Opinion
Advent and the Coming of Christ
The traditional narrative of Jesus has often been co-opted to serve the interests of empire, turning the radical teacher from Nazareth into a symbol of worldly dominance. Yet, the true message of Christ’s life and ministry is a call to dismantle systems of oppression and to bring good news to the poor.
Make the Yuletide Gay: Navigating the Holidays as a Queer Person
My Christmas is queer in the sense that I usually celebrate it with people I’m not biologically related to, and a lot of those folks are queer like me. We laugh, play games, eat good food and gather on days other than December 25th. It’s queer in the sense that it’s quirky and not what the hegemony tells me it’s supposed to look like.
Good Faith Film Review | The Order
In his book “Seven Things I Wish Christians Knew About the Bible,” Michael F. Bird discusses the debate over the Bible’s inerrancy. He notes the ongoing rivalry within evangelical circles, which says, “Some people preach the inerrancy of the Scriptures, but what they really mean is the inerrancy of their interpretation of Scripture.” This came to mind when I watched the new film “The Order,” directed by Justin Kurzel.
The Anti-Intellectual Worldview of Trumpism
The values of intellectualism have been foundational to Western and Eastern societies for millennia. Unfortunately, they are under attack by Trumpism and its support of an anti-intellectual culture, where foolish individuals are being elevated to the heights of leadership with little to no qualifications.
How MLK’s Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech Inspires Us Today
MLK’s words upon his Nobel Peace Prize acceptance provide inspiration and guidance as we face a chaotic and oppressive regime coming into political power in the United States. They sound notes of strength and resilience even when the current context belies such feelings.
Wicked, White Women, and the 2024 Presidential Election
White women could’ve been the votes that tipped the scales for our first female President, but instead, they threw cold water on Black women’s efforts to forge a better, freer future for all. They then stood there watching those efforts melt into oblivion.
Finding A Bible That’s Right For You
I have rediscovered the joy of a good Bible. There is something about holding it in my hands and turning those pages that helps me connect to God’s word in a way I simply can’t match with my phone or tablet.
When Is It OK To Talk About Institutional Violence?
When is it ok to talk about institutional violence? The answer may lie in how much we benefit from it.
Copapayo: Blood-Soaked Lands Crying Out For Justice
While most in the U.S. do not know their history, any Salvadorian can tell you that the U.S. supported death squads and the military dictatorship to the tune of six billion dollars during their Civil War. This amounts to $1.37 million daily, a figure confirmed by the U.S. Government Accounting Office.
Serving Two Masters: Why Christian Nationalism Betrays the Kingdom of God
The kingdom of God is characterized by self-sacrificial love, humility and a refusal to coerce others, even for ostensibly good purposes. In contrast, the kingdom of the world—whether organized under nationalism, globalism or any other ideology—relies on power, coercion, and, often, violence to achieve its aims.
Witness: Call It Like I See It
Many have pointed out the deep problems in the faith of American Christians, especially its accommodating complacency, which has resulted in the disinterest of younger generations. Prophets keep watch from the periphery and in subcommunities of resistance, which are not to be confused with churches. Because far too many subscribe to “imperial religion,” continue to speak the language of empire and do its bidding.
Some Thoughts About Aid-in-Dying Care
I contend that “aid-in-dying” bills empower a personal ethical standard and promote a compassionate theology of a sympathetic Creator. Of course, there needs to be parameters for such delicate legislation, but the right of a terminally ill person to end their life is theirs alone
Look Back | Wild Types of People: A Conversation with Zach Russell
It is unlikely the Southern Baptist Church in East Tennessee where Zach Russell grew up will be singing any of the songs from his debut full-length album, “Where the Flowers Meet the Dew.” The mysticism weaving through the roots-Americana project would be too “out-there” for even those with far less rigid theologies.
Wisdom Wherever You Find It | All Labor Has Worth
Not every longshoreman can be a philosopher. And not every philosopher can be a longshoreman. But whenever you are engaged in work that serves humanity, it has dignity and worth.
“Somebody Somewhere” Explores Friendship After 40 and Progressive Faith
Besides the bucolic B-roll shots of Manhattan, Kansas, the beauty of “Somebody Somewhere” lies in how it captures the tender, passing moments between friends. Its wholesomeness can make you forget how bawdy its humor is. Its familiarity can make you fondly remember the people who have made you who you are.
Fort Sumter And The Fingerprints of God
As a Southerner, I have realized that the history often taught and preserved is not the entire story. I was taught national and Southern history from the bias of whiteness and privilege. The stories of the oppressed were often hidden and ignored. In many ways, the history told in the South has not changed, but I have.
I Don’t Hate White People
It’s profoundly dehumanizing that it had to be written into law that Black people were not merely 3/5 human—that we were, in fact, whole beings deserving of rights. The very need for such amendments is a testament to the systemic devaluation of Black lives.
Witness, An Advent Series: See No Evil?
See Laken Riley run. A United Nations report found that last year over 51,000 women and girls around the world were killed by a family member or an intimate partner. This number does not include strangers like Riley’s killer.
Advent: Incarnation and the Sacramental Life
This Good News doesn’t show up in holy places; it shows up in ordinary places and makes them holy. The Christmas story reminds us that all of life is a sacrament, and Christ can be seen in each and every face, particularly in the eyes of those we’d rather not look.
How Will We Survive the Coming Days?
Last week, an underground fire was steadily burning behind the outlet malls in town. Its heat caused part of the back parking lot to collapse, and the smoke from the burning asphalt was thick and black, compromising the air quality for those who live near the...
Preparing for a Post-Election “Theology of Recovery”
The image of recovery that is familiar to us from our experience with medical treatment and healthcare often includes what we know as “rehab”— that period and process between treatment and restoration to the desired level of function. A theology of recovery would address how we might interpret and apply faith to the path forward after the “fork in the road” has been chosen.
Movie Review | Conclave
As a Baptist pastor, I know there are two kinds of meetings: The official meeting in the building, where the votes are taken and counted, and the unofficial meeting in the parking lot, where the real business of the church gets done. “Conclave” is a movie about both types of meetings conducted to select a new pope.
By the Way | The Cross and Red, White and Blue—and Orange
The underlying irony behind all this talk about Christian Nationalism is the fact that faith and religion have flourished in the United States as nowhere else precisely because of the First Amendment.
Alabama’s Confederate God Marches On
In the 7-2 majority LePage decision, Parker first admits there is no scientific evidence or legal rationale for defining life as beginning at conception.
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.