Wessel's blog

The Nature of Death

Headstones in a graveyard
Read time: 11 minutes

The 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger contains the iconic line “No, mister Bond, I expect you do die.” In the scene, James Bond has been captured by the villain Goldfinger, and is set up to be killed by a laser slicing him in half. Bond is trying to stall for time, but Goldfinger isn’t interested. The line has been voted the most iconic moment in the James Bond franchise. It has also parodied several times, including on The Simpsons, and xkcd.

Goldfinger’s expectation is foiled (unlink Hank Scopio’s), as Bond manages to escape the death trap set up for him. But if God pronounces someone’s death—and it doesn’t come to pass—then that is a far more concerning outcome. If it is the will of the Almighty, surely it must happen?

But “failed” predictions by God, and the person of Jesus, might point to something far more profound. Read more …

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The Most Influential Family

Holy family with St John the Baptist (painting) by Daniele da Volterra (Ricciarelli)
Read time: 14 minutes

What would you say is the most influential family that ever existed? Perhaps the Habsburgs? Or the Julio-Claudian dynasty of ancient Rome? Or the Khans, following Genghis Khan’s conquest of much of the Old World? Or the Medicis? The Kennedys, or the Kardashians?

I have a family that I would like to propose, which may come as a surprise. Read more …

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A Personal Update (2024)

A sparkler
Read time: 5 minutes

While it hasn’t been a full year since the last article which I wrote, it certainly feels like it to me. It also has been the longest period of time which has elapsed since I’ve written an article for this website in the more than ten years of its existence. Read more …

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Patiently Bear: Tracking Down An Internet Quote

Cyprian of Carthage
Read time: 7 minutes

A few weeks ago, our minister quoted an excerpt from a conversation between John Chrysostom and an empress. She threatened him with exile and execution. He replied valiantly that she could do nothing to take away his ultimate treasure and comfort. It is a poignant story. But as I sat there, listening, a doubt crept in.

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