In the last post, I mentioned a few examples of human influence on earth that have prompted many to now speak of the Anthropocene Epoch, the age of human transformation of the planet. But as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words (or more. Since then, I’ve run across several things that help us to visualize the extent of our impact upon the earth, both for good and ill

We’ve done it. We’ve remade creation according to our own needs, desires, and vision. And so it is now different than it has ever been before

Seven billion people as of Oct 31, Reformation Day. The world’s population has more than doubled in my lifetime. For that matter, it’s increased three billion since I was in high school. It has increased by one billion in the last twelve years.

by Charles Arand
“And That’s the Rest of the Story”
[This text provides an excellent opportunity for instruction on the Trinity. The following provides a potential pattern for how the sermon could be constructed. It moves from …

Not too long ago scholars spoke of the story of salvation in the bible as “salvation- history .” In part this phrase meant that God carried out his work of salvation in history through a historical people and through historical events. This distinguished Christianity from so-called nature religions that too closely identified their gods with nature. We called that pantheism

Following up on the Summer Concordia Journal’s focus on our care of creation, an interview with Dr. Charles Arand…and a special tour of Concordia Seminary’s organic and community gardens.

It’s fall. And the Fall migrations are underway.

So, what do you think of the genetically modified salmon that has been nicknamed Frankenfish? Various news agencies reported last week that the company AquaBounty is asking the FDA to approve as safe the farm raised genetically modified salmon. It apparently grows much faster and much larger (2-3 times) than your average salmon

A month ago or so, I mentioned that a “small catechism” version (about thirty pages or so) of Together With All Creatures: Caring for God’s Living Earth appeared in time for our church’s National Youth Gathering (on right and below). Well, this past week the “large catechism” version (on left) is now out and has been sent to our pastors and congregations. It provides a more thorough treatment of the subject. The first half explores where we fit within creation by providing brief historical overview and then developing a theology of our place within creation for today.

Last week, Concordia Seminary hosted its annual symposium and dealt with the topic regarding the function of Scripture within the church. I was asked to reflect on how I used Scripture in working on various reports for our church’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations. In other words, how did my assumptions shape or even pre-determine the outcome of those reports. In other words, I had to do some self-reflection, something I’m not sure I’m always very good at doing.