Opinion
Nevertheless She Preached 2021 Embraced Healing, Embodied Hope
While men continue to set up obstacles to females called to pastoral ministry, women continue to persist in preaching the good news. The 2021 Nevertheless She Preached conference covered a lot of ground over three days.
Four Moral Concerns Regarding Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition technology is now commonplace – used not only by government agencies but also in many smartphones. We need to stop and reflect upon how we as human beings intend to use it.
It Can Be Hard to See the Light
A deep sense of darkness and sadness have swept over the nation following reports of civilians killed in a U.S. drone strike and border patrol agents on horseback chasing Haitian migrants. Is there still light to be found?
Dishonoring the Image of God in the Thin Places
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Immigration policies under President Trump have largely continued under President Biden. People of faith must continue to speak against injustice no matter who is in the White House.
Why Our Tables Should Model Hospitality, Intimacy, Inclusion
Downsizing to a smaller residence evoked reflection on the table-fellowship my family enjoyed. Our tables should model the hospitality, intimacy and inclusion of the future dream set forth in the Christian testament.
Faith Lessons Under a Bridge in Austin
A woman concerned about her brother’s eternal fate spoke with me recently, concerned that he died without an explicit faith and outside the church. What does one say in response?
Talk About Restrictive…
Most are at least vaguely familiar with the Essenes and their community at Qumran. A newly published article offers an intriguing explanation for conundrums associated with current understandings of Qumran.
The Contagion of Evil
Conversation delving into weighty matters like good and evil is an occupational hazard for clergy. Here’s the line of thought one such mealtime discussion yielded.
Christian Faith Is a Calling, Not a Formula
How did so much of American Christianity today get so far from Jesus? It began with the reframing of Christian faith from a calling to a formula.
Are Federal Vaccine Mandates Constitutional, Enforceable?
The Biden administration announced a federal vaccine mandate applicable to more than 100 million people. Is this constitutional? Can it be enforced?
A Note to Clergy on Worries, Anxieties and Hurts
There is much to worry about in both our personal and collective lives – particularly during a global pandemic. It is an especially difficult time for clergy.
How Do We Respond to a World on Fire?
Many religious folks talk about preparing for the end of the world. They’re right, in part – the world as we’ve known it is ending. Will we change our ways and be part of creating a brighter future?
To Hope, Perchance to Dream
Dead silence filled the room when a group of local ministers was asked about ministry plans for 2022. That is a reflection of the weight clergy are feeling due to the ongoing pandemic.
Despite Precedent, Biden Vaccine Mandate Faces Possible Challenges
President Biden’s federal vaccine mandate resulted in swift critique from Republican leaders, including many who vowed to fight it in the courts. What would be the basis for states to challenge this mandate?
Three Lessons from Year 33
Birthdays are often occasions for reflection, particularly when it’s been a difficult year. Reflecting on what transpired and considering what lies ahead, here are three lessons from my “Jesus Year.”
How Do We Counter Conspiracy Theories?
Conspiracy theories are nothing new, but, like fear and anger, they are rampant and ubiquitous. How can people of good faith help turn the tide?