Germans, Russians, and Kindred

Two books have trickled their way across my field of vision in the last several months. I say trickled because that is how I read these days. I do not like to waste time while my optometrist, ophthalmologist, and ENT surgeon all have officious looking diagnoses about what’s happening with my eyes! Reading, a lifetime habit I am not ready to give up just yet. You take in a few sentences, think, reflect, and wipe the eyeballs, sentences after sentences!

Definitely worth the effort, I have enjoyed reading these two authors back to back, almost simultaneously, two persons who probably know nothing about each other, two very dissimilar titles, and a theme that keeps intermingling in my thinker page by page by page. Becoming Kin by Patty Krawec [i] is the subject of a book study I am currently participating in. The second book is a publication I now own thanks to a freebie I scored a couple months ago, Russian Mennonites: A Broken Path to Civility by Walter Braul.[ii] Some suggest why not just rest your eyes. My answer is that closed eyes are for sleeping; when awake I need open eyes to let in the life throb. The over-stressed professionals in our over-stressed health care system seem to agree.

Patty Krawec is an Aanishanabi mid-career social worker. Walter Braul, recently deceased, served as a professional lawyer for fifty years. Two different authors, not only by profession, but by lineage and origin. Therein is my intrigue and inspiration. The lawyer, a Mennonite with family roots in Holland, describes the sojourn of ‘his people’, much beyond his immediate clan. It is an analysis of his forbears’ journey through Poland, Prussia, Russia, and a two-staged emigration to Canada. Patty Krawec tells stories, some of them ancient and some of them like yesterday. They are stories less of her ‘clan’ but learned from elders and knowledge keepers, spiritual stories alongside Bible stories. Her theme stretches way down deep, way down before today’s colonial interpretations which most of us Christians find ourselves in. Not only solid believable information on their respective lineages, but here is much food for thought on the shaping of nations and us beings within and beyond, over the centuries.

Braul writes as a legalist, coming by that honestly, probably thanks to his lifetime profession, yet with an Alberta farm boy twist, well appropriated by the cover picture. Although devoid of personal faith references, this book presents a homey and thoroughgoing descript of Anabaptists and Mennonites in the European beginning followed by the Russian blustery emotional path 'to civility'. The pathway is a sacred trust even, and needs to be cherished especially if our desire is to make a positive contribution going forward.

Krawec, on the other hand, reaches further back in her lineage, much of it with story (Creation story in the Bible? Creation stories alongside the biblical? Yes, she writes about it). Her family lineage includes a Mennonite grandmother and Ukrainian grandfather (white mother and indigenous father). She reflects on her and her children’s present identity on this Turtle Island, making a strong point to her clan that their indigenous history will continue as a broken path unless they enter into relationships not only with the colonialists, but also inter-tribally. This she presents as her Christian faith story including church frustrations as well as blessings (easily understood by this preacher). You cannot but recognize the invitation to becoming kin.

There is a teaching here from both of these, and it is important for modern day Anabaptists to pay attention. We are colonialists benefiting from privileges in Canada and U.S. at the expense of the Indigenous who were here before us – similar point being made by Braul regarding the Mennonites’ considerably privileged vantage in Russia.

Both of these authors have a prophetic word for this day. Here is a statement from Braul’s son who published his father's book posthumously, “It is not narrowly academic, nor is it simply devotional history. Instead, it seeks to interpret long patterns across centuries. It brings history, theology, philosophy, and political thought into the conversation.” [iii] Good perspective from an attentive son, he offers a challenge to today’s historical societies to invite careful self-examination. “Strong communities are not weakened by honest reflection; they are strengthened by it.” [iv]

As indicated at top, the reading of these two books has been a watery project. Even after these compelling reads, I conclude this blog with a perspective which is mine. I still "says it as I sees it". 😉 Among all the books or podcasts or workshops available these days, there is an important equalizing message available for all, including authors, historians, lawyers, social workers, and yes, politicians, young, old or in-between. My wife and I receive a snippet of that larger message every morning as we light a few candles and read Rejoice!, daily devotional readings published by us, yes us North American Mennonites! [v] Here is the Bible reading for today: 

18 You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. 20 He was destined before the foundation of the world but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. 21 Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your trust and hope are in God (1 Peter 1:18-21).

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[i] Patty Krawec, Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future (Minneapolis: Broadleaf Books, 2022).

[ii] Walter Braul, Russian Mennonites: A Broken Path to Civility (Altona, MB: Friesen Press, 2025).

[iii] Bryan Braul, “Introducing Russian Mennonites: A Broken Path to Civility” The MHSA Chronicle   (Vol XXIX, no. 1, March 2026), p. 19.

[iv] Ibid.

[v] Rejoice! (Harrisonburg, VA: Menno Media, Vol 61, no. 3).

Of Mutual Benefit

Just yesterday I sent a quick one-sentence message to my sizeable batch of sisters and brothers. It was a sentimental memo of an interesting mishap that occurred once-upon-a-time along with the ‘free labor’ that we all provided in the operation of our family farm. Sixty years later it is hilarious, although some tears were shed at the time. Those were the good old days. Now that I think of it, that old story may get another rerun at an old-timers’ coffee klatch one of these days.

That farm memory erupted in my head just a few days ago. It was also at a coffee time, but this one not with old-timers; it was with two young guys, dear friends whom I have known for about five years by now. Newcomers to this country, these ‘meetings’ can only be scheduled if they do not interfere with constantly changing employment - jobs like security, cleaning, safety companionship, Uber driving, etc. By now these friendships also include church services, funerals, community gatherings, family visits. As we become ever better acquainted in this strange new country, there are real interests and real issues that easily make up the agenda. When these topics show up the eyes begin to sparkle, lots to talk about as friendships grow.

In addition to this Calgary scene there is always the Africa scene, not necessarily making headlines here in Canada. It’s siblings, parents, friends and family struggling and suffering in ongoing strife with Sudan, and sadly also tribal warfare within their ‘Christian' South Sudan. And along with that, how about the young people now growing up here along with parents (some parents missing), making career and entertainment and relationship choices among many others in this our multicultural city.

This is real stuff, and yet to talk about it is a challenge. Sometimes I marvel at their patience with me when after a few details get mangled in my brain, thanks to my challenged hearing and our differing accents the ‘truth’ may have got blurred! Then we laugh and start over again! This is real life conversation; talking about ‘back there’ and ‘here now’. Valuable time eventually becomes precious time because the focus is on possibilities rather than cynicism or despair. AND there is a bond; we also fully subscribe to a common denominator, namely our Christian faith, For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20).

Now it’s thinker time again. Common interests, common questions; it seems to me whether the lineage is Mennonites from Russia, or tribal Christians from South Sudan, there are similar challenges. How do we raise our children? My memories of milking cows, pitching hay and driving farm equipment is similar to the agenda being articulated by these young dads. The farm work we did was essential to help the farm yield enough so that we could all be fed and clothed, and learn how to behave ourselves, including listening to our elders and not too many shenanigans. 

That old agenda is incredibly similar to a fresh new project taking shape in our city, Sudanese-Canadian Youth Talent Association of Alberta. As outlined in their Mission, Vision, and Values, the program is carefully articulated. My parents did not ‘write up’ their plans, and yet us kids understood exactly what needed doing. Interesting, this Association’s recent application to Revenue Canada includes a sentence might have been used back then, “Our organization is committed to providing structured educational programs that promote life skills and vocational training for the youth, general public and newcomers to Canada.” [i] I smile as they spell it out carefully, life skills will be fully organized and supervised by qualified basketball and soccer coaches. And vocational training will include sessions on resume writing, mock interviews, and indeed workplace communication. Well, there were differences: we never took classes in communication, and the de-facto sport in my day was hockey, and today's urban version of that sport is frightfully expensive. That's why this preacher's kids did not play hockey. Soccer was barely affordable! So a nice touch of realism here, basic level of these life-skills will be provided at charity price. It's also in the Bible, Train children in the way they should go; when they grow old, they won’t depart from it (Proverbs 22:6 CEB). SCYTA is now a registered charity.

Not only for immigrants to learn, but very important for all who live here. Even non-immigrant families need the very things being provided by this newly formed talent association. I am inspired by the vision to keep young people busy and out of trouble. It's a charity thing and I like that image as per the old King James version of the Bible!  And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity (1 Corinthians 13:13).

I recognize just a little inner disonnance at this time. I am not a fundraiser, in fact not at all impressed with latest money lingo (e.g. in some churches the tithes and offerings now rebranded as donations), and even less impressed with solicitous phone calls at suppertime thanking me for my recent supportiveness (really?) and can they count on more of the same, or maybe double the amount? Donate buttons show up in the middle of and at the end of almost everything online. So, even though unimpressed by all this latest ... this one time it's the right way! It is a charity way and a convenient way to participate in a very legitimate thing, and even revenue Canada will add their blessing at years' end. See the button? 😊  Sudanese-Canadian Youth Talent Association is a morality thing in this country of Canada. This is for all of us. It's better for our young people to play soccer than to hang out with their devices or in shopping centers.

______ [i] Sudanese-Canadian Youth Talent Association of Alberta, letter of intent, Charitable Organizations, unpublished, August 12, 2025.

 

 

	Donate to Sudanese-Canadian Youth Talent Association Now

Just Above the Maze

At the very top of front page, I read it this morning in the Calgary Sun, MAJOR MOVE: With latest defection, PM effectively has his majority. No surprise to my cynical head, I turned to the details on page 4. That’s where I gave this head a shake. Surprise? Indeed surprise! The defector is an NDP Member of Parliament, not yet another Conservative; definitely enough to keep me reading.

Lori Idlout, the MP from Nunavut in Canada’s north, is the latest turncoat. Reading on in the article, I learn she made a decision that had to be, totally in communication with her constituents. In their local Nunatsiaq News, Idlout says it’s a crucial moment not only for Nunavut but for all of Canada. “With new threats against our sovereignty and pressures on the wellbeing of people throughout the North, we need a strong and ambitious government that makes decisions with Nunavut – not only about Nunavut.”

Ms Idlout claims she is listening to her community. I am tempted to wade in with opinion, questions about national pros and cons, but without further  orientation…? [Reading a bit further down in that paper there they are, opinions in her constituency almost like our Alberta locals, except in our city of Calgary we actually pay some journalists, like Rick Bell, for their opinionating].

At present we are in a testy, restless world! On this occasion however, I am inclined to some restraint, and almost immediately there is the vantage of another, and this not a professional journalist, but very much a professional. It’s from someone who just got jilted. Heather McPherson, a fellow-NDP and one of the candidates for leader of the national Party, speaks somehow kindly, even as I can only imagine the feeling that must be included in her brief words. Writing to members of the party, she begins, “Learning that Lori Idlout crossed the floor to join the Liberals was tough. We worked together for years, fighting Liberal cuts, arrogance and hypocrisy.” Then she doesn’t go on and on about that. “I’m sad to see her go.” End of paragraph, and her message goes on. There’s work to do.

There’s something in today’s front page event which reminds me of some considerable reading I have done in the last while – not specifically on topic of politics, but very much in sync with the above. Probably like most of my neighbors, friends, and perhaps even a few enemies, I am deeply concerned about today’s lay of the land, not only North America, but Europe, the Middle East and even farther afield. And indeed I am discouraged and disgusted by the dishonesty and moral depravity of those who get elected as leaders. It’s a commentary on us, the citizens of this world, not only those leaders.

So coincidentally (providentially?) my recent reading has been not about today’s news, and yet precisely on topic. Two books written by two very different people, one a lawyer of fifty years’ professional service, and the other a mid-career social worker. They write from their vantage, and therein my surprise and inspiration. The lawyer is a Mennonite with family roots in Holland, describes the sojourn of ‘his people’, much beyond his immediate clan. It is an analysis of his forbears’ journey through Poland, Prussia, Russia, and the two-staged emigration to Canada. [i] The other, an Anishinaabe Ukrainian Indigenous writer, [ii] provides seemingly endless Bible examples of kinship that stretch way down deep below and beyond today’s colonial interpretations which most Christians find themselves in. Walter Braul’s excellent historical analysis has no reference to personal faith. Patty Krawec’s personal faith is consistently evident as she writes about kinship, not only in New Testament, but also very much in the Old!

I mention these two authors today because I must. Both of their writings provide not only solid believable information on their respective lineages, but much food for thought on the shaping of nations and us beings within and beyond, over the centuries. Today I see them simply as timely persons on scene for the mazy topic above. Also I see Lori Idlout and Heather McPherson as timely contributors to the troubled profession of politics today. Lori did what she had to do, because we all know that our Prime Minister’s liberals, egocentric as they are and very limited in analyses, at this point should receive the support of this one specific politician (not all of us, Lord have mercy)! There are many other considerations, but as an Inuit lawyer from among her people in the North, she may help Canada’s Arctic sovereignty to be more believable than if she would not participate. That was a hard call and I believe Heather McPherson understands this, and so will not villainize a colleague. Such dignity is what would qualify her as next Prime Minister of Canada (just saying 😉).

These other two writers probably qualify as my kin in the overall scheme of things. At any rate, they have been feeding my head and my heart. I see their  wisdom just above the maze. Many friends and relatives (but perhaps not kin) have no time for any of this mid-air discernment. They are up or down, all or nothing, just like the MAGA in the U.S; no more discernment needed for them. They know the signs of the times, and in spite of the instruction received from Jesus about not being preoccupied with apocalypticisms (Acts 1:8), they know He will return tonight to meet all of us true believers (1 Thess. 4:17). Many others, also my friends, attribute such beliefs to fundamentalist ignorance. It is important to "rise above" this (Anybody remember the Rankin Family singers of the 1990's?).

From within this world’s pluralistic, multicultural vantage I dare not condemn nor qualify politicians nor writers nor people with slightly different angles on the truth - or on political parties. At least I can say this today! 

Prophecies? Being prophetic?  Well, that's another topic, coming up soon. For now I quote another scripture, “Not everyone who says Lord, Lord …” (Matt. 7:21a).

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[i] Walter Braul, Russian Mennonites: A Broken Path to Civility (Altona,MB: Friesen Press, 2025).

[ii] Patty Krawec, Becoming Kin: An Indigenous Call to Unforgetting the Past and Reimagining Our Future (Minneapolis: Broadleaf Books, 2022):

A Library Thought

This is a blogpost written while sitting in a library here in our city of Calgary. It was about libraries, and why and how I sit there doing what I claim to be important things! I forgot to post it back there in October. Now I realize it is on topic for my next blog! Hopefully it will post in a few days! Stay tuned.

October 8, 2025

A little discomfort I deal with each time I go to the library. For me a library is still sort of a luxury, a place of anonymity and potential to do almost anything my head has in mind. Wow! It may be to read a book or magazine article – paper or digital – or to work at some document trying to take shape in my brain. I and my tasks are accepted as is, and library staff available with whatever query this old guy might have (and older staff ready to defer to someone younger if they are just as confused by the copy machine as I may be).

In my lifetime I have become acquainted with two approaches to library time. The first is time wasted, quite a curve ball away from farm chores and hockey and ball games. Library, in those years, suggested absolutely nothing else to do (and as might be expected some of those kids, now my fellow old-timers, still wouldn't know what to do in a library 😐). The other approach is at other end of spectrum. I can only refer to it as quality time, absolutely essential, the bibliothek in college and the rest is history. Definitely more enjoyable than fiddling around in coffee shops or watering holes, watching sports ad nauseum.  As per the therapists' opinion, this old retired Mennonite is borderline introvert - extrovert, sociable but also workaholic! So, library is wasted time for some and quality time for others. When in library I'm not fiddling or tinkering at something in my garage or yard or attending a Zoom meeting from my home office. Quality time.

Here we go. Today I shall jot down a few “ Alberta thoughts.” At present our province is enduring a teachers’ strike. Our government is not willing to shell out the big bucks for educators, and apparently it’s showdown time. Classrooms are packed and individual student needs are not being met, especially with many extra needs brought on by immigrant children. My first inclination is to give teachers all the support we can to help them do their jobs to best of their ability. Then again (ironic perspective from this longtime NDP), I also wonder about what is the most important here. Our education system is in a new day. It’s not only demographic classroom-size pressures. It begs the question, what quality education can realistically (or should) be provided for children of high echelon high salaried parents. Can an education system provide what is not provided at home, like discipline and parental guidance?

This is where my genuine socialistic inclinations lean just a bit toward the conservative. Many of today's parents need to reclaim parenting - do what you need to do yourself before looking to have government do it for you. I recently overheard a parent make a case for the importance of vacation trips so as to spend quality time with her kids! Duh!!  Maybe that woman should regularly make dinner together with her teenage daughter! Strikes and politics do not provide those things. 

Hopefully the strike will end soon with reasonable resolve, and I also hope parents will realize we must be realistic. That's it! My thoughts for this library day. And yes, today the library staff are diligently serving as alternate teachers!

Snack time Inspiration

Last week I participated in an event at the student center, mid-campus in our University of Calgary. It was one of many occasions planned as part of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week, an annual event hosted by this city’s Interfaith Council. Titled “Scriptural Sharing: Harmony in a World of Crisis,” this austere title turned out to be nothing but a circle of chairs in a comfortably arranged office and meeting room obviously designed for things like this. The name of this second floor place is Faith and Spirituality Centre.

The inspiration for me was not so much the words shared in that circle (many accents challenging this senior with hearing problems), but rather the occasion. We were reflecting on two sacred texts, one from the Ahmadiyya Muslims Quran, and one from the Bible, Romans 12. Not only Muslims and Christians, but also Unitarians, Buddhists, Sikhs, Hindus and others in absolute respect and peacefulness holding forth in this talking circle, speaking thoughtfully about “let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice” and “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse” [i] along with related thoughts that came up during the two hour gathering.

The occasion seemed to incite a spirit of joy on this gathering of university students and a few assorted professors, retirees, and clergy. Near end of the talking circle, our discussion facilitator asked one of the women if she might lead in a song. She was taken by surprise, but almost immediately replied, “Sure let’s try.” Using the tune “Frere Jacquez” there we were, all of us, not quite karaoke but singing our hearts out, round song complete with clapping, missed starts and laughter for all. It was spontaneous and happened only because two in our midst exercised a freedom of spirit and the gift of music.

Consistent with tone of this meeting, there was food; lots of variety and served to us by several students from different faith communities. As I overheard them talking about some unique flavors coming from certain shops in the Food Court one floor down, I could not but enjoy the hospitable camaraderie, obviously communicating a youthful connectedness with others in this student center.

And then there was the carpool to and from this location. Alongside shortest or best GPS instructions, the personality of carpoolers also came into play. Our host provided the ride and the parking fee, all this alongside back-seat driver instructions from each of his passengers.

My enthusiasm for Interfaith events in this city is definitely beyond a nice activity to occupy an old thinker. This year’s chosen theme of crisis harmony addresses the very thing everybody, all cultures, young and old, male or female, rich or poor, [ii] is aware of. There was an undeniable willingness to participate with all in something we all desire - definitely more than just 'something to do'.

So our University of Calgary, secular institute of higher learning, very attentive to the education needs of a pluralistic, multinational student body, has a spirituality center well attuned to this day. The unpretenscious down-home hosting of a UNWIHW event communicates nothing but good news, perhaps also contributing to its increasing Times Higher Education (THE) rating and definitely a notch above all the separatist divisive lingo being touted in this province.

The ride home continued on topic; hearty conversation about our understanding of God (Yup, a Mormon, Unitarian, Mennonite, and a Muslim all in this neighborly rideshare). We were agreed it had been an uplifting meeting. I posit also that this was healthier for mind and soul than the religion and politics we avoid at so many of our family dinners or coffee klatches.

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[i] From Quran 5:8 and Romans 12:9-21

[ii] Galatians 3:28

 

Sunday School

It is not often that I get inspiration from the Calgary Sun, one of our local newspapers. Referred to as The Rag by those of us not fans of its political orientation, I nonetheless read it as a freebie along with my coffee at our local McDonald's halfway through each morning’s constitutional walk. This morning’s read was one of those. The front-page article was a begrudged affirmation of our Prime Minister’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Next page was equal print to Donald Trump’s rambling speech obviously not pleased with the standing ovation "Mark" had received. 

This free read was... almost balanced.[i] In fact, a few pages in and back to the local scene, Rick Bell, the Rick Mercer of the Conservatives, went as far as to identify some problems in Alberta’s healthcare system after his recent experience in an Urgent Care facility! Interestingly, Bell, the unofficial PR man of Alberta's UCP, gets immediate response from our government Hospitals Minister Matt Jones also admitting there are some problems. Really? Nice to at least have it acknowledged, even if it's only damage control. 

So our Rag was uncharacteristically balanced today. Media is that form of communication; words, images, art, a whole lot of posturing, and always conforming to the ones who are buying in, i.e. paying their wages. Media will give a balanced perspective if it is consistent with the owners' identified business goals. Anyway, today's newspaper is what inspired the pious-looking title you see at the top. Given the vested interest of media and the deep contrariness of speeches in the big arenas, I wonder about what is actually at the heart of daily news. As a Christian reader and writer, sometimes I also wonder what is at the heart of what comes from the pulpit. It's a good time to relearn something old, to sit with one another not only in coffee klatches and watering holes, but in a healthy way. Back to Sunday School!

Here we go! So far we still live in a free and democratic society, therefor important (urgent) that churches and faith communities learn - perhaps relearn - how to speak with one another! The truth of all 'stories' is larger than information, whether it comes from journalists, politicians, or from preachers (Yes clergy, we must admit this). 

In the congregation I belong to we have devoted recent months to an intentional transition process - preparing ourselves for engagement with the next pastor, reimaging our future. Guess what, now that we think we know what we want, we discover there is a limited supply! This perceived challenge for churches casts us in the same environment as the media. If we are dependent only on adequate professionals, good luck finding the right pulpiteers or managers to do it just right. 

Sunday School. I am a member of a congregation in the low church tradition, in my case the Mennonites. In our communion we do not need to emulate fellow Christians in the mainline and/or evangelical churches since we are not dependent on authoritative structures or popes or bishops or preachers to validate us (although historically some incredible leaders). Our strength and our confidence is in what we are known for - community of believers. It means we practice the scripture at the heart of our theology, For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20). This is what orders our life.

Aaron Stauffer, in the latest issue of Sojourners, a U.S. social gospel magazine, writes about how important it is for congregations to act on what matters, the “sacred values we hold,” not just by what is being preached.[ii] These sacred values are best nurtured in circles of learning, the practice of gathering, not to form official opinions or to hammer out agreement on sticky Bible passages. It is here we sit with one another, usually dependent on one or several who have a gift of teaching, "we have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.... if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach" (Romans 12:6-7). This is the way to discern implications for the journey of faith. 

One further feature of good Sunday School is that it can be multigenerational. I recently visited a Mennonite Church near Two Hills, AB, where the starting age for Sunday School is four! Classes range from preschool to adult, classrooms with collapsible fronts so as to provide space for larger goszgebats (gatherings). Much inspiration in the education wing of this church. And Sunday School precedes a one and half hour worship service! The faith and the energy in this fellowship of believers is palpable, and certainly more convincing than latest meeting and worship formats with sermons from high-salaried professionals. The word, as touted by many in media or from pulpits, is not adequate.

There is considerable loneliness experienced also by those seeking to provide leadership. Once our perceived solutions are limited to 'input' - speeches or opinions as described in the opening paragraphs above - then we are hopelessly lost. Jimmy Carter, President of the United States 1977-81, served his country and his people well, losing after one term to Ronald Reagan, but winning the Nobel Peace Prize twenty years later. One of his involvements that began years before his presidency and only ended years later, was his regular schedule, teaching Sunday School in his home church in Plains, Georgia. 

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[i] Although subsequent issues back to Alberta separation and other hot topics. E.g. Rick Bell, “Not Taking the Bait,” Calgary Sun, January 30, 2026.

[ii] “How Congregations Act on What Matters,” Sojourners, Jan/Feb, 2026, p.12.

To Babylon and Back

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (2 Timothy 3:16 NIV)

My latest post was kind of academic, but like usual, ignited by a little personal incident. I started writing it, and then the good seasonal distractions. It almost didn’t make it as a 2025 model; finally hit publish on New Year’s Eve! This one in front of me now has no incidental ignition. It is merely ‘thinker material'. Here it is, thanks to whatever has accumulated to date!

Theology is a large subject that most people steer clear of. So I do not expect many to read this because there is no opener sparkplug. Instead of reading theology the preferred option for most people is to find a tradition or a conviction or a “comfortable pew,” as Pierre Burton once put it,[i] or the standard go-to for many, which is ‘nothing.’ No readers? That's okay with me; this still must be written. 😀 These days many things are changing; given new demographics and humanitarian conditions, along with increasingly autocratic politicians. The inhabitants of this world (that's us) are having second – or hundredth – thoughts about religion! Theology will never be outdated.

I have been thinking about the Babylonian captivity, right there in my Old Testament college memories of long ago. Interesting how when reflecting on new things, it is old things that come to mind. At this point the stimulus for me is my involvement in an Interfaith community in our city. Ironically, it is conversations with persons of other faith traditions that is getting me to review some so-called familiar stuff right there in our Bible. Muslims, Jews, Aboriginals, Latter Day Saints, Sikhs, Seventh Day Adventists, and a variety of both evangelical and progressive Christians provide a good environment to talk about and think Old Testament history, more-so than in the years when I was preaching sermons.

I am fascinated (inspired, relieved) in a new way to review some basics about our Bible - the helpful way our sacred text is arranged. There is law, prophets, and writings in the O.T. and gospels, epistles, and a bit of review, or overview (e.g. Hebrews and Revelation) in the N.T. Interestingly, there is an O.T. - N.T. pattern: Law - Gospels; Prophets - Epistles; Writings - Overview. [No footnote needed here; just this recent observation, thanks to paging around in my favorite book]. There is some New Testament in the Old Testament and also vice versa.

This morning, again in usual routine, my wife and I were reading from Jeremiah 31, and suddenly a surprise - surprised that we got a surprise! This chapter is uncharacteristically positive in a book generally thought of as the scolding “weeping prophet” warning his fellows, the people of Judah, that they have much suffering ahead of them because the Babylonians are coming, and this is consequences for their lackluster self-centered living. Now, near the end of all that gloomy doomy material, near end of the book, surprise, we have that same prophet’s message of a joyful people coming back. 

See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor together; a great company, they shall return here (:8).

All is well? Happy? Time warp? Coming back from where? What gives? Is this a prediction of those same people coming back - or an even further look into the future? That opens a centuries old interpretive scenario. Given that this was written well before they returned, and we kind of know some subsequent history - good vantage for me to think about this. It is clear not all people left for Babylon in 587 BC, some already in 596. Some got taken, some stayed back, or left behind because they were poor, as per author Patty Krowec, [ii] unresolved tensions, different voices, family issues even, all of it alongside the prophets’ “told you so.” And when they landed in Babylon they spent some 70 years trying to figure out (and many of them the more educated ones) what to do in the strange land (read Jeremiah 29). Even so, there will be a coming back, so we read this morning.

Furthermore, there are other religious communions with origins and lineages also involved here. As per earlier Old Testament history (Genesis 16), it was Hagar, the 'other wife' of Abraham, who became mother of Ishmael who had twelve sons (12 tribes) one of which, Quraysh, was the tribe of Mohammed, the Prophet who became the father of Islam about a millennium later. Mormons claim their space here also. Their extra-biblical, but historic records have this time as essential in their formative story. Prophet Lehi and two sons Laman and Nephi) [iii] avoid the Babylon captivity by loading up their tribespeople on ships, crossing the ocean to the Americas and they are now part of that new world history. The return to Jerusalem for them is an anticipated apocalyptic scenario. 

Then there are those of us who accept only the Bible as sacred text. Yes, as per the epigraph above, we believe in the whole Bible, complete with its firm packaging at the end of the last chapter. If anyone adds anything to them... And if anyone takes words away... God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City (Revelation 22:18-19). Within ranks of all who live by this canon we still have a huge variety in our denominational palates. There are the Catholics, Anglicans, Episcopalians, the Reformers, the Anabaptists (including dunkers and sprinklers), with evangelical and charismatic and progressive and fundamentalist variations in almost all of these. So, even as a believer in the adequacy of the Word in our Bible, I do find it interesting that, although not highlighted, the O.T. has some historical ingredients not recorded, yet with consistent prophecy of a messiah. The N.T. is celebration of that Messiah - Savior available for even those whose story line deviates from ours.

Anyway, this is long-haired thinking, and now I'm reminded of some good advice also in our Bible, Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body (Ecclesiastes 12:12). At the moment I do not need to go on and on about this. Now my head is back to the next Sunday School lesson in our church. It is based on John 14, including some verses about Jesus going to prepare a place for us, no specifics about how many (144,000?) or who (only those who say Lord, Lord correctly? Matthew 7:21). This first lesson of the new year - January 4, 2026 - nothing complicated or long-haired about that; just good material for us to chew on with one another.

Back to the Jeremiah 31 passage, that 'happy return' passage, including the extra-biblical content just referred to. Both of us in conversation about all of this, Verna makes a catch-all statement, “They’re coming back from captivity not because they have been perfected, but they've learned something of the grace of God.” Yes, so true! We found ourselves rejoicing, suddenly hit by that New Testament message of grace already so present in the OT. Right there in the prophets is beginning of the New Testament! God’s grace, God’s unmerited favor already there, and very much what we need to claim these days. Nothing new really, but a pleasant discovery, even among all as us of the faith communions look sideways at, or relate with one another. 

The biblical message of grace, the birth of a child come among us. This next Sunday of the Epiphany we will note that Good News so very important also to those kings coming from Persia or Iraq.

So surprise! It's good news heading into this New Year, and we need it regardless of the circles of comfort or discomfort we find ourselves in. Happy New Year.

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[i] Pierre Burton, The Comfortable Pew  (Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1965).

[Ii] Patty Krawec, Becoming Kin (Minneapolis: Broadleaf Books, 2022), p. 81.

[iii] 1 Nephi chapters 1-3, The Book of Mormon (Salt Lake City, UT: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Intellectual Reserve, 2013).