret
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.Up until Oct.