Opinion
Who Killed George Floyd? | What the Bible Says About Police Brutality
‘When the Bible is silent, we are silent.’ It’s a common phrase emanating from many pulpits, but life is much more complex. Can we not open the Bible to learn how God views police brutality, white supremacy and climate change?
Grieving Process Takes Time, Requires Tenacity
Any loss brings grief due to the loss of connection with something or someone. To journey through the grieving process, we must realize that it cannot be rushed and requires tenacity to make it through.
Easter Exposes the Idol of “Normal”
Returning to ‘normal’ is an understandable desire during a global pandemic. Yet, this longing often overlooks injustices and inequities plaguing society. Easter exposes the idol of ‘normal.’
Opportunities from Church Decline
As church membership continues to decline in the U.S., Christians have an opportunity to reset and re-calibrate. This will necessitate repenting from patriarchal and nationalistic ideologies, and repenting to love, grace and mercy.
Why You Should Consider ‘Harvesting Life’
“Harvesting life” should be a focal point for us not only as we age but also throughout our lives. Here’s one example of how this process works.
Too Few People, or Too Little Jesus?
Fewer than half of U.S. adults are now members of a church, mosque or synagogue, a Gallup survey found. What accounts for this downward trend that began several decades ago?
Gardening Mistake Offers Insight on Hope, Patience
A gardening mistake following a winter storm led to a less vibrant hydrangea plant. This experience has offered insight into how God brings new life from our slips and stagnation.
Living Free From Stranglehold of Fear
Fear is often a defining factor of one’s faith, especially beliefs and practices that seek to restrict grace and withhold mercy. Such faith tends to see enemies in the unfamiliar and to attribute God’s blessings to self-interests.
When Spiritual Counsel Wounds Your Traumatized Soul
People in faith communities struggling with trauma and mental health issues often encounter spiritual leaders trying to help, but they don’t have a trauma-informed lens. A new podcast is here to help.
Emerging Voices | Can Churches Save Decaying Culture? – Part 2
As the US faces seemingly overwhelming systemic issues, now is the time for churches to reinvigorate and reimagine their legacy for the 21st century. We can accomplish great things together if we have the vision.
Why Your Spiritual Formation is Like Composting
Spiritual formation can be wearisome, placing you in a storm-tossed boat and demanding more than you think you can bear. It is almost never convenient and can be unnerving. It is not risk averse. It’s a lot like, well, composting.
Cradle to Tomb, You’re a Collection of Words
Shakespeare had it right in Romeo and Juliet when Juliet asked, ‘What’s in a name?’ When it comes down to it, we are all a collection of words. This is why language is important, and why we must speak thoughtfully and thoroughly.
Emerging Voices | Can Churches Save Decaying Culture? – Part 1
The US faces complex problems. Schools are struggling, churches are in decline, tent cities for the homeless are springing up. How churches respond to this litany of crumbling institutions will prove to be a do-or-die moment.
State’s Bill Puts Restrictions on Gender Transitioning
Arkansas has become the first state to propose a bill that would prohibit health care providers from assisting minors who are seeking gender transitioning treatments. The 10-page bill now awaits the signature of Gov. Asa Hutchinson.
The Shameful Easter Massacre You Never Heard About
A mob of mostly white men massacred at least 150 Black Americans in Colfax, Louisiana, on Easter Sunday 1873. Churches and their leaders were seemingly silent in responding to the shameful ‘racial carnage’ at the time.
Nationalism and Holy Week
Nationalistic ideas informed the actions of both Judas and the crowds that jeered at Jesus in his final days. During this Holy Week, let’s make certain to take another path, following the way of Jesus.
Are Vaccine Mandates Legal, Ethical, Advisable? – Part 2
The idea of vaccine mandates is being discussed as vaccinations increase across the U.S. This raises ethical questions about how to balance individual freedom with public health concerns.
Look Back | Why You Should Be Glad Easter’s Always Moving
Easter, the most important day on the Christian calendar, determines when most of the other important days will be observed. The “movability” of Easter, then, reminds us that it is the controlling event for other days.
Cave of Horror, or of Wonder?
The discovery of a “new” Dead Sea Scroll was announced recently by the Israeli Antiquities Authority. It was found in a “cave of horror,” along with many other significant finds.
Are Vaccine Mandates Legal, Ethical, Advisable? – Part 1
COVID-19 vaccine distributions are increasing significantly, raising questions about whether vaccine mandates should be implemented. Are such requirements legal, ethical and advisable?
Little Things Offer Big Inspiration at Easter
A cereal box message about ‘finding big inspiration in the little things’ is a timely reminder. Big inspiration is often birthed by unexpected little surprises that cumulatively have the ability to transform our world.
Good or Bad Applies More to People Than Professions
There are good cops and bad cops. Good pastors and bad pastors. Good teachers and bad teachers. Good judges and bad judges. Most often, people, not roles, determine whether someone is good or bad.
7 Examples of Slower-Impact Humanitarian Crises
Our nation faces clear humanitarian crises that affect the human family in catastrophic ways. Yet other situations may have a slower impact but are still extremely destructive to our well-being as a people. Here are 7 examples.
Why Dr. Seuss Cancellations Are Good News
When news surfaced about the discontinuation of six Dr. Suess’ books because they depicted racial stereotypes, cries of ‘cancel culture’ soon erupted. But while there will be loss in this change and others, it will be worth it.
3 Habits Help Lonely People Feel Connected
Faith communities at large have been feeling the impact of loneliness and isolation in a new way during the pandemic. We may believe online platforms keep us from feeling alone, but the cries of church members tell another story.
Psychological Impacts of Pandemic Distancing Likely to Linger
COVID-19 changed the landscape of ministry, requiring every faith leader to quickly adapt. While pandemic mitigation efforts were essential, we must consider what has been lost without in-person gatherings.
Look Back | ‘Caving into Culture’ Is Often Needed
A common refrain from Christians defending the status quo is that they follow the unchanging Bible, while others cave into modern culture. Here’s why such claims are problematic – and why “caving into culture” can be the right decision.
Entering the Darkness of Holy Week
Grief due to mass shootings, humanitarian crises, the ongoing global pandemic and more is overwhelming. Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem was not all celebration – dark clouds hung over Holy Week then … and now.
Is Health Care a Right?
Is health care a right? Before we can answer that question, we need to be clear about what we mean by “rights.” Here’s a primer on the term and how it relates to health care and human rights.
Racial Reconciliation Must Include Trauma Ministry
How should ministers biblically address racial trauma with Black youth? Part of racial reconciliation is not only educating those who are unaware of police brutality but also ministering to those who live with the effects of it.