“Writing songs is about finding the time, because it’s an isolated thing. You need to lock yourself in a room to do it, in one shape or another, whether it’s an empty house or hotel room.” Gordon Lightfoot in Nicholas Jennings, Lightfoot (Viking, 2017), 88. I mentioned in Part 1 that, among other things, Lightfoot and I share a connection … Read More
How Church History Helps Us
Last week, we discussed the question “should we judge a movement by his abuses?” Yet, it’s impossible to answer this question well without a basic knowledge of church history. Indeed, as I’ve said here: “a knowledge of history and tradition can provide perspective when church leaders fall or are exposed.” Last week, someone sent me a note asking me to … Read More
Twas the Night Before Christmas Remix
“In the year 1822, … Dr. Clement Moore, walking home that snowy Christmas Eve, met an old crony, a chubby, jolly Dutchman, and stopped to chat with him and listen again to some of the remarkable tales of the powers of St. Nicholas. When Dr. Moore got home he wrote the immortal Christmas poem ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’… In … Read More
Ten Things I Like About Being Presbyterian
Heaven have mercy on us all—Presbyterians and pagans alike—for we are all somehow dreadfully cracked about the head, and sadly need mending. –Herman Melville, Moby Dick We have cool movies associated with us like A River Runs Through It. Directed by Robert Redford, this movie is based on the 1976 semi-autobiographical novel by Norman Maclean. Our idiosyncrasies, stereotypes and foibles bring a … Read More