Should Christians watch MA-rated TV shows or R-rated movies?It is said that we are living in the golden age of television. Never before have TV shows been so well made and so readily accessible. Even movies, while perhaps struggling at the box office, are just a few clicks away on our smart TVs. At
Even if you have been barely listening to decisions made in the Christian Reformed Church over the past several years, you have heard the term “confessional church” tossed around. You might have quietly wondered what exactly this means. What does it mean to be “confessional”? What are these document
It was a busy Saturday morning, and Safeway was packed with grocery shoppers. Like all the rest I prowled the aisles filling my cart and checking things off my list. After 45 minutes of hustling I had completed my list and headed to the checkout lanes. There was only one lane open, and there were a
Weekly on “Banner day,” my grandma Byker sat by the window watching for the mail. Besides the Lyon County Reporter, The Banner was about her only outside news.Today, I get The Banner instantly, along with many competing publications. The only windows involved are the Microsoft kind.Yet Grandma and I
My spouse runs to her parents when we have problems. Does she think their opinion is more important than mine? It’s causing trouble.“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” —Genesis 2:24I remember the first time we got into a big argument
I admit to being a Scrooge when it comes to special days. Those who know me will attest to the fact that I chafe at the idea of celebrating at certain times when it is expected of me. You might find me on Valentine’s Day proclaiming that “every day is Valentine’s Day at my house.” This is my way of
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.Outspoken Chr
HospitalityAfter pondering General Secretary Rev. Zachary King's Banner article “Fostering Hearts of Hospitality,” I concluded that what he describes is not transformational hospitality. The example he offers from his own life—the meal provided to him and his family after he preached at a church—cou
“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” —1 John 4:11The apostle John’s words in 1 John 4:7–12 are among the most cherished in the New Testament: “God is love,” and that love is not just declared but demonstrated. “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent hi
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
If forgiving others is a heavy cross to bear for many, should forgiveness be preached sternly?Forgiveness can present a significant challenge in the life of a Christian. When we are hurt by others, our initial response is often to focus on the pain we are feeling or to express anger toward the perso
The Banner published hundreds of columns, reviews, and news stories and dozens of features, editorials, and opinion pieces in 2025. Here are the top 5 most-accessed articles online in each category between January and December.This mix shows heavy interest in the evolution of The Banner’s mandate an
Why, despite all we know of the negative effects of social media, do so many of us continue to use it and allow our children and grandkids to use it?I remember hearing the news years ago—around 2009, I think—that social media had eclipsed pornography in the number of online users. This was great new
To send letters to the editor, please see our guidelines at thebanner.org/letters.A Master WeaverWe were so moved to see this recent article honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of Julia Jumbo (1928–2007)—a master weaver from Toadlena, N.M., and recipient of one of Southwestern Association for
And Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord,And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”Luke 1:46-47When my husband and I lived in Mexico City, we would often go to the artisan park on Saturday mornings. Our favorite artist was a man who worked on his art while he sat in the park. He had a huge magnifyin
Ever since my harrowing, whirlwind birth experience four and a half years ago, involving an emergency C-section that had me asleep on the table, my husband in another room, as a doctor I didn’t know pulled my firstborn son from my womb, I have felt a strange kinship with Mary.In the following hours
I'm usually the type of person who likes to stay busy. In college I put effort into making new friends, joining on-campus activities, and taking classes outside my main field of study. I was usually able to balance all those things pretty well, but the extra logistics of graduation and a senior thes
For the past several years, my job has been related to child care (my own and others). As my children grow, I'm wondering how I can earn income in a different way and still be available for my children. Where do I start figuring out what's next?As you enter a new phase of life, it can be exciting an
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
What is the CRC stance and Christian view of MAID (Medically Assisted Induced Dying)? How can we support loved ones who are asking about this and making these decisions?The CRC has a strong word on this. Synod 2025 unanimously voted to approve this language: “that synod deplore the legalization and