Ask Andrew 5: The Source of My Views on the LGBTQ Community

“Ask Andrew” is an annual opportunity for members of Knox to ask questions of faith and religion. Andrew answers them in the Sunday morning service, and now in this blog. Enjoy! What was the transformative experience in your life that most influenced your views on the LGBTQ community? This answer may be a bit disappointing:Continue reading “Ask Andrew 5: The Source of My Views on the LGBTQ Community”

Ask Andrew 4 (2018): Reading the Old Testament

“Ask Andrew” is an annual opportunity for members of Knox to ask questions of faith and religion. Andrew answers them in the Sunday morning service, and now in this blog. Enjoy! Should we study the Old Testament, given that it embodies ideas and practices we do not accept today? [Note on terminology: Today’s usage typicallyContinue reading “Ask Andrew 4 (2018): Reading the Old Testament”

Canada Day 2018: Putting Our Best Foot Forward

Last year, as we celebrated Canada’s 150th anniversary, I had really mixed feelings. I was nostalgic for the unbridled pride and joy of Expo 67, Centennial year, when I was too young to be aware of politics or social issues. But last year, as an adult, my feelings were mixed. I was proud to beContinue reading “Canada Day 2018: Putting Our Best Foot Forward”

Gone but Not Forgotten

It’s time for a rant. I’m getting really tired of having all Christians lumped in together with the literalists, the fundamentalists and the creationists. Too many people who embrace secularism don’t see the distinctions within a faith. The recent remarks by Julie Payette, our Governor General, underline this. I would have less trouble if sheContinue reading “Gone but Not Forgotten”

A Change of Heart

Remember Joseph and his Amazing Coat of Many Colours? (Note how I carefully avoided copyright violation there?) Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery in Egypt, after briefly plotting to murder him. Over the following years, Joseph was a slave, a wrongfully convicted prisoner, and a dream interpreter to the king, which finally led him toContinue reading “A Change of Heart”

The New Gentiles: Peace in a Multi-Faith Age

We humans are good at the game of “us and them.” We set ourselves apart from each other, often without much conscious thought. It’s not surprising. Learning to distinguish differences is a necessary human skill, and we make a point of teaching it to our children. Remember the Sesame Street song “One of these thingsContinue reading “The New Gentiles: Peace in a Multi-Faith Age”

One Christian’s Response to Donald Trump’s Election

The election of Donald Trump has stirred up a hornet’s nest. One thing that particularly struck me was listening to parents say: “what shall we tell our children? We teach them not to be bullies, and now a bully has been elected to the most powerful office in the world.” This question is a wake-upContinue reading “One Christian’s Response to Donald Trump’s Election”

Brexit Reflections

Brexit Reflections First Lesson: Exodus 22:21  You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt. Second Lesson: Acts 10:44-48 While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard the word. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astounded that theContinue reading “Brexit Reflections”

Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary

“Ask Andrew” is an annual opportunity for members of Knox to ask questions of faith and religion. Andrew answers them in the Sunday morning service, and now in this blog. Enjoy! Ask Andrew 2 (2016): Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary Mary, the Mother of Jesus, or the Madonna, is venerated in the beliefs or dogmas, devotions,Continue reading “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary”

Ask Andrew 6: Science & Religion

“Ask Andrew” is an annual opportunity for members of Knox to ask questions of faith and religion. Andrew answers them in the Sunday morning service, and now in this blog. Enjoy! Ask Andrew 6: Science & Religion I often see contrast between science and religion. As a scientist myself, this is somewhat of a struggleContinue reading “Ask Andrew 6: Science & Religion”