Thanksgiving

The Pilgrims didn’t say, “Hey, let’s set aside a day for feasting on ham and turkey and all the trimmings, then watch some football.” Instead of one day to be thankful, they were grateful for life every day. Thanksgiving celebrations are common among many cultures after a harvest—but nothing like what we have in America […]

In Jesus’ Name

When I wrote Eyewitness: The Life of Christ Told in One Story, I wanted words that everyone could understand, even people who had never read the Bible. I needed to avoid religious words and phrases that are called “Christianese” because they’re only understood by people who know the language. In the King James version of […]

Biblical Philologist

A philologist is an unusual student, spending more hours studying than most people would think is reasonable. Maybe one reason I’ve been callnoed “weird” is because I might be tempted to do that. I don’t mind unless what I learn has no practical application. The difference between the wise and foolish man in Jesus’ story […]

Mirage

In my hurry to get to my next class, I took the shortcut around the gymnasium, ducked my head to miss the low-hanging branch, and wham! The sky went black for a moment. I staggered, not sure where I was, and then I knew I had run into the corner of the brick building. I […]