Opinion
Faith Seeking Understanding | Rethinking Atonement
There was no “Damascus Road” experience. My understanding of Jesus’ death was challenged – and, ultimately, changed – slowly, gradually, haltingly. This is how I sought, and found, new understanding.
Fallacious Presuppositions Undergird Franklin Graham’s Assessment of U.S. Gun Violence
Franklin Graham offered his assessment last week regarding the cause of mass shootings in the U.S. Because Graham’s influence remains significant within evangelical Christianity, here is why his conclusions are erroneous.
Fly, Little Birds. Fly!
I don’t preach as often now. Yet, after 26 years of coming up with a new sermon each week, I can’t turn off the analogy circuit that’s tuned for potential connections. Here are a few of the most recent connections.
A Brief History of SCOTUS’ Second Amendment Rulings
The Second Amendment might seem straightforward to some. However, in a modern context, it produces many questions. Here is a brief history of the U.S. Supreme Court’s rulings related to the amendment.
Christianity With an Asterisk
Christian nationalism — or white Christian nationalism, as it is often called and seen — is Christian only in name. Here is why an asterisk is necessary, and valid, for such expressions of “Christianity.”
It’s Time for a Chat About Jesus
It is time to have a little chat about Jesus. More specifically, we need to address the divergent understandings and portrayals of Jesus in the United States.
Many Christians Are Leaving Church – Not Christianity
Many church members wore red yesterday to represent fire and the coming of the Holy Spirit. But too many American cities are seeing red as mass shootings continue.
Spirituality – A Place Where All Believers Can Come Together
Where can all of us believers come together beyond the divisions created by history, dogma, denomination, and religion? Where is there a place all people of sincere heart can find common ground and worship together?
Look Back | A Haunting, Helping, Humbling Reality
When it comes to justice, peace and equality, the track record of conservative Christianity being on the right side of history is not very good. Yet, selective memory causes many to wonder why their views are not readily accepted.
Are We Witnessing a Modern-Day Pentecost?
Christian churches that follow the liturgical calendar will observe Pentecost Sunday this weekend, remembering and reflecting on the events described in Acts 2. Are we witnessing a modern-day Pentecost?
Political Rhetoric Often Ignores Economic Necessity of Immigration
Outside of those descendants of the continent’s Indigenous peoples and those Africans forced to its shores for enslavement, the U.S. is a nation of immigrants. Concerns voiced about impacts on employment and public services often ignore the necessity for immigration.
We Need a Return of Pentecostal Power
Easter is God’s resurrection moment; Pentecost is God’s resurrection movement. I’m convinced that Pentecost is now the most important season for us as Christians. We need a return of that kind of pentecostal power.
Why Blaming ‘Mental Health’ for Mass Shootings Is Improper
After the Uvalde, Texas, elementary school shooting, the overwhelming consensus of Governor Greg Abbott and others was that this was a “mental health” problem. Here is why they are wrong.
Good Faith Media at Cooperative Baptist Fellowship’s 2022 General Assembly
Multiple Good Faith Media staff members will be representing the organization at the 2022 General Assembly of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. They will lead workshops, support partner organizations, moderate a panel discussion and network with attendees.
On What Aisle Do We Pick Up Our Sense of Normalcy?
The mass shooting in Buffalo took 10 souls and permanently injured three. It also removed a reliable food source, as well as a community center. When will normalcy return to the community? And how?
Homelessness in America: Who Is My Neighbor?
As I consider a potential move, I’ve begun to reflect on the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Chance encounters with the unhoused at fast-food restaurants have influenced my thinking on how we should answer that question.
Why We Must Repent of Numbness and ‘Stay Angry’
Sandy Hook and maybe Parkland may have been the last school shootings that I let myself enter into and mourn. I have chosen to be numb, instead. I’m both sorry for my numbness … and I’m angry.
The Time for Pious Words is Over
Anyone who has read the report on the Southern Baptist Convention should agree that “the time for pious words is over.” The report confirmed what SBC sexual abuse victims, their families and their supporters have said for decades.
Searching for the ‘Kin-dom’ Come Here and Now
What has not been said about mass shootings and the toll they take on children? What does justice look like in the days ahead? Where does ‘kin-dom’ come amidst such tragedies?
U.S. Mass Shootings Horrific, Not Incomprehensible
Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the mass shooting at Robb Elementary at horrific and incomprehensible. He is right that this tragedy is horrific, but it is no longer incomprehensible.
We Can’t Let Another Mass Shooting Leave Us Speechless
In a country where it is typical for there to be more shootings on the calendar than days in the year, Uvalde has managed to leave us speechless. Here is why we must work to find our voice following this senseless violence.
SBC Report Agonizing, Sickening and Convicting
Reading the Southern Baptist Convention’s Sexual Abuse Task Force report since its release this past Sunday afternoon has been an agonizing and sickening exercise.
‘Title 42’ Usage Violates Refugee Act, Ignores Intent of Provision
The Title 42-based policy enacted by the Trump administration will remain in place, a district court judge ruled on May 20. There are a lot of misconceptions about Title 42 regarding what it is and what it does, so here is a brief overview.
The Shooter Did Not Act Alone: America Helped Pull the Trigger
The horrific situation in Uvalde, Texas, comes after other recent mass shootings, in Buffalo, New York, and Laguna Woods, California. In each incident, the same message emerged, “The gunman acted alone.” Here is why this isn’t accurate.
Things Are Different Now
A glitch in a recent graduation ceremony in which I was involved led to reflection on adjusting as circumstances evolve. There are some, in both religious and political life, who don’t acknowledge the need for such modifications.
Dominion, Domination and Theological “Replacement”
The biblical call to have dominion has often been misunderstood and modified into having domination over creation – and other humans. Those stoking fears in the U.S. of a “great replacement” are continuing a false and insidious practice.
Bumps Along the Two-Way Street of Communication
A comment by one attendee at a preaching conference provided a humorous quip for the next few days. However, the statement reveals a widespread issue facing all faith leaders.
On the Longing for Home
Most adults in the United States remember a close relative who was not born here. The “Old Country” is hard to let go of. Everything there is familiar, even the pain.
Words Matter
I do my best thinking when sitting on top of my zero-turn lawnmower. The latest reflection focused on words and the need for being careful with what I say and quick to apologize when I cause offense.
A Word About Stewardship
There is nothing quite like planning for your demise to awaken the awareness that this world is not our home. Here are a few lessons and insights from preparing my last will and testament.