Books Influence Life

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Two books (beside the Bible) have had enormous influence on my spiritual life. One is an unlikely source, about a ministry to gang homies, that is laced with profanity—Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle. G (as he’s called) interacts with Scrappy, who begins to see the worthlessness of his life. Scrappy says, “I have spent the last twenty years building a reputation for myself . . . and now . . . I regret . . . that I even have one.” Father G comments, “Scrappy discovered, as Scripture has it, ‘that where he is standing is holy ground.’…

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First Christian Nation

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What country was the first Christian nation? I couldn’t have told you, either, until I read about St. Gregory the Illuminator. Gregory was born in Armenia, and following a Christian upbringing, he returned to Armenia, where the king appointed him secretary. After a major military victory, the king instructed Gregory to lay wreaths and laurels in a pagan temple as thanks to the gods. The young man refused. The king was ticked. “If you don’t worship the idols, I’ll have to kill you.” Gregory stood his ground. “I believe in Jesus and can’t worship anyone but the Lord God.” Furious,…

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