Opinion
When Church Doesn’t Feel Like a Safe Word or Place
A source of trauma, even the word “church” can be triggering. What do we say then to Christians who are in search of healing from these sacred buildings that were not safe spaces?
Workaholism and Greed
What is the only addiction for which we are praised? With every other addiction, concerned others are looking to put you into a clinic or into a recovery program, but this addiction is generally seen as virtue.
What Did We Learn This Week?
Americans entered voting booths across the country, casting their support for their chosen candidates and lending their voices to important issues. I cannot help but marvel at the process of self-governance.
The Paradox of Affirmative Action
Affirmative action continues to mean different things for Americans. Two cases currently before the Supreme Court reveal the complexities of the issue, which is a paradox for those seeking equitable treatment and justice for all.
By the Way | The Right Side of the Grass
I resolved some years ago to stop tracking birthdays, although I do have to calculate several times a year. However, at 68, I’m looking back, and looking ahead, with gratitude.
Who’s Got the Power?
Wearing shorts on a trip to Atlantic Beach is not exceptional – unless it’s November. While temporary fluctuations in temperature happen, highs in the low 80s are well above average. What kind of world are we leaving to our descendants?
Dinosaurs, Deception and Defensiveness
A recent visit to Dinosaur Ridge in Colorado brought to mind those Christians who promote the belief of an earth that is a few thousand years old. What is it that causes some to hold such views, contrary to all the available data?
Wisdom Wherever You Find It | Go Deep
Conservative Christian talk-show host Tony Beam’s words may be a dangerous statement in today’s political climate. There are plenty on the right and the left who may take them as “fightin’ words.” I consider them wise.
A Simple Way to Care for Your Body and Bank Account
It’s the most expensive time of the year – the three months in which we’re told it’s time to go shopping. Here is a simple way to care for your body and your bank account.
Voting Is the Beginning of Democracy
Perhaps we need to change that little sticker from, “I Voted” to “I helped save democracy.” Democracy requires many things from us. Voting is the beginning, not the end.
Upgrading Our Election Year Conduct
A trip to Europe in 2012 led me to a renewed awareness of how rare U.S. democracy is in the history of the world. With the 2022 midterms approaching, here are four ways to exercise responsible citizenship.
Look Back | Voting is More Than a Civic Duty
After next Tuesday, it will all end — all the campaign ads, the mudslinging, the distortions, the character attacks — and we can get back to other things. But will it really be over? Or will it just be beginning?
The Lies of Christian Nationalism Versus the Truth of the Gospel
Christian Nationalism is an ideology based upon the false belief that America was founded as a Christian nation. Good Faith Media is currently working with partners to counter Christian nationalism through its A Better Way Initiative.
Risking God’s Mercy
I asked a saintly old priest this question: “If you had your priesthood to live over again, would you do anything differently?” From a man so full of integrity, I fully expected that there would be no regrets. His answer surprised me.
When Evil Votes
The people have gone mad. There really is no other way to explain it. Why else would they vote for an individual or party which has declared itself to be fascists while wrapped in the flag and carrying a cross?
How Grandparenting Is an Antidote to Ageism
There is one “-ism” that seems to receive less attention than the others: ageism. Grandparenting is one avenue to address this tendency toward ageism.
Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom
David Blight’s biography of Fredrick Douglass is a tough read. Some will probably want it to be banned, along with any of Douglass’s writings in states where the Confederacy is still revered and celebrated.
‘Till’ Is A Must-See Film Directed by Chinonye Chukwu
Emmett Till was the face of the civil rights movement. His tragic death in 1955 is the subject of a new, must-see film directed by Chinonye Chukwu, which tells the story through the eyes of his mother.
Limping Along on Faith
We pulled our little travel trailer from storage and headed out for a four-week road trip. The trip was more eventful than we’d planned or hoped for, but I’m glad we persisted despite the challenges.
U.S. Adults Agree Nation Moving in Wrong Direction, Diverge on Vision for Future
Most U.S. adults believe the nation is heading in the wrong direction, but they have significantly different views of what the country should be like, according to the 2022 American Values Survey released by Public Religion Research Institute and the Brookings Institution.
Why I’m Not That Kind of Christian
In America, there has always been at least two types of believers: slaveholding or liberating, segregating or protesting inequality. Lately, Christians have been split into the Democrat and Republican kind.
Why Laughing at Bullies Is a Problem
It is beyond time to stop making excuses for Kanye West’s hate speech, or any such speech coming from rich men who find themselves with platforms built on some talent and a fan base that largely chooses to stay silent.
Most U.S. Adults Say Founders Intended to Create Christian Nation, But Most Don’t Want One
Six in 10 U.S. adults believe that “the founders of America originally intended for the U.S. to be a ‘Christian nation,’” according to a Pew Research Center report. Yet, most also do not feel the U.S. should be a “Christian nation.”
Look Back | All Saints’ Day Offers Moment for Remembrance and Reflection
Halloween began as a vigil of prayer and fasting to prepare for All Saints’ Day, a time to remember the martyrs of the faith. Here’s why your church should observe All Saints’ Day Sunday.
Standing up for My Jewish Friends
Troubling high-profile antisemitic incidents have occurred across the U.S. People of good faith must work to counter this growing antisemitic movement that frequently finds its roots in white Christian nationalism.
Integrity Is on the Ballot in 2022
Integrity seems to be on the ballot this election season, maybe as much or more than it has been in recent memory. We need truth-tellers who will work for the common good of all creation.
Hush and Bustle
We’ve all had hectic periods, whether long or short, that left us longing for quiet and a bit of free time. Self-care, some people call it. Here is how I’ve managed a busy month of October.
A Mother’s Heart
We had a plan. We executed it perfectly. And then, on September 21, 2022, it completely fell apart. Here is my story, and my heart, as a mother.
A Biblical Formula for Forgiveness
Nothing is as important as forgiveness, but sometimes nothing is harder than forgiveness. Contrary to some well-intended advice, we can’t simply decide to forgive and move on. It is a process that often takes a long time.
When You’re Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired
Americans are preparing to vote in the midterms, and we hear the familiar cliché, “The next election is the most significant one in our lifetime.” But the constant fighting among politicians has left many “dog tired.”