“A miracle is a moment when God acts because God is free to act… We can affirm that God is always free to act without also having to explain why God doesn’t act in ways we believe God should. Faith in God points only to possibilities, not necessities. Thus, calling an unusual or wonderful event a miracle doesn’t require you to explain why another unusual or wonderful event you wanted to happen or believed should have happened didn’t. To believe in miracles is simply another way of saying you believe in God.”
–Jan Linn, A Different Jesus: A Christian Theology Big Enough for An Interfaith World, p. 57
[The quotes for this week come from books written by the Reverend Jan Linn, a new friend of mine. Back in the spring of last year, Dixcy Bosley-Smith, a Church of the Saviour elder, connected the two of us. As a college student, Dixcy was mentored by Jan, her campus minister at Lynchburg College in Virginia. This is where Jan grew up, and also home to Gordon and Bev Cosby, who were mentors of his. Jan was drawn to the Church of the Saviour during a visit to Wellspring Retreat Center in the mid-1970’s. He has written a number of theological books, pastored vibrant churches, and now lives with his wife, Joy, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I’m lucky to have Jan in my life, both as a fellow writer, and as an elder. I trust that you will enjoy his fresh perspective on what it means to follow Jesus. –Jim Marsh, Jr.]
Good Morning!
Is there a word missing or something? I am not understanding the sentence beginning “Thus, calling…” and thus, I’m confused. Given I turn 70 on Sunday, being confused isn’t so unusual, however!
Thank you for all you do, Jo Palmer
Good morning Jo, you are correct! Sorry for the mistake and thank you for pointing it out. I have just corrected the post. Thanks for reading and commenting. Blessings. -Matthias
awww . .Jim thanks for the COS history lesson . ..