Opinion
Despite Precedent, Biden Vaccine Mandate Faces Possible Challenges
President Biden’s federal vaccine mandate resulted in swift critique from Republican leaders, including many who vowed to fight it in the courts. What would be the basis for states to challenge this mandate?
Three Lessons from Year 33
Birthdays are often occasions for reflection, particularly when it’s been a difficult year. Reflecting on what transpired and considering what lies ahead, here are three lessons from my “Jesus Year.”
How Do We Counter Conspiracy Theories?
Conspiracy theories are nothing new, but, like fear and anger, they are rampant and ubiquitous. How can people of good faith help turn the tide?
COVID-19 Limbo: A Hellish Place for Clergy
The surge of COVID-19 cases has put us back in a state of limbo. Clergy are struggling again to balance protecting public health and maintaining their faith community. Here are five ways you can support them.
Afghanistan Polio Eradication Efforts Hindered by Taliban
Polio isn’t a concern in the U.S. these days, but its eradication is a key concern in nations like Afghanistan. With the Taliban now in control, concerns are increasing among health experts.
If Only Andy Were Here…
“The Andy Griffith Show” ended production in 1968, but its charm and homespun wisdom have endured. Could Griffith’s Sheriff Taylor persuade people today to get vaccinated?
The Gift and Challenge of Memory
Memory is a powerful instrument that requires cultivation and protection, lest it be manipulated to unwholesome ends. How will the 20th anniversary commemorations of 9/11 shape our nation’s future?
What Happened in Texas and Why People of Good Faith Should Care
A new law restricting abortion early in pregnancy was signed into law in Texas a few weeks ago. Regardless of one’s personal views on abortion, this legislation should be concerning. Here’s why.
Prostate Cancer: A Christian View – Part 2
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America. How does one maintain faith and hope in the face of such a diagnosis?
How You Can Lose Your Faith in Church
Too often the church in North America has ignored or covered up its abuses and misdeeds. What is the point of baptism if we simply rinse and repeat?
Prostate Cancer: A Christian View – Part 1
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in America. Where is God? And will God help me? are common questions for people of faith facing such diagnoses.
Nevertheless He Listened
Spaces dedicated to women and other marginalized populations are rare, particularly in the Christian church. Yet, dismantling patriarchal structures is by no means “women’s work.” It’s human work.
Don’t Derail Anti-Trafficking Work with Improper Words, Images
Some anti-human trafficking messaging and imagery has been historically misleading or – in some cases – harmful. Here are several items to avoid.
Look Back | Blessed Are the Peacemakers
In the days following the 9/11 attacks, many faith leaders across the U.S. spoke about peacemaking and breaking the cycle of violence. Justice does not accommodate revenge, they emphasized.
Doggone Theology: Six Life Lessons from Charlie
The Randalls said goodbye to their Great Dane, Charlie, last week. Here are six “doggone theology” lessons that Charlie taught our family.
Is It Legal, Ethical to Refuse to Treat the Unvaccinated?
Some doctors are refusing to see unvaccinated patients, while one medical group briefly considered vaccination status in triaging care. Is this legal? Is it ethical?
How Do We Balance Accountability and Mercy?
The story of Jonah illustrates the struggle to balance accountability for those perpetuating injustice with mercy that seeks the healing and redemption of all. We must ask and answer five hard questions.
The Power of Monsters
It’s early September, but Halloween décor is already appearing on some houses. Even these early birds are a step behind those who fabricate monsters for their own insidious ends.
Texas, State of No Grace
The Texas legislature’s newly passed abortion ban ensures only male humans have full rights over their own bodies. No person or group of people should dictate what a person does with that person’s body.
New Orleans’ Residents Offer Lessons in Selflessness, Resilience
Hurricane Ida devastated New Orleans and brought floods across the eastern U.S. Here are a few things I’ve observed in the city’s residents when the rain stopped and winds calmed.
Can the Church Be Trusted to Handle Jesus?
A growing number of Christians are asking hard questions of the church as they consider its misguided, unjust and toxic elements. We have much deconstruction left to do before rebuilding can start.
Is Anti-Zionism Antisemitism?
Jews affirm that one can criticize Israel without being antisemitic. Where is the line drawn? A little context is necessary before an adequate answer can be given.
The Dark End of a War
The final U.S. military presence left Afghanistan nearly 20 years after the 9/11 attacks. With America’s longest war ending, people of good faith are left to contemplate its conclusion through varied lenses.
Parliament of the World’s Religions Offers Positive Examples of Faith
The world is a mess, and religion should be part of the solution. While there is no doubt that religion has often not been helpful, the Parliament of the Worlds’ Religions is a positive example of faith.
Critiquing Israel and Palestine: Lessons from the Interfaith World
Humans tend to compare the best in themselves with the worst in others. Here is what I believe to be true: there are no innocent parties in the Middle East.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
My wife and I spent three weeks on a dig in Lachish a few years ago. Can excavating an ancient Canaanite temple teach us anything about the modern church?
U.S. Labor History Filled with Days of Infamy and Pride
From the destruction of Tulsa’s “Black Wall Street” to the enactment of worker protections, U.S. labor history is filled with days of both infamy and pride. Let’s support labor and ensure the days of pride increase.
A Few Words about Two Words: Zionism and Antisemitism
Zionism and antisemitism are largely misunderstood terms. Here is a brief introduction and overview of the history of these concepts and their meaning.
Contemplating My Confused Identity — While Putting Cornbread in My Milk
Raised in a combination of rural and urban settings raises questions about community and identity. Some experiences were satisfying; others, while interesting, I don’t care to repeat.
‘Thy Queendom Come’ Required Reading for Churchgoers
A new book from Kyndall Rae Rothaus challenges patriarchal systems and interpretations of the Bible. She offers a breath of fresh air for women who suffer from and experience misogyny in the church and in their everyday lives.