Opinion
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?
You’re LGBTQ Affirming! Now What?
Many churches go through incredibly intentional processes to help cultivate LGBTQ affirmation and then never tell anyone about that commitment outside the church walls. Here are five considerations for “welcoming and affirming” congregations.
My Family’s EV Life: Part One
My family is unique in that we only have electric vehicles. As early adopters, we are learning a lot about a different way of getting from here to there. Here are a few reasons why we made the switch.
A good faith response to the abortion debate
The recently leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would serve to overturn Roe v. Wade has concerning implications for people of good faith.
A Philosophy of Opinion Writing
The advent of social media and blogging has made it possible for everyone to express their opinion in the public square. Here are a few suggestions to consider based on my, admittedly, imperfect approach.
I Am a Woman Because I Do Womanhood
Like other trans women, I don’t identify as a woman. Rather, I am a woman. I am a woman because I do womanhood. Yet, somehow, identity has come to connote a kind of disembodied, decontextualized totem of sorts.
Celebrating Pride and Pentecost in a Pub
I do not believe it was a coincidence that Pentecost Sunday fell on June 5 this year – the first Sunday during Pride month. Here is how our congregation celebrated both observances in a local bar.
‘Heathen’ Documents History of Religious, Racial Name-Calling
Before there was the “other,” there was the heathen. Kathryn Gin Lum’s new book ‘Heathen: Religion and Race in American History’ is a must read.
An Invitation for Embrace and Resurrection
Celebrating Pride Month is crucial amid all this fear, so how do queer Christians faithfully engage in thoughtful celebrations of Pride this year? I’d suggest that we look to the example of Jesus.
We Need Revelation’s Non-Violent Witness for a Violent Age
Thomas Slater’s 2019 book ‘Revelation as Civil Disobedience’ is prescient in both its cover design and its observations. Here is why I strongly commend it for such a time as this.
Prayer, ‘Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain’ and Mass Shootings
: I was almost suspended from class in fifth grade for “taking the Lord’s name in vain.” This came to mind when I heard Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) use this phrase in a speech suggesting more prayer could curb mass shootings.
Will the Next Global Pandemic Be a Recession?
Inflation seems to be running rampant, despite efforts of governments to slow the price increases by raising interest rates. After more than two years fighting a global pandemic, could a weary world be headed toward a global recession?
Faith Seeking Understanding | Rethinking Atonement
There was no “Damascus Road” experience. My understanding of Jesus’ death was challenged – and, ultimately, changed – slowly, gradually, haltingly. This is how I sought, and found, new understanding.
Fallacious Presuppositions Undergird Franklin Graham’s Assessment of U.S. Gun Violence
Franklin Graham offered his assessment last week regarding the cause of mass shootings in the U.S. Because Graham’s influence remains significant within evangelical Christianity, here is why his conclusions are erroneous.
Fly, Little Birds. Fly!
I don’t preach as often now. Yet, after 26 years of coming up with a new sermon each week, I can’t turn off the analogy circuit that’s tuned for potential connections. Here are a few of the most recent connections.
A Brief History of SCOTUS’ Second Amendment Rulings
The Second Amendment might seem straightforward to some. However, in a modern context, it produces many questions. Here is a brief history of the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings related to the amendment.