Blog

Mar 23, 2017

The Sword or the Cross?

“This only I would learn of you, whether you are baptized on the sword or on the Cross?”—Menno Simons

Menno Simons • pacifism

Mar 21, 2017

Why Does God Allow War? Historical Reflections

Reflections by our senior editor Chris Armstrong

World War I • World War II

Mar 16, 2017

Let Hardship Grow Us

“Whatever tribulation finds in us, it develops more fully. . . . So everyone may learn from tribulation how his heart is constituted.”—Martin Luther

Mar 13, 2017

Hallowed Be Thy Names

“Hallowed Be Thy Names” —A Vietnam War veteran shares his moving tribute to those who gave everything.

Vietnam war • Veterans • US Military • Christian History magazine • Poem

Mar 9, 2017

Threats of violence

“The worldlings are armed with steel and iron, but the Christians are armed with the armor of God, with truth, righteousness, peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God.” —Schleitheim Confession

nonviolence • pacifism

Mar 2, 2017

Fasting as a means of grace

“O LORD, which for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the spirit, we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honor and glory.”—Thomas Cranmer

Feb 24, 2017

The Reformation at 500: Protestant theology in art and material culture

Protestant theology was not simply expressed in the written or printed word: it could also be found in sculpture, paintings, jewelry, and, yes, even a beer stein.

Reformation • Lutheranism • Art

Feb 23, 2017

Aspiring to the Task of Balaam's Donkey

I aspire only to be Balaam's ass, castigating his master.—Katharina Zell

Katharine Zell • women • Reformation

Feb 20, 2017

How World War I Inspired The Lord of the Rings

...and other things you will learn from our new issue on faith in the World Wars

World War I • J.R.R. Tolkien

Feb 16, 2017

God's second best gift

Next to God's Word, his best gift is a pious, cheerful, God-fearing, home-keeping wife with whom you can live in peace and tranquility; to whom you can entrust your goods and body and life. --Martin Luther (as quoted in Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, vol. VII (1849), 461.

Katharine von Bora • Martin Luther