Philip Friesen

Muslim/Christian Dialogue: My Recent Contribution

IS JESUS THE SON OF GOD? How the disciples understood the term, and how Jesus deepened their understanding   Philip E. Friesen Presentation at the Islamic Center, Fridley, MN on Sept. 7, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. by Representative evidence from the synoptic gospels-            (The synoptics use the term 24 times.) Matthew 16:13-17 13 Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he...

Philip Friesen

Congressional Medal of Honor for Consciousness Objector

Mennonites like me have traditionally refused to participate in war as a matter of conscience, and this tradition was profoundly challenged during my college years at a Christian school where I grew in my faith under the tutelage of a number of godly veterans. Recently I learned a story that I believe will challenge every believer regardless of one’s convictions on this issue. On Saturday, May 5, 1945...

Philip Friesen

Restoring America’s Greatness

Last evening I heard Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi from India lecture on restoring America to greatness by means of Biblical knowledge and theological education. According to Dr. Mangalwadi, “Christianity lost America because 20th-century evangelicalism branded itself as the party of faith. Secularism (science, university, media) became the party of truth. This is one reason why 70% Christian youth give up...

Philip Friesen

GETTING IT RIGHT: OBEDIENCE IN THE REAL WORLD

My last blog was on “Getting It Wrong” when reading a parable. This time is “Getting It Right.” The first in this intended series (Lord willing) is On Eating and Drinking In the June issue of Christianity Today, a friend from my church published an article called “The Case for an Alcohol Free Life.” In this article she describes how that while many Evangelicals today do not share the aversion...

Philip Friesen

GETTING THE PARABLE WRONG

GETTING IT WRONG FROM CULTURAL BLINDNESS                 There is one parable of Jesus that seems quite easy to understand. It is the parable of the talents in Luke 19. In this parable a nobleman leaves town and entrusts his wealth to three servants, whom he rewards or punishes according to how well they have invested his wealth. Anyone in an investment society understands this. The simple...