The Principal Holidays and Seasons of the Christian Year
The
Christian Year
Just as people arrange the physical space in which they
live, they also arrange time. For Christians, this process has been worked out
in a fascinating and elaborate system referred to as "the liturgical year."
Holiday Spending: How
Much Is Enough?
Americans spend hundreds of billions of dollars each
year celebrating holidays including Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, Mother's
Day, Father's Day, and Halloween. Let's put this spending into perspective.
Some
Thoughts for Father's Day While not a religious holiday, strictly
speaking, Father's Day might provoke some fresh thinking about a tradition in
which God is conceived of as the "father
of us all."
The Fourth of July: A
Strange Freedom
What is it that Americans are fighting for in Iraq,
celebrating on the 4th of July, and holding up at the "light of the world?"
And what is the relationship between freedom and faith?
Halloween: Holiday in Need
of Renovation
Given its pagan roots, some think it evil. We disagree
and examine its deeper, Christian meaning, religious roots, and contemporary significance,
including practical ideas on how to celebrate it today.
Thanksgiving:
Mirror Unto The Soul of a Nation
"A nation divided cannot stand,"
said Abraham Lincoln, paraphrasing Scripture. But with a bit of luck, some ordinary
patience and understanding, and a touch of grace, it can. Here's how.
Thanksgiving: To Whom, For What?
A day
of prayer, self-congratulations, or what? When the act of counting one's blessings
becomes the habit of counting upon one's blessings. And what the holiday really
means.
The Essence of
Thanksgiving
A visitor to America from outer space in late November
might conclude that we worship the turkey goddess. So what is the deeper meaning
of this holiday, with its sometimes conflicting themes?
Last Minute
Christmas
Highly recommended presents you can get for a friend or loved
one that will convey meaning without breaking your budget.
The
Top Ten Christmas Albums
Christmas is known for its music. During the
holiday season people who seldom attend flock to the churches for a performance
of sacred music or to sing a few carols with friends. Why not bring the glory
of the season into your own home? These CD's are sure to uplift and inspire, filling
your home with joy!
On Being
a Jew at Christmas
The commercial Christmas is as much a problem for
Christians as it is for Jews according to a series of articles on the meaning
of the holiday.
The
Paradox of Valentine's Day
It's a strange holiday that combines sexuality
and spirituality, romance and religion, the sacred and the secular.
Valentine's Day
"All the world needs now is love, sweet love," wrote the songwriter. But what kind of love is required for the living of these days. Some thoughts about Valentine's Day.
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The Rev. Charles P. Henderson is a Presbyterian minister and is the author of God and Science (John Knox Press, 1986).
A revised and expanded version of the book is appearing here. God and Science (Hypertext Edition,
2015).
He is also editor of a new book, featuring articles by world class scientists and theologians, and illustrating the leading views on the relationship between science and religion: Faith, Science and the Future (CrossCurrents Press, 2017).
Charles also tracks the boundry between the virtual and the real at his blog: Next World Design, focusing on the mediation of art, science and spirituality in the metaverse.
