Opinion
A More-Pressing Question About Post-Pandemic Christianity
Many U.S. church leaders and members are lamenting a slow or absent return of participating members following the pandemic. They are seeking answers. But rightly formed questions are always essential in the pursuit of answers.
Why the World Needs People Willing to Change Their Religion
The world needs people willing to change their religion. This isn’t about hopping or swapping between houses of faith, but a mass movement, individually and collectively, to transform whole faiths.
A Tale of Two Christians
Sitting on an old, uncomfortable, wooden pew in an almost 500-year-old cathedral nestled at the foot of a volcano and adjacent to Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, I reflected on the vast differences in how self-professed Christians live out their faith.
Unwrapping Christmas | What Will Your Nativity Look Like This Year?
Sponsored by the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, tis’ the season for neat nativity scenes after Mary’s labor and delivery. During Advent, I am unwrapping Jesus, stripping away the ceramic finish of this both natural and miraculous event.
The Capability Approach and Human Rights: A New Perspective
Human Rights Day is December 10. In recognition of the date, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948. But what are human rights? And how do they relate to the Capability Approach?
Look Back | Christians and the Creation
If the creation story describes humanity’s appointment as steward of the earth’s resources, then as caretakers, humans are called to protect, preserve and safeguard those resources so that all can benefit and enjoy its fruits.
World Cup Corruption … and Hypocrisy
English Premier League, Champions League and the Euros all provide excellent matches for football (soccer), but nothing compares to the World Cup. This year’s World Cup is unique for many reasons.
Emerging Voices | Imago Dei, Namaste, and Loving Neighbors
The concept of ‘imago Dei’ is a recognition of the divine image present in everyone, an awareness that some interpretations of ‘namaste’ also contain. Here is how these terms encourage us to love our neighbors.
‘The Fabelmans’ Presents the ‘Call Story’ of an Artist
The Fabelmans’ appears to be a fictionalized version of Steven Spielberg’s ‘call story.’ It is a fine film. Not only because it tells about a great director’s coming of age, but also due to its depth.
Koinonia Farm Celebrates 80th Anniversary
Koinonia Farm celebrated 80 years of commitment to a simple life, a common purse and relationships that cross racialized boundaries. The land continues to extend a call to Christians who feel compelled to live in intentional community.
Advent Lectionary | The Music of Peace
The Psalter reading for this week of Advent is Psalm 72:1-7 and 18-19. I always wondered why those who built the liturgical year didn’t just focus on verses 1-7; why add the tag at the end of the psalm?
Faith Seeking Understanding | The Story We Were Told and Tell
Have you ever stripped away the sanctified language of the basic story that was offered as central to your inherited faith and told it as plainly as any other story would be told? Here’s the one I learned.
Execution of the Mentally Ill Should Shame Us All
Andre Thomas will be executed by the State of Texas in April, after the Supreme Court rejected a request to review his case. I met Thomas in 2008 when serving as the mental health manager at a Texas prison.
Unwrapping Christmas | Why There Isn’t a ‘War on Christmas’
Four weeks to nest before the birth of Jesus, Advent also doubles as a time of war – the so-called “war on Christmas,” to be specific. But this “war” is mostly being proclaimed by the same people who see attacks on Christianity where none exist.
Keeping Upright on My Bicycle and in Life
Biking is a regular part of my weekly routine, and it is something I’ve enjoyed for over 20 years. Here are some lessons I’ve learned that are applicable both to biking and to daily living.
Unthankful: Remembering Club Q
Thanksgiving in the U.S. is just a day away, and millions of Americans will gather around tables to offer “thanks” for the many blessings bestowed upon them this past year. I will not be one of them. Here is why.
Head Scratching, With Good Reason
The past couple of weeks have been good for archaeology nerds, with several recent discoveries making news. Here are details on a few of the latest finds.
What Story Will You Tell This Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving is tomorrow, and the national holiday comes with anxiety for a variety of reasons. How we view, and celebrate, will depend on the story we tell.
Things to Do Until Jesus Comes
A curiosity about one line, “We’ll work till Jesus comes,” penned by hymn writer Elizabeth Mills, revisits me on occasion. I wondered then and now: Why work?
Advent Lectionary | Flood Watch
The once-mighty Mississippi that shrank during a season of drought is filling again. We’re back on flood watch. And we’d almost forgotten there was such a thing. But what does this have to do with Advent?
What Twitter’s Uncertain Future Reveals about Leadership
Do you still think that Elon Musk is a tech genius? Yes, he is a billionaire, but he is also another rich example of poor leadership as his newly acquired company, Twitter, is facing an uncertain future.
How Jesus’ Lordship Destabilizes All Other Forms of ‘Lording’
‘Christ the King Sunday,’ or ‘Reign of Christ Sunday,’ was observed this past Sunday. Despite the outdated language, it reminds us that Jesus’ lordship destabilizes all other forms of ‘lording.’
Common Ground Begins on Higher Ground
Recently, I read Bono’s autobiography, ‘Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story.’ His story is an amazing tale, weaving together rock-n-roll with social conscience. Bono and U2 have released numerous hits, but their greatest achievements are outside of music.
Look Back | Guatemalan Research: Disturbing Echo of Tuskegee
A disturbing reminder of the well-known Tuskegee syphilis study, the Guatemalan research by the U.S. was discovered by Susan M. Reverby of Wellesley College while she was researching her recent book, “Examining Tuskegee: The Infamous Syphilis Study and Its Legacy.”
Tuskegee Study Is Part of a Long, Shameful History
The Tuskegee experiment is part of a larger and longer narrative of the exploitation of African Americans. It is a reminder that scientific racism is not a thing of the past.
When the Oppressed Become Oppressors
Probably no group has suffered more over the centuries at the hands of Christianity than Jews. But what happens when the oppressed become the oppressors?
Fifty Years Later, Effects of Tuskegee Experiment Linger
There is a long history of bad blood when it comes to African Americans and the medical community. It contributed to the wariness of the COVID-19 vaccines because many know the story of the Tuskegee experiment.
The Sacrament of Jury Duty
Participating in jury duty offered insight into our judicial system and an opportunity to reflect on the local church. As jurors confessed the truth of past experiences, I wondered how this kind of honesty would transform congregations.
National Bible Bee Encourages Young Adults to Increase Bible Knowledge
It is a powerful experience to hear young people proclaim the Word of God. And it is even more amazing to watch them do it all from memory! This is what happens at the annual National Bible Bee.
A Brief History of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study
A 40-year study on syphilis was officially concluded 50 years ago this month. The “Tuskegee Study,” which has been described as “ethically unjustified,” involved Black patients whose informed consent was not obtained.