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Bible Truth or Tradition response

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I am disturbed by the recent spat of columns written by Mark Rohde challenging and undermining traditionally held Christian beliefs. He seems convinced that he alone is capable of going back into the Scriptures to find their *real* meaning, saying to 2,000 years of Christians looking over his shoulder, “I know better.” Doesn’t he know that’s exactly what all of the heretics think? Arius to Joseph Smith to Jim Jones? While Scripture is infallible, we are not. We are limited and sinful and prone to error. When we’re not sure about some Scripture, we need the wisdom and guidance ...

The invisible forces that keep the doors open

Columnists

We’re not southern enough to be yes, ma’am or no, sir, but I try to nudge manners into my kids’ daily interactions with strangers. Today, I nudged him when I saw two women cross the parking lot and asked him to open the restaurant door. One of the women was older and one much younger, maybe a grandmother and granddaughter. The younger one smiled at him and said thank you as she walked through. The older one didn’t acknowledge him at all. At the table, my mom called it entitlement, but that didn’t feel right. It’s more that some people grow accustomed to moving through the ...

Planting seeds of prosperity for the future

Columnists

I came across a salient quote attributed to Nelson Henderson during a recent YMCA conference I attended. It read: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” How are we planting those metaphoric trees to positively affect generations to come? ...

Bible Truth nor Tradition: The doctrine of the sovereignty of God?

Columnists

Many popular Reformed Theologians like John MacArthur and RC Sproul relied on the work of John Calvin in defining the manmade doctrine of “The Sovereignty of God” and concluded that God is in absolute control of everything that happens. In my opinion, traditional Christianity has failed to provide satisfactory answers to questions regarding human suffering and death. Much of what is presented as Christianity today is really “religion,” that is the doctrines and commandments of men. I used Copilot AI to find out more about where this teaching comes from: The idea you’re ...

From the Mayor’s Desk: I’m bored!

Columnists

Acouple months ago, one of the stories on Channel 13 News caught my attention. In front of the Des Moines City Council was a group of parents who had something to say. What they told the City Council that there was “nothing to do in Des Moines for kids.” I’m not joking, DES MOINES! The City Council said they would “look into it.” I do hear this same sentiment from time to time from residents about Marshalltown. I don’t agree, let me explain. Growing up on a farm, one thing you never said to mom or dad is that you were bored. Like ever. I learned this the hard way, ...