Why we don’t read the Bible, encyclicals that changed the world + transgender Christianity?

SNIPPETS

“Let’s be honest,” writes Gospel Coalition US contributor Erik Raymond, “if you don’t read your Bible it is because you don’t want to read your Bible. And to bottom line this further, this is indicative or your relationship with God. We cannot separate a love for the Word of God and the God of the Word.” Harsh words? Read on and find out why he thinks we don’t read our Bibles. Read more…

Powerful letters: This week we saw the release of Pope Francis’ environmental encyclical, his letter and wake up call to the world on climate change and caring for our planet. His letter is expected to have a significant impact on the outcome of an upcoming United Nations environment summit in Paris at the end of year. The Wall Street Journal has selected the 5 Encyclicals that have changed the world. Them’s some powerful words! Read more…

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Want to buy a church? This Perth priest is giving away an old church building. Pick up only. Read more…

Theory of distraction: One theory of distraction exposed in this New Yorker article this week is that we are distracted “because our souls are troubled.” “Distraction is appealing precisely because it’s active and rebellious,” writes Joshua Rothman. So, is distraction – so often labelled as the bane of modern society – just innately bad? Read more … 

Why are Christians fleeing Ethiopia? Roughly two-thirds of Ethiopians are Christians, but there is conflict among denominations. More than 75,000 Ethiopians migrate annually to Libya with the hope of making it to Europe. “Many get stranded; others die trying”. “The massive exodus from the country by any means and at any cost speaks strongly about the need to struggle against the crisis of poverty,” writes professor and Ethiopian Girma Bekele from Wycliffe College in Canada. “The plight of the poor, the great majority, is and must be at the heart of national discourse.” Read more… 

Caitlyn Jenner’s Christianity: US TV personality and trans-woman Caitlyn Jenner (previously Bruce Jenner) has sparked intense debate in America about transgender identity. Last week, Jenner identified herself as a Christian, triggering another round of interesting discussions. The Week has summarised those discussions well, asking the question: What does Caitlyn Jenner’s confession of faith mean for American Christianity? Read more …

Got a spare $700K? 8 pages of at 15th century Gutenberg Bible are expected to fetch $700,000 at Sotheby’s New York this week. Bid at your will. Read more …