by Rich Hansen | Nov 30, 2016 | Living within Paradox
This political season invites us to consider a classic biblical paradox. The Sunday before our election, the congregation I serve (along with many other religious gatherings across the nation), prayed “God’s will be done.” Was that prayer answered? Christians...
by Rich Hansen | Aug 25, 2016 | Living within Paradox
I glided into the mouth of the machine as the slab I was on was swallowed into a long tube like the hole in a seven-foot thick donut. When it stopped, I opened my eyes and saw the curved ceiling a few inches above me. In the long pre-text questionnaire I’d filled out,...
by Rich Hansen | Aug 18, 2016 | Living within Paradox
“Who is responsible?” is a question debated wherever you turn today. A woman treasurer of a large Episcopal diocese embezzled $200,000, then explained she was forced to steal because she wasn’t paid enough. A man in the process of burglarizing a school accidentally...
by Rich Hansen | Aug 11, 2016 | Living within Paradox
Recently I’ve had some conversations around the issue of God’s healing—why are some healed and not others? Is it all a matter of having enough faith? What if I earnestly pray for healing and nothing happens? One of my writing focuses is the mystery of God. There is...
by Rich Hansen | Aug 2, 2016 | Living within Paradox
President Harry Truman was fond of quoting Horace Greeley: “Fame is a vapor, popularity an accident, riches take wings, those who cheer today may curse tomorrow, only one thing endures—character.” As I hear public figures continue to say things few Americans would...
by Rich Hansen | Jul 20, 2016 | Living within Paradox
Just when I think the polarization in our country cannot sink any lower, it does. The most recent example was the benediction given the opening night at the Republican Convention. As a pastor who has given thousands of benedictions myself, it made me cringe. You can...
