Michael Pahl
@mwpahl.bsky.social
anabaptist-mennonite • follower of jesus and his way of love • phd (nt) • treaty one • he/him • mc manitoba em, opinions here ≠ mcm • www.michaelpahl.com
Red flag: when someone talks about beliefs "essential" to Christianity or "the heart of the gospel" which are not found in any New Testament confessions or gospel summaries, or early Christian rules of faith or creeds.
November 7, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Red flag: when someone talks about beliefs "essential" to Christianity or "the heart of the gospel" which are not found in any New Testament confessions or gospel summaries, or early Christian rules of faith or creeds.
This is just...sad. It's tragic. Genesis 1-2 isn't about the how and when of creation, but the who and the why—like all ancient origins myths. And many Christians have been fine with evolution since Darwin first proposed it.
I suspect that Ken Ham has created more atheists than he has Christians.
I suspect that Ken Ham has created more atheists than he has Christians.
November 7, 2025 at 2:58 AM
This is just...sad. It's tragic. Genesis 1-2 isn't about the how and when of creation, but the who and the why—like all ancient origins myths. And many Christians have been fine with evolution since Darwin first proposed it.
I suspect that Ken Ham has created more atheists than he has Christians.
I suspect that Ken Ham has created more atheists than he has Christians.
I play violin in this terrific community orchestra. We've got a concert coming up Sunday, and it's gonna be good. If you're in Winnipeg or area, come on out!
November 4, 2025 at 5:32 PM
I play violin in this terrific community orchestra. We've got a concert coming up Sunday, and it's gonna be good. If you're in Winnipeg or area, come on out!
Our puppy, after she has been ambushed yet again by our cat.
a group of people are standing in a room with the words " it is my intention if i may be so bold "
Alt: Dance scene from Pride and Prejudice, with Mr. Collins saying to Elizabeth Bennet: "It is my intention, if I may be so bold, to remain close to you throughout the evening."
media.tenor.com
November 1, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Our puppy, after she has been ambushed yet again by our cat.
If you're a Canadian trying to understand Trump 2.0 and how it affects Canada, here's a helpful article. (Probably also helpful if you're an American just trying to make sense of what's going on...) www.readtheline.ca/p/alex-muir-...
Alex Muir: What the various factions of MAGA think about Canada (if anything)
Trump sits atop a movement with real divides. But to the extent they share any consistent view on Canada, it's not good news for us.
www.readtheline.ca
October 30, 2025 at 6:30 PM
If you're a Canadian trying to understand Trump 2.0 and how it affects Canada, here's a helpful article. (Probably also helpful if you're an American just trying to make sense of what's going on...) www.readtheline.ca/p/alex-muir-...
I'm adding this to my pile of evidence to support the idea that there are two basic visions for humanity and human societies out there:
1. A segregationist vision.
2. An integrationist or pluralist vision.
I know which one the New Testament points toward (it's not the first).
1. A segregationist vision.
2. An integrationist or pluralist vision.
I know which one the New Testament points toward (it's not the first).
October 30, 2025 at 4:14 PM
I'm adding this to my pile of evidence to support the idea that there are two basic visions for humanity and human societies out there:
1. A segregationist vision.
2. An integrationist or pluralist vision.
I know which one the New Testament points toward (it's not the first).
1. A segregationist vision.
2. An integrationist or pluralist vision.
I know which one the New Testament points toward (it's not the first).
Hearing both sides equally isn't balance if the weight of evidence heavily favours one side.
Hearing both sides equally isn't balance if the weight of power heavily favours one side.
Truths the media needs to learn. Truths I am still learning myself.
Hearing both sides equally isn't balance if the weight of power heavily favours one side.
Truths the media needs to learn. Truths I am still learning myself.
October 23, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Hearing both sides equally isn't balance if the weight of evidence heavily favours one side.
Hearing both sides equally isn't balance if the weight of power heavily favours one side.
Truths the media needs to learn. Truths I am still learning myself.
Hearing both sides equally isn't balance if the weight of power heavily favours one side.
Truths the media needs to learn. Truths I am still learning myself.
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed" (John 20:29).
If you're a believer today, that's you. That's me.
Specifically blessed by Jesus.
If you're a believer today, that's you. That's me.
Specifically blessed by Jesus.
October 21, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Jesus said, "Blessed are those who have not seen me but still have believed" (John 20:29).
If you're a believer today, that's you. That's me.
Specifically blessed by Jesus.
If you're a believer today, that's you. That's me.
Specifically blessed by Jesus.
Maybe this is an extreme. But it nicely illustrates a reality I've been noting for over a decade: Christianity is polarizing into two broad camps, each with a different Jesus, a different Spirit, a different gospel (2Cor11:4). Both claim biblical support, but they read their Bibles very differently.
![Screenshot of a social media post and response.
The post: "Jesus is my king, and that's why I protested [at the No Kings Day protests]."
The response: "You don't serve the same Jesus I do. Jesus has always been against, homosexuality, abortion, stealing from the wealthy to pay for the poor. Jesus hates all sin, but you all justify sin and say Jesus is okay with it. That's why you don't serve the same Jesus, I do. You all cry about immigration, but doesn't Heaven have a border? Does anyone get into Heaven without a relationship with Jesus? They sure don't. But I thought Jesus was for borders... Again, you do not serve the same Jesus I do."](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:ejwn4tgzlblh6xrks3xbgrel/bafkreidxea2uuufguucaru5vixf4mmnqpzg5p4pzmako2fcqxw6jmedmay@jpeg)
October 20, 2025 at 8:38 PM
Maybe this is an extreme. But it nicely illustrates a reality I've been noting for over a decade: Christianity is polarizing into two broad camps, each with a different Jesus, a different Spirit, a different gospel (2Cor11:4). Both claim biblical support, but they read their Bibles very differently.
"Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you'" (John 20:19).
The resurrected Jesus' first words to his gathered disciples: "Peace be with you." Words so important he repeats them (John 20:21).
May God's peace be with you—peace within you, peace among you, peace around you.
The resurrected Jesus' first words to his gathered disciples: "Peace be with you." Words so important he repeats them (John 20:21).
May God's peace be with you—peace within you, peace among you, peace around you.
October 20, 2025 at 4:29 PM
"Jesus came and stood among them and said, 'Peace be with you'" (John 20:19).
The resurrected Jesus' first words to his gathered disciples: "Peace be with you." Words so important he repeats them (John 20:21).
May God's peace be with you—peace within you, peace among you, peace around you.
The resurrected Jesus' first words to his gathered disciples: "Peace be with you." Words so important he repeats them (John 20:21).
May God's peace be with you—peace within you, peace among you, peace around you.
I had a terrific time this morning worshiping with Whitewater Mennonite Church in Boissevain! A wonderful Jesus-centred community in a great town.
October 19, 2025 at 11:10 PM
I had a terrific time this morning worshiping with Whitewater Mennonite Church in Boissevain! A wonderful Jesus-centred community in a great town.
"When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself" (John 6:15).
Jesus still does this, every time we try to make a "Christian nation." #NoKings
Jesus still does this, every time we try to make a "Christian nation." #NoKings
October 18, 2025 at 4:49 PM
"When Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself" (John 6:15).
Jesus still does this, every time we try to make a "Christian nation." #NoKings
Jesus still does this, every time we try to make a "Christian nation." #NoKings
"They are defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus" (Acts 17:7).
For Anabaptists, there are #NoKings but Jesus. And he's a king unlike any other. He gives himself for the world, and he gives his kingdom to the poor and the poor in spirit.
For Anabaptists, there are #NoKings but Jesus. And he's a king unlike any other. He gives himself for the world, and he gives his kingdom to the poor and the poor in spirit.
October 18, 2025 at 3:33 PM
"They are defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus" (Acts 17:7).
For Anabaptists, there are #NoKings but Jesus. And he's a king unlike any other. He gives himself for the world, and he gives his kingdom to the poor and the poor in spirit.
For Anabaptists, there are #NoKings but Jesus. And he's a king unlike any other. He gives himself for the world, and he gives his kingdom to the poor and the poor in spirit.
With anti-DEI rhetoric once again making its way from Trumpland to Canada, and especially the lie that "DEI" means "hiring unqualified people," it's time to tap the sign. ⬇️
DEI hiring practices have nothing to do with simply hiring women, Black people, LGBTQ+ people, and so on, regardless of their qualifications. DEI hiring practices are about helping *qualified* people overcome social barriers to equal employment. Who doesn't want that?
October 16, 2025 at 5:14 PM
With anti-DEI rhetoric once again making its way from Trumpland to Canada, and especially the lie that "DEI" means "hiring unqualified people," it's time to tap the sign. ⬇️
"When Jesus was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him" (Luke 24:30-31).
This is one way Jesus still reveals himself to us: in the breaking of bread, gathered together around the table.
This is one way Jesus still reveals himself to us: in the breaking of bread, gathered together around the table.
October 16, 2025 at 4:20 PM
"When Jesus was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him" (Luke 24:30-31).
This is one way Jesus still reveals himself to us: in the breaking of bread, gathered together around the table.
This is one way Jesus still reveals himself to us: in the breaking of bread, gathered together around the table.
"Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'" (Luke 23:34).
Of all the hard sayings of Jesus, this might be the hardest.
Forgiving one's crucifiers. While hanging on the very cross they just crucified you on.
Lord, have mercy.
Of all the hard sayings of Jesus, this might be the hardest.
Forgiving one's crucifiers. While hanging on the very cross they just crucified you on.
Lord, have mercy.
October 15, 2025 at 4:45 PM
"Then Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing'" (Luke 23:34).
Of all the hard sayings of Jesus, this might be the hardest.
Forgiving one's crucifiers. While hanging on the very cross they just crucified you on.
Lord, have mercy.
Of all the hard sayings of Jesus, this might be the hardest.
Forgiving one's crucifiers. While hanging on the very cross they just crucified you on.
Lord, have mercy.
You know, even if the Flames finish 1-81, it's still mission accomplished: beating the Oilers in Edmonton in the opening game of the season. #LifeAsAFlamesFan
October 14, 2025 at 11:59 PM
You know, even if the Flames finish 1-81, it's still mission accomplished: beating the Oilers in Edmonton in the opening game of the season. #LifeAsAFlamesFan
Happy Thanksgiving! I'm grateful for many things, and one of them is living in Canada. Despite its flaws, which are real and at times seem overwhelming, Canada consistently ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of safety, political and economic stability, overall wellbeing, and more.
October 13, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Happy Thanksgiving! I'm grateful for many things, and one of them is living in Canada. Despite its flaws, which are real and at times seem overwhelming, Canada consistently ranks among the top countries in the world in terms of safety, political and economic stability, overall wellbeing, and more.
Growing up, I always wondered how people in Germany in the 1930s could allow fascism to take hold. In particular, as a Christian, I couldn't understand how *Christians* could allow that to happen.
Now, watching the rise of fascism next door, I have at least a partial answer. ➡️
Now, watching the rise of fascism next door, I have at least a partial answer. ➡️
October 13, 2025 at 1:16 AM
Growing up, I always wondered how people in Germany in the 1930s could allow fascism to take hold. In particular, as a Christian, I couldn't understand how *Christians* could allow that to happen.
Now, watching the rise of fascism next door, I have at least a partial answer. ➡️
Now, watching the rise of fascism next door, I have at least a partial answer. ➡️
Jesus: "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over" (John 18:36).
The kingdoms of this world are founded on violence—political violence, state violence, economic violence.
God's kingdom is not.
The kingdoms of this world are founded on violence—political violence, state violence, economic violence.
God's kingdom is not.
October 12, 2025 at 6:36 PM
Jesus: "My kingdom does not belong to this world. If my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over" (John 18:36).
The kingdoms of this world are founded on violence—political violence, state violence, economic violence.
God's kingdom is not.
The kingdoms of this world are founded on violence—political violence, state violence, economic violence.
God's kingdom is not.
"Lord, should we strike with the sword?" we ask.
Jesus rebukes us: "No more of this!" (Luke 22:49-51).
"The Lord, in disarming Peter, unbelted every soldier" (Tertullian, 160-220 CE).
Jesus rebukes us: "No more of this!" (Luke 22:49-51).
"The Lord, in disarming Peter, unbelted every soldier" (Tertullian, 160-220 CE).
October 11, 2025 at 7:11 PM
"Lord, should we strike with the sword?" we ask.
Jesus rebukes us: "No more of this!" (Luke 22:49-51).
"The Lord, in disarming Peter, unbelted every soldier" (Tertullian, 160-220 CE).
Jesus rebukes us: "No more of this!" (Luke 22:49-51).
"The Lord, in disarming Peter, unbelted every soldier" (Tertullian, 160-220 CE).
I've been sick the last three days, mostly oblivious to the world.
Coming out of the fog, I'm more determined than ever to present a vision of Jesus that is faithful to Christian scripture and thus runs counter to prevailing Christian nationalism.
We white Christians in North America need Jesus.
Coming out of the fog, I'm more determined than ever to present a vision of Jesus that is faithful to Christian scripture and thus runs counter to prevailing Christian nationalism.
We white Christians in North America need Jesus.
October 11, 2025 at 3:39 PM
I've been sick the last three days, mostly oblivious to the world.
Coming out of the fog, I'm more determined than ever to present a vision of Jesus that is faithful to Christian scripture and thus runs counter to prevailing Christian nationalism.
We white Christians in North America need Jesus.
Coming out of the fog, I'm more determined than ever to present a vision of Jesus that is faithful to Christian scripture and thus runs counter to prevailing Christian nationalism.
We white Christians in North America need Jesus.
I'm grateful for a ceasefire in Gaza, and praying that it moves toward a lasting peace. More than that, that it moves toward a just peace for Palestine.
October 10, 2025 at 3:17 PM
I'm grateful for a ceasefire in Gaza, and praying that it moves toward a lasting peace. More than that, that it moves toward a just peace for Palestine.
Poor Aaron is getting schooled on Canadian humour...
October 8, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Poor Aaron is getting schooled on Canadian humour...