When we hear the word “trans” these days, our immediate first thought probably has something to do with transgender. That’s what we hear most often in pop culture and political debates. But the prefix itself transcends the current debate. The prefix trans- comes from Latin meaning across, beyond, or to the other side of something. Once you understand that meaning, a whole group of English words becomes more clear: transform, transport, translate, transfer, transgress. Each of these words carries the same basic idea—movement from one place, condition, or state to another. Trans words run all throughout Scripture. The Bible repeatedly describes the work of God as moving people across something—from darkness into light, from death into life, from separation into reconciliation. God is constantly bringing people from where they were into something entirely new. Transform One of the clearest examples of this prefix appears in the word transform. In Romans 12...
In March, executive orders from governors across the country forced us to stay home, to close schools and churches and to shut down private businesses. Businesses were classified as either "essential" or "non-essential." All businesses deemed "non-essential" were forced to close. This included markets, clothing stores, boutiques, dine-in restaurants, and beauty salons. State parks, city parks, beaches, walking trails, lakes, and other wide open spaces were closed as well. Many people feel that the "social distancing," as it has come to be known, and stay at home executive orders violate their constitutional rights, such as our First Amendment right to freely exercise our religion, our right to peaceably assemble, and that we shall not be deprived of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Some of the people who feel their rights have been violated have decided to exercise their First Amendment right to protest. Some have even chosen...