Opinion
Love Does No Harm
Many churches still support, and Christian ministries still practice, conversion therapy. Learn why it is harmful and find some resources to educate yourself and your faith community.
Look Back | Rich Get Richer? Been Here, Done That
Don’t think the Bible is relevant to our lives today? Consider ancient Israel. The rich lined their pockets by fleecing from the poor. Sound familiar? God loathed it then and acted accordingly. What would stop God’s judgment today?
Obesity Often a Symptom of Economic Inequality
Obesity in the U.S. continues to increase, with 16 U.S. states now having an obesity rate 35% or higher. The reasons are many and complex, with economic inequality often an overlooked factor.
Facebook, Instagram Outage Offers Screen Time Wake-Up Call
With Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp going offline for hours on Monday, many were left to ponder life without such platforms. Here is one suggestion regarding our daily screen time.
Looking Out for Others
Sessions on an elliptical are both effective and boring, so watching TV helps pass the time. A series on animals offers important lessons for humanity.
A Prayer for Our Time
We have heard the call to “follow me,” and responded favorably with our voices. Yet, even when filled with good intent, we have bolted down other paths. Of this, and so much more, we repent and ask forgiveness.
Let’s Talk Patriotism – What It Is and Is Not
Some are adopting and promoting a faulty understanding of what it means to be patriotic. So, what is (and what is not) patriotism in our time?
Give Pastors a Break to Show Your Appreciation
We’re all exhausted, clergy included. Let’s give our ministers a break from the usual gripes and “suggestions” on how to improve sermons and services. One new initiative can help you do just that.
When We Doubt the Power of Prayer
Does prayer matter? Can it make a difference in the world? These are questions people of faith often ask. So, why pray when it can seem ‘the most lifeless thing to do’?
The Sound of Distress and a Call to Action
The mid-July Texas court ruling on DACA stunned DACA applicants and advocates. Here are five actions people of faith can take to advocate for immigrants.
Look Back | What’s Right vs What’s Expedient
When politicians make decisions based on what will garner the needed votes for reelection, it’s morally troublesome. Shouldn’t we consider what supports the common good? When did decisions stop being based on the right thing to do?
Retired U.S. Air Force Battle Manager Reflects on Aug. 29 Drone Strike
Despite the countless hours training pilots and reviewing errors, U.S. military personnel make mistakes, sometimes with tragic consequences. Here is some insight regarding the tragic civilian casualties during an Aug. 29 drone strike.
Four Reasons People of Faith Become Disillusioned
The story of Jim Palmer, a former pastor turned humanist, raises questions about why people of faith become disillusioned. Here are four contributing factors.
How to Notice, Celebrate the Miraculous in the Ordinary
Every day in public school is an opportunity to see and celebrate miracles in the seemingly simple and ordinary. You just need to open your eyes and pay attention.
Why Abusers Rarely Stand on Their Own
Rachel Denhollander is correct, “Abusers rarely stand on their own.” Sharing stories of abuse is hard, but it can be healing. We must stand with victims to help bring an end to systemic abuse.
Our Timidity Enables the Enablers
When goodwill people of faith are too timid to speak out, it enables those who proclaim a fearful, self-serving version of Christianity at odds with the teachings of Jesus.
Why We Must Cultivate Neighborliness
Our sense of isolation and angst is increasing as the pandemic rolls on. Kindness and neighborliness would go a long way to helping one another through this difficult time.
Movie Review: The Eyes of Tammy Faye
“The Eyes of Tammy Faye” about the rise and fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker isn’t a great film. Yet, one star’s performance is captivating and makes the film worth seeing.
Nevertheless She Preached 2021 Embraced Healing, Embodied Hope
While men continue to set up obstacles to females called to pastoral ministry, women continue to persist in preaching the good news. The 2021 Nevertheless She Preached conference covered a lot of ground over three days.
Four Moral Concerns Regarding Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition technology is now commonplace – used not only by government agencies but also in many smartphones. We need to stop and reflect upon how we as human beings intend to use it.
It Can Be Hard to See the Light
A deep sense of darkness and sadness have swept over the nation following reports of civilians killed in a U.S. drone strike and border patrol agents on horseback chasing Haitian migrants. Is there still light to be found?
Dishonoring the Image of God in the Thin Places
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Immigration policies under President Trump have largely continued under President Biden. People of faith must continue to speak against injustice no matter who is in the White House.
Why Our Tables Should Model Hospitality, Intimacy, Inclusion
Downsizing to a smaller residence evoked reflection on the table-fellowship my family enjoyed. Our tables should model the hospitality, intimacy and inclusion of the future dream set forth in the Christian testament.
Faith Lessons Under a Bridge in Austin
A woman concerned about her brother’s eternal fate spoke with me recently, concerned that he died without an explicit faith and outside the church. What does one say in response?
Talk About Restrictive…
Most are at least vaguely familiar with the Essenes and their community at Qumran. A newly published article offers an intriguing explanation for conundrums associated with current understandings of Qumran.
The Contagion of Evil
Conversation delving into weighty matters like good and evil is an occupational hazard for clergy. Here’s the line of thought one such mealtime discussion yielded.
Are Federal Vaccine Mandates Constitutional, Enforceable?
The Biden administration announced a federal vaccine mandate applicable to more than 100 million people. Is this constitutional? Can it be enforced?
A Note to Clergy on Worries, Anxieties and Hurts
There is much to worry about in both our personal and collective lives – particularly during a global pandemic. It is an especially difficult time for clergy.
How Do We Respond to a World on Fire?
Many religious folks talk about preparing for the end of the world. They’re right, in part – the world as we’ve known it is ending. Will we change our ways and be part of creating a brighter future?
To Hope, Perchance to Dream
Dead silence filled the room when a group of local ministers was asked about ministry plans for 2022. That is a reflection of the weight clergy are feeling due to the ongoing pandemic.