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ASK AUGUSTINE

In recent columns you call for a greater “appreciation and understanding” of the different doctrines between and within Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. But given the diversity of doctrines, especially within Protestantism - to wit, the divergence of beliefs regarding the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper, as well as many Protestants emphasis on conversion - how do you imagine this possible? A Roman Catholic theologian and professor of religious studies at Siena College (a Franciscan college in NY), Fr. Dennis D. Tamburello concurs with Calvinist’s emphasis on piety, in which the ...

FUTURES FILES

Energy in the Election The Blue Wave was surely strengthened by higher gasoline prices, higher diesel prices for farmers, most industrial and construction uses and higher natural gas for home heating. The Dem’s surprise win for governor of Texas could spell challenges for oil and gas interests. The first 24 hours following the election saw Texas crude fall $8 per bbl. and gasoline decline 20 cents per gallon. By midday Friday, both crude and gasoline bounced back up slightly on comments by Iran’s Ayatollah that the US would remain hostile towards Iran no matter which party was in ...

Pieces of Marshalltown’s puzzle

I was able to attend the re-opening of the Marshalltown Martha-Ellen Tye Playhouse last Friday, Oct. 30. As you might remember, the entire center sustained heavy damages during the August 10th 2020 derecho. The Marshalltown Arts and Civic Center along with the Bill Fisher Art Collection was ...

Bible Truth or Tradition: Was the Word always a person? Part 1

Last week we considered the possibility that the early English translators understood “the word” in John 1:1-4 within the scope of God's powerful speech and self-expression because they translated the pronouns “it” instead of “He” and “Him.” Doesn’t this suggest that they understood “word” as something other than a person. 1 John 1:1 similarly uses “non-personal relative pronouns: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life-“. ...

A thank you that opens a door

Years ago, a business could begin with a pencil and a quiet conversation after supper. At the kitchen table, someone would start adding up the cost of tools, jotting down ideas, and thinking about that first customer. Nothing fancy. Just a plan, a little hope, and the willingness to ...

Round River: If I had a million dollars

It is the most wonderful time of year! No, I'm not talking about days until the first snowfall. Or days until Thanksgiving. I'm not talking about Christmas break, though I know my kids know exactly how many days until Christmas. For those of us who have been waiting, we are officially through ...