Opinion
‘Tears in Silence’ Shares Painful Sojourn Toward Freedom
Jody Dungan’s life mission has been to follow her wish to live fully and completely in her true identity. In ‘Tears in Silence,’ she shares her painful sojourn toward freedom from the self that others expected her to embody.
Why the Religion-Relationship Binary Is False
Religion and relationship are sometimes presented as two competing options from which to choose. What if this is a false binary? What if the two are one expression?
In What Direction Is U.S. Christianity Headed?
When a former U.S. president thinks he is the closest thing to Jesus, his followers must question what direction Christianity is going in. When Jesus and Pilate stood before a crowd, it wasn’t for a photo opportunity.
Look Back | Love All Thy Neighbors, Not Just Those Like Us
What is the relationship between Christian identity on the one hand and national identity or affiliation on the other? Does God care which side of a border someone is born on?
Why It Is Time for Desperate Righteousness
Many speakers offered inspiration and challenge at the 2022 “Space for Grace” conference organized by the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. While we must speak truth to power, we must also speak truth to the powerless.
Don’t Have a Cow!
A fundamentalist Christian farmer in Texas shipped five red heifers to Israel. The reason is both straightforward and complex, relying on a particular theological framework and interpretation of the Bible.
The Challenge of Living Faithfully in a “Monetized” World
A collection of parables in Luke’s gospel that focus on the nature and challenges of discipleship have been the focus of recent Lectionary texts. They offer much “food for thought” in our increasingly “monetized” world.
Paying Attention to the ‘Musts’ of Jesus
What are the things that Jesus said his disciples “must” do? Charles R. Alexander reflects on this question in his book ‘Necessary Christianity,’ offering insight about the true meaning of Christian discipleship.
Seeking Solace and Solitude While Working for Justice
Tears welled up on a recent morning walk, as a song brought to mind the joyful memories of family holidays by a river in east Texas. It was a reminder that we should seek solace, and solitude, as we work for justice.
Will the U.S. Affirm That ‘No One Is Above the Law’?
“No one is above the law.” A former president is presenting a significant challenge to this view for the first time in America’s history. Will the nation affirm this longstanding principle?
Commitment to Freedom and Democracy More Important Than Ever
A movement is underway in the U.S. that is seeking to fundamentally alter several key institutions across our nation. From school boards to voting process to nationalizing religion, this movement is toxic and destructive to freedom and democracy.
Sharing the Gospel of Radical Inclusion With Samford University
Over the course of this long and arduous journey, there’s one phrase I continue to hear in numerous variations from Samford University: “We love LGBTQ students, but…” It’s well past time for that to change.
Look Back | Christian Nationalism Growing
The wall of separation between church and state is denied by some Christians who have created a false, alternative history of the U.S. These Christian fundamentalists want to place Bible and the Ten Commandments above the U.S. Constitution.
Contrasting Theologies: Assimilation Versus Wholeness
Lenore Three Stars, an Oglala Lakota leader and advocate for Indigenous causes, spoke as Nevertheless She Preached 2022 in Austin, Texas, this week. Her insights and observations raised questions for me about Christian faith and practice.
How DACA Became ‘La Jaula de Oro,’ The Golden Cage
I have been a beneficiary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals for eight years. I lived many years feeling ashamed and hiding my status. Once I found a vocal community, I felt inspired and became empowered.
Sex, Human Rights and Biblical Economics
Many can recall sermons on human sexuality, but how many have you heard on economic inequity and unjust interest rates? One might conclude that the former is more frequently discussed in the Bible, but you’d be wrong.
‘Cosiendo’ as an Act of Love and Justice
The sound of a sewing machine echoes in my memory. It was a lullaby for me growing up. My grandmother used it to create incredible garments. Her work was an act of love and of justice
An Awful Calculus Facing Parents and Children
My 14-year-old son participated in some awful calculus today. He, along with other children and parents, face this circumstance far too often. The trauma and helplessness remain far after the situation ends.
Saying You’re Sorry Is Essential to Personal, Societal Wellbeing
Self-awareness, introspection and repentance, along with a willingness to voice concern and reproof in love, is essential to any personal belief system. These are also vital elements for societal wellbeing.
Celebrating Resilience, Condemning Oppression and Changing Symbols
Latinas have too often been seen as something to be consumed or fetishized. Even the name “Hispanic Heritage Month” seems to constrain and control a diverse, rich history. How do we move forward to a more inclusive mindset and future?
How Health Care Inequities Cost Lives
Proper hand hygiene is continually emphasized in modern health care. Yet, a new report found that nearly half of the world’s health care facilities do not meet the basic guidelines for water, sanitation and hygiene. Such inequities cost lives.
A Tale of Two Griefs Emerges Following Queen Elizabeth’s Death
Queen Elizabeth’s death has elicited a variety of responses, with two overarching and contrasting expressions: appreciation for her life, legacy and leaders, and lament of the negative impacts of colonialism from the empire she reigned over for seven decades.
Celebrating Disney’s More Inclusive Storytelling
Disney’s decision to cast a Black actress as Ariel in its live-action ‘The Little Mermaid’ has been met with some toxic reactions. Such negative responses reveal not only bias and racism but also the social construct of race.
Has the U.S. Decided Certain People Are Above the Law?
Last Sunday marked the 21st anniversary of the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Domestic terrorism is not new to the United States, but until Jan. 6, 2021, naming it and prosecuting it has been pretty straight forward
The Harvest Moon: Good Faith Media, Shining Light into Darkness
A trip to New England provided an opportunity to view a harvest moon. Standing in the Atlantic Ocean looking at the moon, I thought of a saying of Jesus, which led to reflection on Good Faith Media’s work.
That Will Be Glory for Me
Figs are one of my favorite foods. Making a fresh batch of preserves recently, I was reminded of Jesus’ parable of the fig tree and what it reveals to us about being his disciples.
A Christian Case for Legalized Abortion Part 3: Taking Bearings from Experience and Reason
The U.S. Supreme Court said the Constitution does not guarantee the right to abortion in its ‘Dobbs’ ruling, even though most adults say abortion should be legal with some restrictions. What does reason and experience reveal about abortion?
No Opening Acts: A Lesson in Mentoring
Musician Vince Gill’s approach to concerts stands out in all the best ways. A recent trip to see him offered lessons in kindness and humility, providing insight into how we can encourage and mentor others.
A Christian Case for Legalized Abortion Part 2: Bearings from Tradition
The U.S. Supreme Court said the Constitution does not guarantee the right to abortion in its ‘Dobbs’ ruling, even though most adults say abortion should be legal with some restrictions. What does Christian tradition say about abortion?
Texas Judge Affirms Plaintiff’s Religious Objections in Affordable Care Act Challenge
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care and Act has come under fire once more, with a Christian non-profit challenging provisions based on religious objections. Here is how the case diverges from previous ACA challenges.