Tag Archives: Christianity

White Paper: The Legacy of Rest: Bed Bequests in the Anglo-American and Protestant Traditions (1500s–1800s)

Posted on June 19, 2025 by nathanalbright

AbstractThis white paper explores the social, legal, and cultural practice of bed bequests in the Anglo-American world from the sixteenth century into the eighteenth century, focusing on England and colonial America. It places the bequest of William Shakespeare’s “second-best bed” … Continue reading →

Posted in American History, History, Musings | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

White Paper: Apparent Flatness, Actual Hierarchy: The Disjunct Between Clerical Perception and Lay Experience in the United Church of God

Posted on May 30, 2025 by nathanalbright

Earlier this evening, I was sent a short (roughly 6 minute) video from the Chairman of the Council of Elders for the church I attend in which this minister expressed his thinking that the United Church of God had learned … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church of God, History | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

White Paper: Succession in the Melchizedek Priesthood — A Biblical Analysis in Contrast to Levitical and Roman Catholic Models

Posted on May 17, 2025 by nathanalbright

What are the thoughts of readers concerning issues of succession? It is a subject that for various reasons has come up frequently in discussion recently. Executive Summary Succession is a critical element in understanding religious authority and continuity within sacred … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Biblical History, Christianity, Church of God, History | Tagged , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

WHITE PAPER: From Costly Consequences to Cheap Grace: David, Bathsheba, and the Real Path to Restoration

Posted on May 15, 2025 by nathanalbright

I was listening to the recent sermon by Mr. John Elliott citing David’s behavior and how the Bible views him as an invitation to move people out of boxes. Here is my reply to that specific citation and a discussion … Continue reading →

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Members Of The Body, But Not Members Of The Corporation

Posted on May 4, 2025 by nathanalbright

Executive Summary This white paper examines the fundamental disconnect that occurs when church members are considered spiritual members of the Body of Christ but lack legal membership in the church corporation that receives their tithes, offerings, and service. This structure … Continue reading →

Posted in Christianity, Church of God, Musings | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Finding Comfort In Romans 8:28

Posted on March 23, 2025 by nathanalbright

[These are the prepared notes for a split sermon given to the United Church of God congregation in Portland, Oregon on Sabbath, March 22, 2025.] Good afternoon to you all, and I hope you are finding good comfort here on … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church of God, Musings, Sermonettes | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

On Poor Integration Between Periphery and Core in Religious Institutions

Posted on March 8, 2025 by nathanalbright

Religious institutions, including churches, often face challenges in integrating their peripheral members, communities, and branches with the central leadership and core structures. This disconnect can result from various structural, cultural, and logistical factors, weakening the institution’s unity, effectiveness, and outreach. … Continue reading →

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Restoring Trust and Accountability: A Path Forward for Church Governance

Posted on February 28, 2025 by nathanalbright

Introduction In the life of any church, periods of institutional challenge can test the bonds of fellowship and the resilience of governance structures. The situation our church currently faces—with tensions between popular leadership and traditional governance processes, concerns over resource … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Christianity, Church of God, Musings | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

The Noahide Laws As The Moral Foundation Of The International Order

Posted on February 20, 2025 by nathanalbright

While I have always tended to think of myself as a realist when it comes to International Relations theory, my recent studies into the context of Noah and the Noahide Laws/Covenant of the post-flood world had led me to ponder … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible, Biblical History, Christianity, E Pluribus Unim, History, International Relations | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

On The Difficulties Of Understanding Parables

Posted on January 24, 2025 by nathanalbright

Parables present unique challenges for understanding that extend far beyond simple problems of translation or historical distance. At their core, they operate through multiple simultaneous layers of meaning, requiring readers to grasp both literal narratives and deeper spiritual or moral … Continue reading →

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