NEWS AND VIEWS MARCH APRIL 2015

Listen to audio  RELIGIOUS Technically speaking, there are four “official” religions in Russia: Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism. But given that almost 70 percent of Russians identify as adherents to the Russian Orthodox Church, it’s pretty apparent that one religion is more “official” than others. The smallest of the four is Judaism. There are fewer than 200,000 self-identified Jews in Russia today—less than the number of pagans—though the number of Russians from Jewish backgrounds who no longer identify with the religion is []

Communion or Common Union?

“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?” (1 Corinthians 10:16) Daniel Beard Listen to audio At Memorial season we cannot help but consider the importance of these words, communion or common union.  To have a strong unity requires common interest and experience that is based on a sure foundation. What is the basis of our union, our []

Barabbas and the Perfect Man

“Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe.  And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!” (John 19:5) David Christiansen Listen to audio  Behold the man! That’s what Pilate said to the Jews, and in particular to the leaders of Israel, as they petitioned Pilate to put Jesus to death.  Behold the man! The chief priests and officers heard these words of Pilate.  They saw Jesus before them wearing a purple robe and a crown of thorns.  []