Editorial

The “evangelical” label in North America, especially in the United States, has over the years taken on a meaning beyond its historical roots.

In striving to be a fair forum for diverse perspectives in the denomination, I know that not everyone will be happy with some of the views I allow to the table.

I feel that Christians have not reflected deeply enough on the radical significance of the story of the “wise men.”

It’s a time to remember, honor, and pray for persecuted Christians.

Both harbor simmering resentment at perceived slights and mistreatments. And both, it seems, would love to punish the other by various means.

The God who guides us along the right paths also guides us through the darkest valleys.

I would be lying if I said I am not worried or stressed by this pandemic and its social and economic consequences. But I am not panicking or hoarding because I trust in God.

Change is rarely ever easy or painless. However, I am certain that there was never any ill intent on anyone’s part.

Why and what we do matters, yes, but how we do it also matters to God.

Life, in the Bible, is relatedness. It is about belonging, body and soul, to God, and secondarily, to belong in a community.

If I only publish articles I fully agree with, then I would be guilty of turning The Banner into my own personal megaphone. 

Those who know more tend to be more humble of their abilities because they are more aware of their own limitations.

Elizabeth felt excluded; everyone else had received those blessing words. She wondered if other persons with disabilities had similar experiences.

It is not God’s wrath or judgment that leads to repentance, but rather God’s kindness. How many people have ever changed for the better through experiencing other people’s judgment?

This issue with Kinism is personal for me, as I am in an interracial marriage. … I am, therefore, relieved that synod unanimously declared it as a heresy.

We should be grateful to God for the robust intellectual gifts of the Reformed tradition. But we cannot be blind to the very real temptation of loving the gifts more than the Giver. Have we loved our Reformed theology and confessions more than the God they point to?

A backbone is both firm yet flexible, giving both structure and movement to the body. A backbone posture recognizes the need for boundaries but avoids setting them in stone.

Our denomination has an opportunity to better protect the vulnerable among us. As a follow-up to Overture 2 at Synod 2018, a report on addressing the abuse of power in the CRCNA is coming to Synod 2019.

Can we change the world’s perception of Christians as primarily judgmental and negative into one of Christians as primarily life-affirming and loving? Given a choice between a prevention oriented person and a promotion oriented one, I know who I would rather hang out with.