Author: D’Nanda Panda

Retired hospital chaplain, Theo-Geek, Honorary Marine, bookworm, crossword addict, and lover of intelligent conversation, well-brewed tea and/or occasional distilled spirits - as appropriate.

Stump the Chaps IX-b: “Once Saved/In Hope – An Exploration”

Greetings, ST, 'Sieurs, and 'Ettes. It's always a treat to be with you for these posts. This time around, I'm responding to a further request from our gracious host: Would I sketch out the two viewpoints toward the question often asked in the Reform Christian tradion: "Are you saved?" I'll gladly attempt to illustrate these … Continue reading Stump the Chaps IX-b: “Once Saved/In Hope – An Exploration” →

Stump the Chaps IX: “One and Done?…”

Greetings, ST, 'Ettes, and 'Sieurs! Good to be with you again! As is often the case, our gracious host recently requested an exploration of the idea "once saved, always saved" that is expressed in faith communities of the Reform tradition beginning in the 16th century. This post is not meant to be a debate about … Continue reading Stump the Chaps IX: “One and Done?…” →

Stump the Chaps VIII-b: “Peter’s in the Principal’s Office?!”

Greetings, ST, 'Sieurs, and 'Ettes! I know some of you have been eagerly awaiting the next installment in our consideration of a couple questions posed by our gracious host. I appreciate your patience. The first question: "“Do not Catholics consider all Popes to be successors to the Apostle Peter? If so, how does that work?” … Continue reading Stump the Chaps VIII-b: “Peter’s in the Principal’s Office?!” →

Stump the Chaps VIII: The Other ‘Peter Principle’

Greetings, ST, 'Ettes, and 'Sieurs! I have to thank our gracious host - as I often do - for asking this motivating question: "Do not Catholics consider all Popes to be successors to the Apostle Peter? If so, how does that work?" I'm so glad you asked, Your Saintliness! Petrine/papal primacy and apostolic succession, Chaps-style, … Continue reading Stump the Chaps VIII: The Other ‘Peter Principle’ →

Kaffeehaus Jukebox – Artist Spotlight: Ian Dury (1942-2000)

Greetings, ST, 'Ettes, and 'Sieurs!This recent post here - and its lively comments - were the inspiration for an up-close listen to the work of Seventies artist-turned-Brit-punk-tunesmith Ian Dury. As I commented on the previous thread: "Ian D. is/was a polio survivor, with visible limitations; he had a biting sense of humor that’s on display … Continue reading Kaffeehaus Jukebox – Artist Spotlight: Ian Dury (1942-2000) →

Epiphany Treats: For the Spirit and the Taste Buds

Greetings, dear Simonettes and Simoneurs! Chaps here...Did you enjoy all twelve glorious Days of Christmas? I know I did! Don't worry, though, the faith calendar still has a treat up its festive sleeve....the festival of The Three Kings, or Epiphany. It's observed in much of the Christian world on the 6th of January. In the … Continue reading Epiphany Treats: For the Spirit and the Taste Buds →

Question for the Simonsieurs and Simonettes: “What Are You Doing on New Year’s Eve?”

Here's some musical inspiration from "The Best Band in the Land"! Chime in in the comments....Happy and Blessed New Year! from De "One-and-Only" Nanda Panda. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyI-lnBAYyk New Year's Eve greeting from me and "The President's Own" Of course, if the New Year's arrived for you: How are you ringing/bringing it in? Let us join in … Continue reading Question for the Simonsieurs and Simonettes: “What Are You Doing on New Year’s Eve?” →

From the Chaplain’s Corner: On Partridges, Pear Trees, and Prophets

["Private Petunia", my assistant, is submitting this post, in reparation for over-enthusiastic enjoyment of the content of a food-related post, offered by ST on a recent Friday afternoon. We both hope you'll enjoy it. ~Chaps. ] Hello to all in the Kaffeeklatsch, This Sunday (the fourth in the Octave of Christmas), normally is the day … Continue reading From the Chaplain’s Corner: On Partridges, Pear Trees, and Prophets →