Opinion
From the Sanctuary to the Streets: A Conversation with James Talarico
Many of us who grew up as devout Christians in Texas have a distinct canon of stories that describe our faith formation. Those from our childhood often include attending Vacation Bible School and competing in “sword drills,” games that tested how quickly we could...
The Lies That Bind and Enrich: The Lucrative Marketplace of White Christian Nationalism
White Christian nationalism is nonsense, based on lies and erroneous history. This nonsense has crucified the inclusive Jesus of the biblical Gospels and is still on the verge of destroying our inclusive American democracy.
A Reflection on the Tenth Anniversary of Will D. Campbell’s Death
It’s Will Campbell’s fault I am no longer a pastor. That’s not completely true. Yet, nearly every word he wrote or spoke has shaped my understanding of ministry.
Where Are the Leaders With Integrity?
It might just be that religious leaders today exceed the hypocrisy of the religious leaders who questioned, heckled, and ultimately rejected Jesus. Those are harsh words, but tragically true.
Texas Lawmakers Ignore Real Needs, Seek to Promote Christian Nationalism
Some politicians in the Texas Legislature are hyper-focused on adopting a far-right agenda while ignoring real issues and real people. Apparently, they think promoting Christian nationalism will result in amazing transformations in the public schools.
A Proud Boys’ Prayer and the Many Silent ‘Amens’
Before entering the U.S. Capitol building on January 6, 2021, a group of white nationalist Proud Boys knelt to seek divine support. Then and now, there are many silent ‘amens’ voiced by self-proclaimed Christians in the U.S. to such prayers.
Killing Children and Women: When Pro-Life Ideology Becomes a Death Cult
Sacrificing Black bodies on the altar of power and greed. That was white Christian nationalism of old. Today, the focus is on sacrificing the lives of women and children to protect and expand “gun rights.”
Putting Out Our Own Fires
There is a growing need to pay close attention to the destructive fires that reside within much of Americanized Christianity. They harm both vulnerable people and the integrity and witness of those who seem to live so merrily among the flames.
Ron DeSantis, God’s Protector (According to the DeSantis Bible)
South of the Georgia border one weekend early last year in Florida, evil made a real appearance in the form of Neo-Nazis waving swastika flags and yelling “White Power!” Pressed to condemn the Nazis, Florida governor Ron DeSantis refused.
Strong Public Schools Fight Christian Nationalism
As threats to public education proliferate, Public Schools Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate the positive role public schools play in our communities. Attacks on public education are often fueled by Christian nationalism, a political ideology that seeks to merge our American and Christian identities.
Who Is God? God Is Love
The Church of England is considering using gender-neutral language when referring to God in its liturgy. This offers an opportunity to consider the question, “Who is God?”
African American History Month Reminds Us of the Importance of Storytelling
Each year in February, we celebrate African American History month, which aids in displacing prejudices, stereotypes and myths of inferiority.
Don’t Mess With Stress
A 2022 report from the American Psychological Association suggests that we are a stressed-out nation. In “Stress in America 2022,” the authors outline primary sources of stress.
What A Trip to the Barbershop Revealed About Economics and Cultural Trends
A recent trip to the barber resulted in a surprise: a $10 price increase for a haircut. This led to a reflection on how economics and poverty impact and influence cultural trends.
Exposing and Countering Christian Nationalism: How White Christian Nationalists View Themselves
I am a big fan of letting white Christian nationalists define themselves, whether in action or word. After all, who better to do so? Here is what some of their actions and statements have revealed.
How the Double V Campaign Brought Social Antagonism and Racial Transformation
During World War II, the United States’ desire to become a global superpower via decadent militaristic imperialism. The Double V Campaign was a moment of social antagonism and racial transformation, transcending class, gender and religion.
When to Wash Our Faces and Shake Our Shoes
There are always things to learn if we are curious enough. The late storytelling songwriter Tom T. Hall got me to digging after contemplating some of his words that flowed from the radio.
Police Brutality Has a Generational Impact
We leave justice up to the court system, but the unimaginable pain of losing their loved one never left the family of Atatiana Jefferson. Police brutality has a long history in America, affecting generations within a single family.
‘Walking Into History’ Out of Whitewashed Tombs
A significant civil rights event took place in hometown of Clinton, Tennessee. In fact, it happened in the very building in which I attended middle school. Yet, the first time I heard about it was through a musical performance.
Embracing MLK’s Ten Commandments for Non-Violence
Missy and I walked through the Boston Commons, visiting some of our favorite sites recently. We also stopped by a new sculpture on the Commons known as “The Embrace,” focused on Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife Coretta Scott King.
By the Way | Holy Days, Holidays and the Super Bowl
America enters its high holy days this week: the run-up to Super Bowl Sunday. This event is filled with symbolism and ceremonies that mirror and parallel religious symbols and rituals.
Legislating Ignorance: The Battle for Democracy
Authoritarians use disinformation, anti-intellectualism and intimidation to obtain and maintain power. These tactics are being used in the U.S. to control what can be taught in public schools. This is where the battle for democracy is taking place.
Were Jesus’ Disciples Real Christians?
Take a close look at how so many Americanized Christians define their faith today. What are the priorities, even essentials, they embrace and seek to enforce on others? Do these align with Jesus’ life and teachings?
Legislating Ignorance: Authoritarian Tactics
A recent trip to Poland involved visits to a museum at the factory owned by Oscar Schindler. One exhibit revealed that the first thing the Nazis did wasn’t to round up Jews or communists. It was far more insidious.
How Some Politicians Are Co-opting Terms and Erasing History
Just in time for African American History Month, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis banned the Advanced Placement African American history course for high school students. Considering the other cultural and historical courses that weren’t banned is revealing.
How Mercy Shaped My Life
I grew up in a Palestinian refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon, witnessing and living through the horror of the massacre of refugees at the hands of a Lebanese Christian group. A chance interfaith encounter during the chaos shaped my life.
The Work of Shoring Up Democracy Continues
The McMinn County school board called a special meeting in January 2022 about banning books. What followed was a flurry of work by my congregation and community members to oppose such decisions and to offer a better way.
Protecting Religious Freedom Must Be an Interfaith Effort
Interfaith coalitions regularly stand together to spread a counter message of love and justice. Where some have sought to sow seeds of hate for political profit, others have joined with their neighbors to create safer, more inclusive communities.
Look Back | Humility Is a Prerequisite for Interfaith Dialogue
Humility is a key ingredient for interfaith dialogue to be successful. It helps us recognize that people from other faiths have something to teach us and vice versa.
They Don’t Get Me: Examining the ‘He Gets Us’ Campaign
Jesus will be at the Super Bowl this year – well, his slick, new commercials will be. The “He Gets Us” campaign is a well-funded public relations strategy to rebrand Jesus. I have questions and concerns about who is ultimately behind the ad buys.