“Listen! I am sending you out just like sheep to a pack of wolves. You must be as cautious as snakes and as gentle as doves.” Matt 10: 16, GNT.
Probably not the first thing you’d expect to hear from Jesus, but the context of this passage is a grave warning. The rumblings of invasion were nearing the Jews, and before long, Christians and non-Christians alike were soon to be persecuted, tortured and killed by the Roman soldiers. In today’s context, this quote can be used for a myriad of situations. With the current political tensions; police corruption and financial meltdown, everyone’s on guard. We need to know what we believe—whether theist, atheist, deist or agnostic; liberal or conservative; pro-life or pro-choice—and the reasons for them. Over time, messages become skewered; origins obscure, and everyone can fall victim to being decieved through their dependence on someone with “greater knowledge” or authority.
This first issue of The Quarter is about origins of sorts, the origins of holidays; the origins of doctrines; you could call this issue your very own Snopes.com, in print-
form.
We hope you enjoy!
The Quarter editorial team