Opinion
Look Back | After Halloween
Halloween gets most of the attention, while a long-standing, but often-overlooked, Christian observance happens the next day. Let’s use All Saints Day to remember and learn from those who came before us.
Reading Opens Hearts, Minds to Change the World
Interactive reading is one way to engage children in learning about new people and places. It opens their hearts and minds to new possibilities, inspiring them to do their part to make the world a better place.
Radishes at Work
The less-known ‘cousins’ of a common vegetable found in many salads serves important purposes other than human consumption. What lessons might they offer to people of faith?
Many in U.S. Need Remedial Citizenship Lessons
Faulty understandings and expressions of freedom abound in the U.S., often empowered by self-identified Christians. It seems a remedial citizenship class is necessary for many.
U.S. Facing Emergency Blood, Platelet Shortage
The U.S. is facing a severe shortage of blood and platelets, the Red Cross announced recently. Here is what you need to know about the U.S. blood supply and how you can help.
Don’t ‘Cry Over Spilled Milk,’ but What About Spilled Blood?
How should we respond to spilled blood, resulting from blatant acts of racism and social injustice? One faith leader and the organization he leads suggest a time-tested, biblical act.
Emerging Voices | Creating Safer Faith Communities for Survivors of Abuse
Too often survivors of abuse feel unheard and unsupported by their faith communities. This must change, and it starts with education about abuse and a commitment to believe those who courageously share their experience.
Education Should Teach You How to Think
A decent education teaches you how to think and carry out critical analysis. While this necessitates presenting a diversity of perspectives, not all viewpoints are created equal.
Clergy Trust High, Clergy Vaccine Encouragement Low
U.S. adults have a great deal of trust in their clergy. Yet, many ministers have not spoken about the importance of vaccination against COVID-19. This is a departure from historical precedent and a neglect of their role.
Faith and Science: Religious Exemptions Expose the Complicated Relationship
Science and faith have long had a complicated relationship. Some believe there is inherent conflict and tension between the two, but is that true?
What Has Happened to Christianity in the U.S.?
My family is really not all that messed up, but we do exemplify several larger political and religious trends. Here is a little of our story.
Too Late Schmardt
Spending time with the Amish brings perspective on modern conveniences. A recent trip provided insight on how we view ourselves and others.
‘Midnight Mass’ Portrays Church Horrors On-Screen and Off
Bev Keane is both an unassuming and fascinating character in the Netflix limited series “Midnight Mass.” Sadly, the on-screen horrors she carries out are mirrored in too many of congregations.
A Lesson from the U.S. Senate’s Biggest Baseball Fan
Honus Wagner once quipped, “There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer.” This expression is a good reminder to check ourselves when we feel smug and dismissive toward others.
The Essence of God, Sharia, Jihad and Finding Your Way – Part 2
“Sharia” and “jihad” often are misunderstood and misconstrued by those who reference them in connection to terrorist extremists. Here is what you need to know about the true meaning of these terms.
No Shortage of Shortages: We’re All Out
There has been no shortage of shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis has placed inequities and injustices in stark contrast, causing many to wonder how anything, and everything, will work out in the end.
The Essence of God, Sharia, Jihad and Finding Your Way – Part 1
Faith traditions and other ideologies have different terms for the quest to reach the concept of this divine entity, force or higher power. Many refer to this as an individual’s preferred “way” or “way of life,” which is what Sharia is for Islam.
What Should We Call Ourselves?
I used to pride myself in being Mexican-American, saying the hyphen served as a bridge between two cultures. These days I find myself wanting to draw the bridge up or burn it down.
Poverty, Migration Increasingly Driven by Climate Change
Poverty is a growing threat to many farmers in Central America. Climate change impacts on weather patterns have exacerbated the challenges, forcing many to migrate to find more stable income. Here are the stories of several families.
Native Reservations: Hypocrisy, Hope and Religious Liberty – Part 3
Culture and social structures existed throughout the Americas prior to 1492. Many of the problems, past and present, regarding America’s history with Native peoples stem from our inability to recognize these cultures before Columbus’ arrival.
Native Reservations: Hypocrisy, Hope and Religious Liberty – Part 2
I am a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation. Here is a story of how my family was negatively impacted by the “Pratt Doctrine” that informed the creation of schools for Indigenous peoples designed to “kill the Indian to save the man.”
The Tragedy of Poverty in a Rich Land
Poverty is not natural or necessary. It is the result of poor choices, but not usually, or primarily, by those who are impoverished. So, whose choices lead to so much poverty in the midst of plenty?
Why It Matters if Ethics are Agenda- or Need-Based
Understanding the difference between philosophy and ideology is helpful in considering ethical frameworks. Let’s consider why these distinctions matter and what difference they make.
Why I Felt Ashamed After Visiting a New Church
Finding a church home can be both exciting and uncomfortable. After visiting one church in my new city, I left feeling ashamed … for a very good and holy reason.
Native Reservations: Hypocrisy, Hope and Religious Liberty – Part 1
The genocide of the Indigenous peoples of North America began 529 years ago this week. Columbus’ arrival began a long, painful history of European exploitation of Indigenous peoples in the Americas.
Going in Style
A recent archaeological discovery in the Old City of Jerusalem offers little in the way of moral lessons. Yet, it offers some interesting considerations that might pique your curiosity.
Good, Bad Examples for Better Communication
Browsing a local paper revealed examples of both good and bad communication. Here are a few takeaways that might improve all our relationships.
‘Bootstrap Theology’ Offers Flawed Perspective on Poverty
Mercy on the poor and unemployed is lacking in much of the U.S. ‘Bootstrap theology’ contributes to this reality, as it offers a flawed perspective on poverty.
Why October’s Second Monday Needs an Accurate Poem and New Focus
The second Monday in October now has two holidays in the U.S. Each tells of the same events from vastly different perspectives. Let’s adopt an accurate poem and a new focus for this annual observance.
Will Christians Finally, Fully Repent of Colonial Legacy?
The discovery of unmarked graves of school-age children in Canada and the U.S. revealed again the tragic, horrific legacy of colonialism. Will the church stop shirking its responsibility and finally, fully repent?