The Co-suffering Conscience
THE CO-SUFFERING CONSCIENCE Bradley Jersak Awareness I am aware of the gifts I’ve been given as blessings from God, family, and the body of Christ. I will use these where I’m able, let go where I can’t, and seek to use them in service of others. I am aware of the harm I’ve done along […]
Guest Post: “A Meditation on Power” by David Goa
6 June 2016 Sahakarini[1] AGM, Camrose A Meditation on Power David J. Goa Members of Sahakarini, friends. When Gail Stolee wrote to me some six weeks ago and asked who I might suggest to speak on power, I responded with a number of names, including those in our midst and nearby who have exercised political […]
Reversed Perspective – Bradley Jersak
Vanishing Lines I had coffee yesterday with a friend of mine, Bill Thiessen, who led Eden and me on a life-altering journey to Jamaica and Haiti three decades ago. We were reflecting on aging, as I am about to turn 60, and he is now nearly 90. Bill reminded me how important hope is. He […]
“Why does God allow…”
Question “Why do horrific things happen to completely innocent people/children?” Response This is such an important question and needs to be asked again and again. Even if no rational answer can suffice, millions cry it out as a lament every day, while others frame it as evidence against the existence of a good God. It […]
SSU Hooding of Brian and Peri Zahnd at Ephesus
St. Stephen’s University, NB had the privilege of conferring the Degree of Doctor of Divinity honoris causa on Brian and Peri Zahnd at Ephesus (April 2024). The ceremony was located in the altar area of the ruins of the Church of Mary, the site of the 3rd Ecumenical Council in 431 AD. Officiating: Dr. Peter […]
“The Unquenchable Fire”
Question I am looking for help with the biblical language of “unquenchable fire.” It seems to indicate an eternal burning that I’ve always associated with eternal torment in hell or the lake of fire. Response Let’s begin with the texts that actually use that phrase. Isaiah 33:14 – “Who among us can coexist with destructive […]
The Tender Experience of Being Human – Bradley Jersak
“What a tender experience it is to be human.” ~Vincent Lin My friend Vincent knows. He is tender, experienced, and human. His wisdom is always kind and, therefore, healing. We first met in a Zoom course I was leading through the Gospel of John. We stay in touch through email and prayer. We’re from different […]
Interpreting the Old Testament: 3 Layers
QUESTION I grew up in a Christian tradition where literal interpretation is the only way to read the Bible. I have always loved stories such as Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18) and how God came to him after Elijah fled for his life (ch. 19). But there is a lot […]
Jesus’ Nail Scars – Bradley Jersak
Question Did Jesus’ crucifixion nails go through his hands or his wrists? Does it matter? What matters? Response From earliest times—in both the Bible and sacred art, Christians have located Jesus’ nail scars on his hands. The strongest biblical indicator for doing so is in John 20, where we read that Jesus appears in the […]
Deliberate: from Despair, Denial & Doom to Prayer & Fasting – Bradley Jersak
As those who have read Out of the Embers will know, I regularly speak with my godfather, Davi Goa. And even more so when the burden I feel is heavy. Since Christ promised, “his yoke would be easy, and his burden light” (Matthew 11:30), I am suspicious when the load feels crushing. Lately, I have […]