Articles : John A. Esau
April 29 issue
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On health care, no easy answers
Willard M. Swartley writes about health care with poetic vision: “The prophetic phrase ‘with healing in its wings’ (Mal. 4:2) signifies what health care ought to be… . Health care ought to ring hope, gift and gratitude in our hearts and minds, with God and scientific knowledge and skill together a blessing for us all.”
In Health, Healing and the Church’s Mission, Swartley documents the challenges, paradoxes and uncertainties of health issues. Whether dealing with the biblical text, history or the U.S. health care system’s challenges, there are no easy answers.
March 19, 2012 issue
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What has mattered to me
How do I bring this column to conclusion? I went back and read again some of what I wrote. It seems appropriate to quote from columns that give a sample of what has mattered to me over these 24 years.
Feb. 20, 2012 issue
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One column with two eras
We generally think the most important decisions in life have to do with beginnings — what we commit ourselves to be and to do.
Jan. 16, 2012 issue
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Question changes over time
I recently ordered a book through AbeBooks.com. If you don’t know about this website as a way to find used books, I urge you to check it out.
Dec. 19, 2011 issue
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Revelation links to Advent
Several things came together to focus my attention on the relationship of the Book of Revelation and the season of Advent.
Nov. 21, 2011 issue
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An inclusive Last Supper
A pastoral colleague and friend, Don Steelberg, served two congregations during his ministry: First Mennonite Church of Wadsworth, Ohio, and Lorraine Avenue Mennonite Church of Wichita, Kan. He was called upon to oversee holy communion, or the Last Supper, as he prefers to refer to this central symbol of faith.
Oct. 24, 2011 issue
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Leader’s learnings
A three-day bus tour to northwest Kansas sponsored by Kauffman Museum afforded hours to read between sightseeing stops.
Sept. 19, 2011 issue
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Life’s crowded ways
Fifty years ago this month I embarked on an unexpected lifetime journey in pastoral ministry. I say it was unexpected because my sense of call came after the fact, rather than as a call to which I responded. Never underestimate the mysteries of God’s ways!
Aug. 15, 2011 issue
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Jesus’ life source of salvation
In 2001 J. Denny Weaver published the first edition of The Nonviolent Atonement. Ten years later we have a “greatly revised and expanded” second edition. We should all be grateful for his insightful work on this important theological theme.
July 11, 2011 issue
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Film explores life’s mystery
The movie began by quoting God from the Book of Job: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the Earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.”
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