Opinion
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.
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?