In our era, there is much confusion about the notion of salvation.  Many Christians seem to delight in asking others, “Are you saved?”  To some degree, this seems just a part of the general combativeness and aggression that we’re living in.  But unless you know what salvation really is, you’re in no position to address this question.

In this newsletter, we will explore the consequences of our ways of understanding God.  Most of us have been taught about the transcendent God, our Father in heaven.  In this approach, God created the universe and then stepped back and is all but unapproachable. 

For most, the goal of the spiritual life is, at best, unclear.  Many would say that the goal is to be a good person and to lead a moral life.  Some translate this as an imperative to work for social justice.  Others try to improve their personal lives, but many who do so are rather vague about what is necessary. 

Do you remember the story of the Ugly Duckling? Like many of Hans Christian Anderson’s beloved fairytales, the storyline carries a deeper, more profound meaning than most of us perceive.