Wonder on the Web

Issue 23: Links to amazing stuff

When Whites Were Not White

We of pale skin assume that our skin color is natural—or maybe has just always been that way. According to recent research, however, Europeans were not always as white as we are today.

Seeing Is Sometimes Skin Deep

Speaking of skin, it's a good thing that we don't use it to see. Because of both modesty and climate, we cover our skin with garments, so we'd be in the dark most of the time. That's not the case with octopi, apparently; we've recently determined that they can see with their skin.

A God Strong to Save

One of the great paradoxes of theology is this: God does not change, and yet he responds to prayer. He is perfect, so does not suffer any type of grief or loss, and yet he is described as one who empathizes with us in our pain. Theologians have been wrestling with this mystery for 2,000 years. In the last few decades, they've tried to abandon one half of this paradox, but that has created more questions than it has answered. The main one is this: do we have a God who merely suffers with us, or one who has power to deliver us from suffering?

The Beginning of Dogs

When did the version of the wolf that we call a dog first emerge? A discovery in the Arctic suggests man's best friend has a long history.

The Largest Galaxy in the Universe

We don’t really need to say anything more to get you to watch this five-minute video, do we?

Also in this issue

When the heart stops, poetry by Luci Shaw, the glory of an orchestra, and Harriet Tubman.

Our Latest

News

Church Provides Shelter, Aid During Bondi Beach Attack

Amy Lewis

Australian Christians are finding ways to support the Jewish community after an ISIS-motivated shooting killed 15.

News

How Rhode Island Churches Responded to the Brown Shooting

Harvest Prude and Kara Bettis Carvalho in Providence, Rhode Island

God “draws near to us in our suffering,” local pastor Scott Axtmann preached after Saturday’s deadly attack. Area ministries were active too.

The Bulletin

Hanukkah Attack in Australia and Christmas Hospitality

Steve Cuss, Mike Cosper, Clarissa Moll

Shootings prompt a conversation about antisemitism and violence, and Being Human’s Steve Cuss discusses God’s hospitality.

News

Religion on Egyptian Citizens’ ID Cards Enables Christian Persecution

The requirement makes it difficult for religious minorities to get jobs, justice, and opportunities. Advocates are pushing for change.

Review

Personal Preference Is No Way to Judge Faithful Worship

Steven Félix-Jäger’s new volume on biblical, aesthetic, theological, and pastoral considerations in worship will serve many churches.

News

Killed: Acclaimed Gospel Vocalist Jubilant Sykes

The Grammy-nominated singer jumped from gospel to opera to spirituals to jazz; he considered it all sacred.

Review

Union With Christ Means A Responsible Life

Christa McKirland

Theologian Kelly Kapic’s new book Christian Life is a corrective to anxious faith.

In Bethlehem, God Chose What Is Weak to Shame the Strong

Brad East

What is true of Good Friday applies to Christmas too.

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