Opinion
To the Single Mom Who Struggles
I felt seen when a seminary professor voiced a prayer with a petition for “the single mom who struggles.” Having extricated myself from an abusive marriage, here are a few ways congregations can help those facing similar circumstances.
What Words Are There to Say?
The fundamental rights of over half our country have just been erased. Our neighbors will suffer, and people of faith should speak up. But I confess I’m tired. What words are there to say?
Seeing Red After Pentecost
It is the season after Pentecost, but the North American church should not stop seeing red. Not “fighting mad” but a righteous anger in response to injustice is warranted.
Was the Southern Baptist Convention Ever ‘Pro-Choice’?
While some might equate the anti-abortion positions of the Southern Baptist Convention equally with the Catholic Church, a review of SBC history tells a very different story of Southern Baptist views on abortion.
Two SCOTUS Rulings Show Radical Court Shift
Trying to keep up with the Supreme Court decisions rolling out at the end of the current term is like trying to stay upright as the ground beneath me shifts. Two recent decisions and one looming have me seeing the radical shift (think earthquake) in the court.
What SCOTUS’ New York State Rifle and Pistol Association Ruling Means
One of New York State’s handgun permitting requirements was overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States on June 23. What does this mean for gun regulations in the U.S. and the nation’s gun violence epidemic?
Why I Celebrate Pride Month
Many people questioning conservative theology that condemns LGBTQ+ people and their relationships want to know how I drew my conclusion to support LGBTQ+ people. Here are four reasons.
Achieving an ‘Educated Citizenry’ and Avoiding ‘Mass-Mindedness’
Thomas Jefferson spoke about the necessity of an “educated citizenry” for a functioning democracy, while Carl Jung warned of the dangers of “mass-mindedness.” How can we achieve both ends?
Rejecting Violence, Encouraging Reasoned Discourse on Abortion
The FBI has requested public assistance in investigating a series of attacks against pro-life centers. Such tactics mirror the radical wing of the Right to Life movement. The U.S. must decry violence, encourage reasoned discourse on abortion.
Silence That Says Too Much
Injuries suffered by 62 Palestinians due to the actions of participants in “Jerusalem Day” 2022 received scant news coverage. Have you heard any American politicians speaking out against such pointed provocations, or any American Jewish leaders?
Wisdom Wherever You Find It: Is This Heaven?
Classic films like “Field of Dreams” raise questions about love, faith, history and redemption. Watching the opening of a professional baseball game played in 2021 on the previous film set brought tears to my eyes. Is this heaven?
Why Did the U.S. Take So Long to Join the Party?
Celebrated on June 19 each year by African Americans and considered the community’s Independence Day, Juneteenth is set aside to celebrate the end of slavery in the U.S. It became a federal holiday in 2021.
On ‘Bleak House’ and Equally Bleak Institutions
On a recent library visit, I came across Charles Dickens’ book ‘Bleak House.’ Skimming its pages again for the first time in years, I noticed several parallels between the conditions it describes and the present reality for houses of faith.
An Affirming Home
By showing, not just telling, our kids we’re a soft place to land on all subjects, they will grow up knowing our love for them is big enough.
Church Infighting Unappealing to Younger Generation of Believers
Younger Evangelicals are tired of watching their parents and grandparents fighting over details they affirm do not determine salvation. Despite the raging politicization sweeping through the church, these young Christians simply want to worship God without infighting infecting their faith.
Look Back | Crossing the Chasm That Seemingly Divides Bible, LGBTQ Loved Ones
For many, it feels like the Bible is on one side of the debate regarding LGBTQ inclusion in the church and pictures of loved ones are on the other. How does a Jesus follower choose between the two?
Right and Wrong: Takeaways from Watching the January 6th Hearings
Watching the January 6th hearings this week, remarks made by members of the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack and witness testimony drew a clear line between right and wrong.
On Learning from Queer Kin
Growing up queer in the church can be a lonely endeavor. But for those of us who are lucky enough, their stories do not end with death-dealing theologies. They go on to find new life in the queer community.
My Family’s EV Life: Part Two
Driving an electric vehicle is an adjustment from the internal combustion engines most of us are familiar with. However, the differences are positive, as they provide comfortable and quiet rides. But don’t take my word for it – drive one.
You’re LGBTQ Affirming! Now What?
Many churches go through incredibly intentional processes to help cultivate LGBTQ affirmation and then never tell anyone about that commitment outside the church walls. Here are five considerations for “welcoming and affirming” congregations.
My Family’s EV Life: Part One
My family is unique in that we only have electric vehicles. As early adopters, we are learning a lot about a different way of getting from here to there. Here are a few reasons why we made the switch.
A good faith response to the abortion debate
The recently leaked Supreme Court draft opinion that would serve to overturn Roe v. Wade has concerning implications for people of good faith.
A Philosophy of Opinion Writing
The advent of social media and blogging has made it possible for everyone to express their opinion in the public square. Here are a few suggestions to consider based on my, admittedly, imperfect approach.
I Am a Woman Because I Do Womanhood
Like other trans women, I don’t identify as a woman. Rather, I am a woman. I am a woman because I do womanhood. Yet, somehow, identity has come to connote a kind of disembodied, decontextualized totem of sorts.
Celebrating Pride and Pentecost in a Pub
I do not believe it was a coincidence that Pentecost Sunday fell on June 5 this year – the first Sunday during Pride month. Here is how our congregation celebrated both observances in a local bar.
‘Heathen’ Documents History of Religious, Racial Name-Calling
Before there was the “other,” there was the heathen. Kathryn Gin Lum’s new book ‘Heathen: Religion and Race in American History’ is a must read.
An Invitation for Embrace and Resurrection
Celebrating Pride Month is crucial amid all this fear, so how do queer Christians faithfully engage in thoughtful celebrations of Pride this year? I’d suggest that we look to the example of Jesus.
We Need Revelation’s Non-Violent Witness for a Violent Age
Thomas Slater’s 2019 book ‘Revelation as Civil Disobedience’ is prescient in both its cover design and its observations. Here is why I strongly commend it for such a time as this.
Prayer, ‘Taking the Lord’s Name in Vain’ and Mass Shootings
: I was almost suspended from class in fifth grade for “taking the Lord’s name in vain.” This came to mind when I heard Rep. Louie Gohmert (R-Texas) use this phrase in a speech suggesting more prayer could curb mass shootings.
Will the Next Global Pandemic Be a Recession?
Inflation seems to be running rampant, despite efforts of governments to slow the price increases by raising interest rates. After more than two years fighting a global pandemic, could a weary world be headed toward a global recession?