Opinion
One Nation … Under God?
The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance has included a controversial clause, “under God,” since 1954. Much debated and litigated, do the lectionary texts for July 3, 2022, offer insight into what that phrase might mean for people of faith?
Women, Inequality and Feminism
Some people, particular in Western democracies, believe that women now enjoy full equality with men. Is that true? Others see feminism as a pejorative, politically-charge term. What’s to be said about this?
We Can’t Let People With Evil Intentions ‘Take the Wheel’
The House of Representatives select committee charged with investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection heard a startling testimony this week. One act of defiance detailed in the hearing reveals the nature of radical right-wing theology and politics.
We Must Stop Stigmatizing Diseases
MPX, or monkeypox, is an orthopoxvirus similar to smallpox that has historically been seen in Africa. A recent outbreak in other countries has led to a public health challenge of communicating risk without stigmatization.
Is an Assumption of ‘Good Intentions’ Still Valid?
I am in search of a narrative following the reversal of ‘Roe v. Wade’ and the subsequent diminishment of the rights of body and life autonomy for women. How much “assumption of good intentions” approach can I maintain?
Why Amnesia Is No Virtue and Nostalgia Is No Use
Bodily autonomy’s centrality to the existence of liberty is genetically encoded in my very being. Last week, I joined millions in grieving the loss of that autonomy by half of my congregation and half of my nation.
Recapturing the Lost Art of Civil Discourse
While everyone is mourning the death of civil discourse, a group of college students is recapturing this lost art. Discarding the maxim, “Don’t talk about religion or politics,” they’re engaging both topics in a safe, respect-filled space.
Common Courtesy Not So Common
Common courtesy is no longer common. Kindness doesn’t preclude calling out destructive forces and countering falsehoods, and courtesy isn’t an admonition that expires as we grow older.
To the Single Mom Who Struggles
I felt seen when a seminary professor voiced a prayer with a petition for “the single mom who struggles.” Having extricated myself from an abusive marriage, here are a few ways congregations can help those facing similar circumstances.
What Words Are There to Say?
The fundamental rights of over half our country have just been erased. Our neighbors will suffer, and people of faith should speak up. But I confess I’m tired. What words are there to say?
Seeing Red After Pentecost
It is the season after Pentecost, but the North American church should not stop seeing red. Not “fighting mad” but a righteous anger in response to injustice is warranted.
Was the Southern Baptist Convention Ever ‘Pro-Choice’?
While some might equate the anti-abortion positions of the Southern Baptist Convention equally with the Catholic Church, a review of SBC history tells a very different story of Southern Baptist views on abortion.
Two SCOTUS Rulings Show Radical Court Shift
Trying to keep up with the Supreme Court decisions rolling out at the end of the current term is like trying to stay upright as the ground beneath me shifts. Two recent decisions and one looming have me seeing the radical shift (think earthquake) in the court.
What SCOTUS’ New York State Rifle and Pistol Association Ruling Means
One of New York State’s handgun permitting requirements was overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States on June 23. What does this mean for gun regulations in the U.S. and the nation’s gun violence epidemic?
Why I Celebrate Pride Month
Many people questioning conservative theology that condemns LGBTQ+ people and their relationships want to know how I drew my conclusion to support LGBTQ+ people. Here are four reasons.
Achieving an ‘Educated Citizenry’ and Avoiding ‘Mass-Mindedness’
Thomas Jefferson spoke about the necessity of an “educated citizenry” for a functioning democracy, while Carl Jung warned of the dangers of “mass-mindedness.” How can we achieve both ends?