CHICAGO, IL (November 17, 2017) — Covenanters routinely share links to social media articles and videos that Covenant News Service believes may be of interest to others. Each Friday we post five of them. Following is a sample of those submissions—their inclusion does not represent an endorsement by the Covenant of any views expressed.
Does God Change?
This is a nuanced thought piece on whether and how God changes. Roger Olson is an influential theologian who is well worth reading—whether or not you support his point of view.
From the article: “How does God change? Not in his character but only in his experience. This is called God’s ‘di-polar nature’ in process theology, but I reject process theology’s idea that God’s ‘primordial pole’ (character) is only potential and not always already actual. I prefer 19th century German theologian Dorner’s idea of God’s ethical immutability but ability to take into his own life the world’s history and make it his history, too. Does this make God dependent on the world? Only in his experiential life and only voluntarily.”
Widow Meets Man Who Received Face Transplant
Although Calen Ross took his own life, in death he gave new life to others.
From the article: “‘I was skeptical at first,’ said Mrs. Ross. ‘I didn’t want to walk around and all of a sudden see Calen.’ But she was reassured the donor had his own eyes and forehead, and would not be recognisable as her husband. After consulting with her husband’s best friend, she gave her consent, and the 56-hour operation was carried out in late June 2016.”
A video released by the Mayo Clinic shows the meeting.
Love’s Road Home
Ashley Volk fell for Sam Siatta when she was 10 years old, and the couple dated off and on through high school. Then he went to war. He became a decorated Marine, but she had to fight for his life—and theirs—when he returned.
From the article: “The next phase of his rescue fell to Ms. Volk. Her contribution can be summarized in three words. She carried him. Ashley Volk took an unyielding position—that Sam Siatta was a good man, better than his record and stronger than his troubles, and he would succeed.”
The Single Missionary: What the Church Should Know
A missionary (who is married) pointed me to this article, saying that it’s accurate and important and added that anyone interested in issues related to missions should read this writer’s blog.
From the article: “So listen to us. Trust us when we say we can and we can’t. Help us build a team of other volunteers/missionaries who can stand alongside us. Encourage us to use some of the money you give us for R&R, holiday trips, and refilling so we don’t burn out. And have patience for our internet that constantly goes out meaning we might forget about your email.”
It’s Time to Reform the Juvenile Justice System for Good
We need to reconsider how we treat teenagers in our criminal justice system. Jailing young people is often counter-productive and dehumanizing. Bipartisan efforts to effect legal change so far have stalled.
From the article: “Moreover, being incarcerated leaves many young people scarred for life. ‘Jail can kill the spirit of many young people. It could be argued that it’s designed to do that,’ says Messiah Ramkissoon, director of programming for the Youth Reentry Network at Friends of Island Academy, a group that supports young New Yorkers in the justice system.”
