Theology According to a Bears Fan

Theology According to a Bears Fan

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.As a product

The Belgic Confession

The Belgic Confession

In the first article in this series, I suggested that confessions are historical, communal, and ecumenical documents that summarize key teachings of the Bible. I noted that these documents identify us not only as Christians, but as Reformed Christians who together affirm these particular beliefs. Th

In Praise of Obscurity

In Praise of Obscurity

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.Jesus says to

Sacred Assembly at 30: A Moment That Still Calls the Church to Listen

Sacred Assembly at 30: A Moment That Still Calls the Church to Listen

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.January 2025

A Christian Look at Artificial Intelligence

A Christian Look at Artificial Intelligence

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.Recently, I t

Mercy and Grace Before Improvement

Mercy and Grace Before Improvement

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.One of the mo

Fixed Eyes

Fixed Eyes

When my husband and I were students, we ran a lawn-mowing business. Joel mowed in super straight lines. Mine were wavy, with missed grass. Ugh. I’d stare down at my feet, concentrating on getting that mower wheel right on the edge of the last pass. But at the row’s end, I’d turn, and again another c

A Morning Commute

A Morning Commute

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 not reall

The Least of These

The Least of These

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” —Matthew 25:40He shows up every Monday while we drink something from Starbucks in the lobby of the Piggly Wiggly. He wears the same clothes all year. It is the unif

Dog Outreach

Dog Outreach

Ginny, the dog, is the best tool in my outreach toolkit.She’s not my dog. She belongs to my nephew and his wife, but I get to walk her from time to time.Ginny is my icebreaker. It’s wonderful how many people who wouldn’t even make eye contact with me will stop to greet her. Expressionless faces brea

The Enemy in the Mirror: Why Believe in Original Sin

The Enemy in the Mirror: Why Believe in Original Sin

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.Infants have

What Do I Do With All My Digital Photos?

What Do I Do With All My Digital Photos?

I have 10,000 pictures on my phone. How do I get that number down so I can actually find what I am looking for?The problem you’re having is a common one. I read somewhere that the average number is 2,500.William Katerberg is the curator of Heritage Hall, the archives for Calvin University, Calvin Th

Swimming Against the Current

Swimming Against the Current

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.Being people

Put the Sword Away: A Moral Call in a Time of Violence

Put the Sword Away: A Moral Call in a Time of Violence

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 recent de

If Jesus is Ascended into Heaven, How is He Also “In My Heart?”

If Jesus is Ascended into Heaven, How is He Also “In My Heart?”

If Jesus is ascended into heaven, how is he also “in my heart?”In Ephesians 3:16b-17a, Paul prays that “out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.” Here, we see him clearly speaking of Chr

The Impossible Escape

The Impossible Escape

The chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while (Jesus) was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’” —Matt. 27:62-63As the clock struck one minute, Harry Houdini struggled to free himself. Hidden behind a red curtain, he was

The Temptation to Trust in Earthly Kingdoms

The Temptation to Trust in Earthly Kingdoms

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.Revelation 19

Reply All: March/April 2026

Reply All: March/April 2026

To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.Being QuietYour thoughtful article in the November 2025 Banner resonated with me (“Being Quiet in a Culture of Volume”). Especially the phrase “consider ways a person can be encouraged to grow the gifts they already ha

Thunderstorms

We’re entering the spring season—a time known for powerful thunderstorms and, at times, tornadoes.Thunderstorms are among the most intense weather events in nature. They can even spawn tornadoes, which produce the highest wind speeds recorded anywhere on Earth.The United States—and North America in

Praying Through the Valley of Lent with Psalm 23

Praying Through the Valley of Lent with Psalm 23

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.One crisp Fri