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by Alyssa Robinson How do we approach Bible stories that leave us discontented? To try to wrap my head around some of the weirdest Scriptures, I’ve explored historical and cultural contexts, possible translation errors, and Levitical laws to which the people were adhering. Usually when I take these interpretation possibilities into consideration, I’m better able to understand the story or apply it to modern times. But the book of Leviticus, as a whole, stumps me.... Read More

by Alyssa Robinson At the root of humanity, we are tribal. We establish both figurative and literal borders to separate ourselves and create safety. We label individuals or groups who don’t look or live like us as dangerous. Then, we identify a common enemy to rally our community for a specific cause or action. This pattern endlessly repeats in history, on the evening news, and even in our daily conversations. It’s the classic “us vs. them” mentality. But... Read More

by Alyssa Robinson And now for a Bible story that needs no introduction, 2 Kings 2:19:25: Now the people of the city said to Elisha, “The location of this city is good, as my lord sees, but the water is bad, and the land is unfruitful.” He said, “Bring me a new bowl, and put salt in it.” So they brought it to him. Then he went to the spring of water and threw the salt into it and said, “Thus says the Lord: I have made this water wholesome; from now on... Read More

by Alyssa Robinson This question is full of ethical dilemmas. We ask, “Do the ends justify the means,” when we see someone with good intentions, trying to get to a righteous place, but  the way they do it causes harm. Maybe it causes so much harm, it’s not even worth the positive results. I’ve heard people pose this question about standardized testing, corporate profits, and political rhetoric. The ends/means dilemma is a popular scenario in ethics... Read More