Robert Schmidt The interplay between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV on the plight of deportees and the war with Iran is just a skirmish over a much larger issue. Is religion a handmaiden of the state, a resource that can be used and abused in service to a party or the state, or is…
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In the face of the current administration’s lies, chaos, selfishness, and cruelty, a political solution eludes us. The rapid rate of changes to government and its domestic and foreign policy is breathtaking. Yet, we believe that the Word of God can break through the deceit that calls into question the dedication of government employees, that…
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Robert Schmidt Editor’s Note: Robert Schmidt has taught theology and political science at Concordia University in Portland. He has also taught homiletics in the Lutheran Seminary in Nigeria and in the Lay-Assistant Program of the Northwest District, LCMS. “Should I say something in my sermon?” The political issues and the religious values behind them are…
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Robert Schmidt Introduction Religious nationalism is happening around the world. Netanyahu’s victory in Israel was dependent on a right-wing Jewish extremist party. In India, Modi stays in power with appeals to Hindu nationalists. In like manner, appeals to “Christian” values have impelled Orban of Hungary to authoritarian rule, and Putin enjoys support for war from…
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Dr. Robert Schmidt We live in troubled times. It is a constant refrain and introduction to what comes next. Few disagree. We grieve for those lost in the pandemic. We flinch as we learn more about climate change, conflict in the Middle East, wars in Africa, and Ukraine. Poverty condemns millions to live on barren…
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By Robert Schmidt* The nation was bitterly divided. On one side were the religious nationalists who wanted to make Israel great again. Realists were on the other side. They recognized that the future was in the hands of the Roman military which could enable and control world trade. Heightening the tension was the threat of…
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Robert Schmidt Several years ago, I attended a “Rethinking Forum” in Pune, India. It was about rethinking Christ’s mission to Hindus. Traditionally the Christian church did well among the Dalits, sometimes called the untouchables. These had little or no status in Hindu society and welcomed the Christian message. Connected with the Dalit congregations and coming…
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Dr. Robert Schmidt Editor’s Note: For an preliminary article to this one, see Dr. Schmidt’s earlier essay, “Evangelism of the Kingdom,” The Daystar Journal (Summer 2019). Jesus’ Evangelism Message Jesus’ good news was that God’s Kingdom was at hand, it was near. It was good news because the people knew the promises of the prophets….
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Some Theological Reflections on the Pandemic By Robert Schmidt The death toll is staggering. The four horsemen are almost visible as they sweep through Wuhan, Milan, and New York, leaving in their wake makeshift morgues and deserted funerals. But they ride on through the slums of Delhi, Kenya’s Kibera, and the streets of Ecuador now…
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Robert Schmidt* Introduction Yes. there is the Lutheran “Law and Gospel” approach,” Campus Crusade’s “Four Spiritual Laws,” and Evangelism Explosion’s question, “How do you think you can get into heaven”? But now, hesitant to make evangelism calls, we recently have tried to make the church more attractive to others. If they come, they will hear…
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