Karl Barth, one of the giants of Christian theology during the first half of the twentieth century, said that sermons should be written with a newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other. I expand this thought from not only informing sermons, but also prayer and everyday living. As Christians, we know the value of living with the Bible in one hand, but the newspaper?
Newspapers and news magazines not only report the news, but also reflect the economic, social and cultural context of our lives. They point us to the concerns outside the walls of the church and inform us so that we can faithfully engage in these problems and issues. Although TV and radio accounts of news are compelling and informing, the written word allows us to imagine. And, as Albert Einstein said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” Imagination gives us the power to understand how we are to fit into God’s plan.
Just some thoughts as I reach for another cup of coffee and the current issue of Newsweek. Jonathan Alder’s story, “The Other America”, is a powerful reminder of whom I am called to be. I need to read it again.
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