Series 8

"'The ability to raise searching difficulties on both sides of a subject will make us detect more clearly the truth and errors about several points that arise,' said Aristotle. The freedom of speech should be used for the attainment of truth, not for subjective pleasure of utterance." Norma Cook, 1955. 

Series 7

Series 7

 "The valuations which refer to groups or individuals are called prejudices and are defended in terms of tradition, expediency or utility. . . In the United States suppressed minorities are supposed to stay in their "place." "They have not yet even been given the civil and political rights of democracy which includes a fair chance to make a living." Norma Cook, 1955.

Reformation

Reformation Sunday! Martin Luther wrote in his Large Catechism: "Jesus has completely given himself to us, withholding nothing."  "Jesus has made us free, and restored us to God's grace that he may rule us by his righteousness, wisdom, power, life and blessedness."

  I'm continuing my series of quotes from a 20-page term paper I wrote my senior year in high school, 1955, entitled, "Democratic Equality, an Ideal or a Goal?" I wrote, "Equality as a goal is something to strive for. It is up to every individual to do that much, for if democracy is not activity promoted it will be replaced."

 My book, "Open the Doors and See All the People" is now through Nov. 30 available 50% off: $8.50 with free Media Mail shipping. 

This is a book of stories the dozens of congregations I visited while a professor of "Church and Ministry" at Wartburg Seminary. Not only stories, but discussion questions to use with church councils, adult forums, retreats, throughout the year to help congregations discern their own mission and ministry.

Go to wipfandstock website conference 2026 Books by Norma Cook Everist. When asked, put in the discount code "confship" My book, Seventy Images of Grace in the Epistles" also is available at half price: $14.

Series 5 October 23

 "No one can say that color, or hair have any relationship to the quality of people, to their character or intelligence." The U.S. Supreme Court had just ruled six months before that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The country was very divided over race and education. Norma Cook, 1955. (I will resume these quotes from my high school term paper, next Mon-Fri. as we approach the Mid-terms) 

Series 4 October 22

 "Without the equality of opportunity individuals are deprived of the chance to develop their potentialities and to share the fruits of society." Norma Cook, 1955

Series 3 October 21

 "Because the right to participate in government is usually limited to citizens, there can be no denial of citizenship based upon race, color, creed, or national origin. . . It is unfair for people to be subjected to rule by a body from which it has been excluded. The right of the individual to vote is important to the group itself." Norma Cook, 1955

Series 2 Oct. 20

"In a democratic state we recognize the rule of a majority, but a majority, left unrestrained, may be as ruthless as a monarchy." Norma Cook, 1955

Series l Oct 19

 I'm beginning a new series as we move closer to Election Day. I wrote a 20-page term paper my senior year in high school, 1955, entitled, "Democratic Equality, an Ideal or a Goal?" These are quotes from what I was thinking 70 years ago: "Many well-meaning people feel that democracy is for Protestant, Anglo-Saxon Americans. They reject the full rights of immigrant groups. Our democracy is very limited if among 160 million Americans, we mistreat 55 or 60 million Americans." 

 Today is World Food Day, a global observance held every year on October 16 to raise awareness about world hunger, malnutrition, food security, and sustainable agriculture. We are giving to ELCA World Hunger.