by Mike Smith | Nov 7, 2008 | Opinion
Three older pastors took me aside to offer some well-intentioned advice. In summary, they told me I wouldn’t get far in ministry if I challenged racism. They defended their racist humor, insisting they meant no harm, declaring it was simply part of culture....
by Mike Smith | Oct 17, 2008 | Opinion
A strange thing happened while I was standing in line on the first day of early voting: Civility broke out among us.I took my place in line. An older white man, a young black woman and an elderly white woman stood just in front of me. Behind me, a middle-aged black...
by Mike Smith | Sep 17, 2008 | Opinion
Once upon a time (say as late as 1948), the terms “liberal” and “conservative” actually held clearly defined meaning. Conservatives generally regarded change or experimentation via government to be dangerous. They, therefore, sought to slow the...
by Mike Smith | Jul 29, 2008 | Opinion
What do you think of when you hear the term church?As a child, I thought of a specific building, a small sanctuary at the intersection of two roads in the heart of my boyhood village. The building even had its name written on it in large, black letters. No doubt about...
by Mike Smith | Jul 8, 2008 | Opinion
Not too long ago, a friend from another religious tradition asked me to summarize my “take on Jesus.” This is the reply I shared. Jesus, ideally, is the center of my life. Traditionally, Christians speak of Jesus as “Lord,”...
