Opinion
Why I Didn’t Celebrate International Women’s Day Growing Up
I didn’t celebrate International Women’s Day growing up. Here is why I began celebrating IWD and what must be done to make it a more meaningful observance.
Lenten Lectionary | Wilderness Living
The COVID-19 pandemic is testing our limits, with seemingly endless cycles of testing. As we enter the season of Lent, we can find comfort and encouragement in the wilderness experiences of the Hebrew people and of Jesus.
“Thank You” to the Countries of Refuge
One million Ukrainians have left their country as refugees. We should all be thankful to the surrounding nations who have accepted those fleeing for their lives.
Land Grabbing, Old and New
Russian’s greedy invasion of Ukraine has the world in a tizzy, and for good reason. Land grabs are always ugly.
Lenten Lectionary | Returning to God, Returning to Self
The Lenten season is arriving at a time when our means of engaging life have been strained and sifted. Embracing Lent may be just what we need as we continue to move toward wholeness.
Why BWIM Month of Preaching is Necessary
Baptist Women in Ministry established this emphasis in 2007, and each year it has been a special time for us to share photos highlighting a plethora of Baptist women standing behind pulpits.
New Belarusian Constitution Could Impact Global Power Balance
The fact that Belarus approved a new constitution on Feb. 27 might seem inconsequential amid the crisis in Ukraine. Here is why it matters and how it could impact the global power balance.
Barna Survey Answers Raise Numerous Questions
A recent Barna Group survey offered respondents several options for how the racial and ethnic dynamics in the U.S. could be improved. Barna’s list of options, and how people responded to them, offered more questions than answers.
Lessons from the Baptist Youth Lounge
Do you remember the youth room of your childhood church? What if we reimagined church at large to look like the youth lounge?
What Moral Obligation Does the U.S. Have to Ukraine?
The early 1990s were a turbulent time, resulting in actions and agreements that continue to impact global affairs today. What is the 1994 Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances and why does it matter today?
Praying for Peace, Preparing for Occupation
One of the largest Baptist Unions in Europe is preparing its congregations for years of occupation while praying for peace. They awoke on Feb. 24 to the reality of war across their nation.
On the Brink, We Pray for Peace
Russian military actions ordered by Vladimir Putin have place the world on the brink of war. He appears to be following the previous strategy of another dictator.
‘The Vanishing’ Raises Questions of Faith, Place and Ritual
‘The Vanishing’ by Janine di Giovanni is an account of the history and faith and likely demise of the original Christians in four ancient lands. The conversations and encounters it records raise questions of faith, place and ritual.
A Brief History of Kievan Rus
Vladimir Putin’s recent polemic claiming that Ukraine was created by the former U.S.S.R. is revisionist history. Here is a brief history of Kievan Rus and the region now comprising Belarus, Ukraine and Western Russia.
Buzz Off!
New research has discovered that mosquitoes react to different colors when carbon dioxide levels are high enough. So, what color should you wear next time you’re outside?
Teachers Leaving the Profession Shouldn’t Surprise Us
The teaching career is changing, and not for the better. Teachers are leaving the profession in alarming numbers, and many plan to leave earlier than they thought they would.
Why Asking Questions Is Essential to Healthy Faith
Many children and youth grow up with questions they’re taught not to ask in church. Healthy congregations encourage serious inquiry and walk alongside those asking hard questions.
Parenting 101: A Brief Reflection on Raising Children
Losing my mother during the pandemic led me to reflect on parenting – particularly my own. Here is a brief reflection on raising children.
Truth-Telling Needed to Counter Jan. 6 Revisionist History
The seriousness of the Jan. 6 insurrection continues to be downplayed by those who wish to revise the history of what took place. We need prophetic truth-tellers who refuse to allow such falsehoods and lies to go unchallenged.
Nursing Shortage Isn’t New; the Nation Is Finally Noticing
COVID-19 has brought new challenges and heightened existing ones in health care. But not having sufficient nurses and other health care workers is a challenge that predates the pandemic.
The Words Unsaid
The Super Bowl 56 halftime show led to diverse reactions across the U.S. One of the songs performed, Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright,” includes a refrain that can give us hope as we mobilize against injustice.
Look Back | Black History Helps Us Appreciate Our Full History
Seeing the film “Hidden Figures” helped me realize how much history we should know that remains hidden. Knowing the whole story of our nation makes us better.
Black Liberation Theology: Why Rap at the Super Bowl Was Important
Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar and Eminem were electrifying as the Super Bowl 56 halftime performers. However, some of the reactions from white friends and pundits were disappointing and disturbing.
Why We Cannot Call the American “Kitten” a Democratic Biscuit
What insight does a Malcolm X quip offer regarding U.S. democracy? Is the system broken, or is it functioning as designed? Here is some insight on these and other questions.
Help for the Culturally Impaired
The Super Bowl offered an exciting game, even for those who didn’t care what team won. The advertisements were hit-or-miss, but they gave me an idea for an enterprising, tech-savvy person to work on.
Until Someday Is Today: Continuing the Fight to Protect Voting Rights
The 2013 SCOTUS ruling in Shelby County v. Holder gutted the Voting Rights Act of 1965. In the years since, many state legislators have passed legislation that makes it harder for people to vote.
Emerging Voices | Meeting the Holy Spirit on Broadway
Meeting the Holy Spirit on Broadway was a welcome surprise. It reminded me that the sacred-secular divide posited by some people of faith is a false dichotomy that we should work to dismantle.
Among Global Evangelicals, Americans Are ‘Odd One Out’
Two theologians, John Stackhouse and Michael Bird, sat down recently to discuss evangelicalism. They explain how white evangelicals in the U.S. are the ‘odd one out’ when compared to counterparts in other countries.
Defending the Vote for All Citizens
Just as ‘faith without works is dead,’ so too is democracy without voting rights for all citizens. During Black History Month, let’s remember how Black voters have been suppressed throughout U.S. history and commit ourselves to defend voting rights for all.
The Role of Liturgy in the Journey Toward Justice
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed Christian worship, bringing both positive and negative impacts. As pastoral leaders advocate for justice, they must remember that liturgy is a ‘work of the people’ and engage the membership.