Opinion
How Far Is Too Far?
We must be sensitive to how others are negatively impacted by prejudicial stereotypes. Decisions by Dr. Seuss Enterprises and Disney+ regarding content under their purview raises questions about how we engage with historical views that are now problematic.
What Should Cries of ‘Hosanna’ Mean Today?
The cries of ‘Hosanna’ as Jesus entered Jerusalem were pleas for liberation from oppression that echoed those found in Psalm 118. What should such cries mean to us today?
Are U.S. Dollars Supporting Concentration Camps?
Uyghurs, a predominantly Muslim people, make up roughly half the population of Xinjiang, the far northwest province of China. One million Uyghurs have been swept into concentration camps and forced labor.
Tested by Pluralism, American Christianity Fails
The love of evangelicals extends deep and wide – as long as the people they love on mission trips stay “over there.” Many professing Christians limit their love to protect privileged status and maintain the status quo.
‘Strange Fire’ Fuels Scapegoating of Asian Americans
Scapegoating is a “strange fire,” observed a 13-year-old in his recent Bar Mitzvah Torah sermon. “We need to stand against ‘strange fires,’” he said. “We can no longer afford to be bystanders.”
Christian Patriarchy Is Just Patriarchy
Patriarchy by any other name is still patriarchy. Christian patriarchy models the patriarchy of mainstream society. A new book explores how the church is continuing a long historical tradition of subordinating women.
Immunity Passports, Vaccination Records and Post-Pandemic Travel
As COVID-19 vaccinations increase, some have suggested the need for immunity passports as a requirement for travel and other activities. What are these exactly? And what are the ethical implications of adopting such measures?
Why You Should View Your Words as Expressions of Love
Our speech has power to build up or tear down. We should see our language as an expression of love, making sure that our words, particularly those spoken to people in a vulnerable state, offer healing and hope.
What Happens When I’m the Problem?
The pursuit of the so-called “American Dream” has resulted in negative impacts on marginalized groups. Being a successful American does not equate to being a good Christian.
Physician Match Day Reveals Health Residency System’s Flaws
Match Day is an annual event that matches medical school graduates with residency programs. There is a shortage of doctors in the U.S. due to a paucity of residency positions resulting, in large part, from a 1997 budget act.
Finding Healing in My Tribe
In my ancestral language of Muscogee Creek, CVFEKNICETV (juh-fig-nay-je-duh) means “to heal someone or something.” This message greeted my wife and me as we drove up to the Muscogee Creek Hospital in Okemah, Oklahoma, to receive our COVID-19 vaccines.
White Nationalist Christianity Distorts Gospel, Perpetuates Injustice
Jesus’ message of radical solidarity with the least of these, his call for liberation from oppression, has been domesticated by white nationalistic Christianity. The white god that undergirds white supremacy is all better off dead.
Focusing on Heaven, U.S. Churches Forgot the Life of Jesus
In many congregations, “the gospel” only refers to the path to eternal salvation. A return to the biblical definition of the “Good News” is needed — one that is evidenced by Jesus through his words and deeds.
The Micro and Macro Faces of Racism
Racism must be acknowledged and addressed on both the micro and macro levels. “Favors” for a few cannot erase or replace the pursuit of equity and justice for all.
Crosses, Crucifixes and Leaving Behind “Too Catholic” Stereotypes
Fundamentalist Christians tend to view the crucifix as “too Catholic.” Yet, the image of Jesus on the cross invites us to consider how we might see God dwelling in unexpected, challenging places.
Evangelicals Aren’t Dealing Well with Grief
Grief is not something many evangelical congregations in the U.S. handle well. Half-baked appeals to the sovereignty of God and pious aphorisms often harm, rather than help, the suffering.
Not-So-Great Expectations, but Hopefulness
Will society acknowledge, confront and atone for white supremacy? Will churches address the “sanctuary elephants” of old exclusionary ways? There’s work to be done on the attitudes and actions of us all.
Beyond Symbolic Posturing about Eliminating Racial Discrimination
A day to acknowledge racial discrimination and hope for its end is good but not sufficient. Racism and racist policies, practices and processes must be treated as a mortal threat and eradicated.
Jim Crow, the Party of No and the Real “Cancel Culture”
Claims of “cancel culture” are voiced by those who feel their privilege and power are being diminished. However, the real “cancel culture” is seen in the legal obstructions created to hinder participation in the voting process – efforts that recall the Jim Crow era.
What a Day It Would Be If We Did It
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is an opportunity to take a firm stance on race and name it as the lie it has always been. This would take more than a day, but what a day it would be when we did it!
Appreciation Leads to Awe, Radical Amazement
A 18-wheeler transport truck with an Einstein-theme mural painted on the side.
Beth Moore’s Leaving Follows Path Many Have Taken
Beth Moore’s decision to leave the Southern Baptist Convention mirrors the path taken by droves of women (and men) who have walked away from a system whose foundation is built upon the oppression of many, including women.
Polio’s Eradication Offers Lessons for COVID-19 Pandemic
Most polio strains were eradicated due to international coordination and cooperation. So far, the COVID-19 response has seen far less cooperation than will be necessary to bring this novel virus under control. No single nation can solve this pandemic on its own.
Look Back | Will We Respond to Fear or Our Better Selves?
Prophetic voices we now claim as heroes once called us to abandon our prejudices and work toward a more just social order. Will we heed the voices calling us to our better selves? Or will we continue to mask our prejudices with legalities?
Voter Suppression Laws Spit on the Grave of John Lewis
John Lewis spent his life advocating for voting rights for all. Currently, legislatures across the country are working against his legacy by seeking to pass laws that will make it harder to vote. People of faith should oppose such efforts.
Fears of the Faithful Hinder Care, Bring Harm
The failure of Christians to own their fear results in actions and ideas that harm LGBTQIA+ persons. Such fear leads down the road of hate and scapegoating if left unchecked.
Think Your Taxes Are Too High?
Another U.S. tax season is upon us. While it can be stressful, particularly for those who might owe money to the state or federal government, the experience of one Roman soldier might make you feel a little better.
Plagues, Vaccinations and the Future
Like the Israelites trudging through the desert, the pandemic has left us with “shortened souls.” The vaccine program is providing hope, and we will have an opportunity to make a fresh start in relating to God, one another and creation.
Ecumenism Vital for the Future of Theological Education
Theological education is in a state of flux, requiring innovation to find viable paths into the future. Here is how one Baptist / Church of Christ collaboration is modeling a way forward.
Sneaking Favored Souls into the Christian Clubhouse
U.S. evangelical leaders have changed the boundary lines for select individuals whose politics align with their own. They seem willing to embrace or excuse whatever ugliness is needed to protect the cultural dominance of white Americans.