Photography Friday (9)

Unlike previous incarnations, this time the photography below was not shot on film, but an iPhone. Perhaps you'll find this an affront, a break from something sacred. If so, let me know. In short, some of my favorite shots have been caught on my phone. Today, I'll start with those taken in Chicago's downtown (proper). I'll follow up sometime soon with a Chicagoland neighborhoods selection—the sites, food, drink, and people are far more interesting in the neighborhoods. Cityscape from Navy Pier Navy Pier attractions Commentary on city life? The Bean The world to him; the world to me ...

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Stop Counting

  In light of the parable of the unforgiving slave (Matt. 18:21–35), which of us has heard, sometimes from the pulpit, that a Christian has no obligation to offer forgiveness to one who hasn’t asked for it, to one who doesn’t seek it? Such advice, however understandable the idea is that justice limits mercy, flies in the face of God’s call for us to reflect his grace, to extend, as Jesus teaches here, unlimited forgiveness. We’re all pretty familiar with the parable: One day, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him. The Lord responds with a little story about a king who forgave a servant’s ridiculous amount of debt (“10,000 talents” is equivalent to today’s “gazillion”—the largest single number Greek...

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