Numerous matters are in the courts and in the court of public opinion around social matters. In the USA the question around immunity for a former President took another step towards the Supreme Court with the ruling that President Trump does not hold immunity towards crimes committed while in office. The very fact that this is before the courts is unbelievealbe to me. Who would have thought that this would even need to be a question – but there they are!

In Alberta is the question of the role of parents versus that of the school system and government. I’ve not read the legislation being attacked in the media – so I won’t comment. In fact, I heard a reporter who was condemning the legislation asked if they had read it and they responded no – which gives you some insight into the quality of journalism we enjoy. However, on the surface, it seems to me parents should raise children and the government should operate schools. That’s rather simplistic and I’m sure there’s more to it but in essence that’s my thought.

We live in a time of turmoil. It’s interesting that Jesus told the disciples and in turn us, that “in this world, you will have trouble”. No kidding – what is right, what is wrong. How do we know what is right and what is wrong?

I’m favourable towards a way of thinking called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. It suggests that when considering a matter you ask four questions, or filter it through four considerations.

The first is Scripture – what does Scripture say and this is primary to the process. Second, what does tradition tell us? Thirdly, what does common sense or reason give us? Lastly, what is our experience?

So in most of these matters, it is to our advantage to listen to others but to have “the mind of Christ”. Sometimes we may not like the conclusion, but we must be careful that our own biases or frame of reference does not impede what Scripture, tradition, reason, and experience tell us.

Lastly, I would say this. And this is hard. We must always be willing to reconsider.

For example, is God in control or sovereign? What is the difference? The statement that God is in control is a hard one for then we must ask the question if we do or do not have free will. But God is sovereign is more easily grasped and defended.

It is important that we “work out our Salvation”, as Paul puts it, and that we do so in community. My Barnabas brothers are great at helping me (us) think through these matters.

 “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.” – Mark 12:30