Opinion
Renaming Advent Candles Can Give the Season New Meaning
Perhaps, this year, it is time to give a new name to the candles of Advent. Or, perhaps, this year you need permission to name each candle and burn them in honor of whatever it is you need to shine bright or burn to the ground.
Finding Joy During Advent
A family trip to Walt Disney World serves a reminder that the joy of Advent can be found in the familiar faces of children all grown up.
How to Not Pour Gas on Climate Fire
The reality of climate change is now clear to all. That human action is driving such change should not be up for debate. What needs to be done at the governmental and personal levels? Here are several suggestions.
A Life and Death Look at Human Rights
Do human rights end at the grave? This seemingly strange question is rarely, if ever, considered, but it raises the issue of how extensive human declarations about the quality and dignity of human life are.
Rights of Indigenous Peoples Declaration Reveals Church Complicity
Being presented with a human rights framework for reconciliation felt awkward, and a little bitter. Yet, this invitation exposed unspeakable hurt inflicted by Christians on Indigenous peoples in Canada and offered a path forward.
Resolutions Are Only Revolutionary If Implemented
A momentous occasion took place in October 2021 when access to a healthy and sustainable environment was declared a human right. Yet, such resolutions are only revolutionary if humanity makes changes to implement them.
Republicans Flip-Flop on Unemployment Benefits
The politicization of mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic is nothing new. But it has entered a new era of ridiculousness with GOP leaders flip-flopping on how their state handles unemployment benefits.
Scattered, Smothered and Faithful
An overwhelmed diner staff received an unexpected gift in the form of customers pitching in to help. Why is this such an exceptional occurrence? And what would the world be like if it was more common?
Advent Lectionary | Let Your Joy Be Known
Jesus broke with long-established boundaries and norms. On this Advent Sunday in which joy takes center stage, how might we follow his example? Could a dance of defiance be in order?
Humans Right Day: A Proclamation of Freedom for All
Human Rights Day is often marked with commemorations of the progress made and recognition of the work still needed to be done in advancing freedom for all. Here is why such observances matter.
Peng Shuai’s Experience Reveals Treatment of Assault Victims
Three-time Olympian and tennis star Peng Shuai has been forced from the public eye after accusing a former Chinese official of sexual assault. This is what assault victims experience when they speak out.
Words Alone Won’t Secure Human Rights, Address Climate Crisis
As the anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights approaches, we need more action, and less talking, to address the climate crisis. Translating the “whereas” and “therefore” of the UDHR into tangible actions remains a challenge 73 years on.
The Persistent Widow and the United Nations
Even top-level UN leaders focused on human rights have been unaware of religious freedom violations in places like Algeria and Sri Lanka. Without organizations like the World Evangelical Alliance, human rights abuses would remain unknown.
Women in the Catholic Church: A Brief History
Pope Francis has appointed several women to prominent positions within the Roman Catholic Church in recent months. Here is a brief history of the complex role of women within Catholicism.
‘The Gathering’ Offers Alternative to ‘Church-as-We-Know-It’
Are you among the people giving up on church right and left? Are you tired, perhaps even offended, by ‘church-as-we-know-it’? If so, “The Gathering: A Womanist Church” is the book for you.
Does Your Congregation Need Inoculation Against Misinformation?
Karl Barth’s advice to preach with a Bible and a newspaper in hand would likely be met today with questions about what newspaper to read. Churches are not immune from a misinformation pandemic, and an inoculation is likely needed.
Didn’t Ask, Don’t Need
What are some of your pet peeves when it comes to end-of-the-year donation requests from charitable organizations? Let me share a few of mine, and why I still give despite the annoyances.
Analyzing Vaccine Mandates and Legal Challenges
Legal nuances surrounding the federal vaccine mandates can be mind-numbing. Here is what you need to know, and why these challenges matter.
Advent Lectionary | The Earliest Soundtrack
The Gospel of Luke opens with a series of songs, which offer the earliest soundtrack to the Advent season. Of the four, Zechariah’s Benedictus is the most sophisticated.
‘White Equals Right’ Mentality Continues Today
The men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery went home after the incident, only facing charges after a public outcry. Called ‘self-defense’ by some; others have described it as a ‘modern-day lynching.’
Organ Donation Disparities Rooted in Social, Economic Inequity
Scapegoating always serves to avoid a deeper look at the underlying conditions that caused social issues, including health care access and outcomes. Here is what you need to know about racial disparities in organ donations and transplants.
Thank You, God
Fred Rogers spoke often of gratitude, encouraging one particular action of those he spoke to at graduations and other special events. This practice is beneficial at Thanksgiving and throughout the year.
Six Dos and Don’ts Surrounding Grief
The holiday season following a significant loss is often the hardest, so compassion, care, kindness and patience should guide interactions during this stressful time. Here are six dos and don’ts.
Look Back | Let’s Build on the Good of Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving in the U.S. is a wonderful time for friends and family, fellowship and food, gratitude and graciousness. Let’s extend this attitude beyond the holiday by practicing neighborliness year-round in practical, tangible ways.
Gratitude Expresses Itself Best in Generosity
Much of the U.S. gathers around tables this week, expressing thanks for life’s blessings. Yet, there is a fuller way to express our thankfulness than pausing to offer words of gratitude.
Advent Lectionary | Hope, the Thing With Feathers
Faced with uncertainty, how do we move forward? From poets to prophets to praise songs, we’re reminded that hope can buoy us and enable us to carry on.
Your Story Could Light the Way for Others
We might think personal stories and experiences are insignificant, but they will be priceless for close friends and family. They can also illuminate the pathway for others.
Two Words That Explain the Kyle Rittenhouse Acquittal
A jury in Kenosha, Wisconsin, found Kyle Rittenhouse not guilty of all charges on Nov. 19. Two words have been used to explain the decision, but those are not the words that reveal the basis for this acquittal.
This Thanksgiving, Leave a Lasting Message
Awkward conversations seem inevitable at Thanksgiving tables, but they don’t have to be. Rather than make your point by shouting across the table, consider leaving a more lasting message by your example.
Can You Remain Hopeful but Not Optimistic?
What is the difference between optimism and hope? Let’s consider these terms, reflect on whether you can be one without the other, and discuss why it matters.