

Since 1900, the Christian Century has published reporting, commentary, poetry, and essays on the role of faith in a pluralistic society.
© 2023 The Christian Century.
264 results found.
Sustainable Lenten disciplines anticipate an Easter in which they will continue. But surely Easter hope is for something more.
by Ted A. Smith
Isaiah gives voice to God. God is amazed at our epistemic closure.
by James Alison
Until now I never appreciated the beautiful message of this week’s Old Testament passage. God’s promises to Israel—to not be drowned by water or burned by fire—make this text almost as comforting to its readers as the 23rd psalm.
I work remotely, out of my home office. As such I am dependent on the smooth and ready operation of computer equipment. Recently I encountered some hitches.
by Rodney Clapp
The son of a truck driver, I like highways and image of travel. Checking The New Interpreter’s Bible Dictionary's entry about roads and highways, I learned that a messila was a built-up road, intentionally constructed and improved, while a derekh (Num. 20:17, 19, Judg. 21:19) was a path was formed because of constant use and thus had become a road.
By Paul Stroble
Patience is not one of our stronger characteristics. A flight delay or traffic jam can become an emotional and physical crisis.
On September 9, when many of our members return from Labor Day vacations or summer travels, the gospel text from Mark and the sacrament of communion might be a powerful combination to welcome folks back to the gospel-centered community.
Whether she knows it or not, the Syrophoenician woman’s reference to the table is a persuasive image for her audience. The table stands at the center of Jesus’ ministry.
On September 9, when many of our members return from Labor Day vacations or summer travels, the gospel text from Mark and the sacrament of communion might be a powerful combination to welcome folks back to the gospel-centered community.
Whether she knows it or not, the Syrophoenician woman’s reference to the table is a persuasive image for her audience. The table stands at the center of Jesus’ ministry.
The Peaceable Kingdom pricks my conscience every time I see it because of the enormous gap between its vision and the world's reality.
I am confident that the new creation will include animals. I hope that it will include Merle, my deceased smooth-coat collie.
by Rodney Clapp
These Trinity Sunday texts show God moving graciously—and persistently—toward people while they struggle to stay on their feet.
While Christian scholars have long questioned body-soul dualism, it remains common in church circles. This may finally be changing.
by Rodney Clapp
Snow can be tiresome, even deadly, but it can also be a sign of holiness and of hope.
by Rodney Clapp
Snow can be tiresome, even deadly, but it can also be a sign of holiness and of hope.
by Rodney Clapp
When our girls were still quite young, my husband Norm and I moved our family from our fast-paced life and work in Chicago to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where Norm had accepted a teaching position. Feeling a bit like Abraham and Sarah, we made a radical change of landscape.