Opinion
An Elegy for Myanmar
Myanmar’s military carried out a coup early Monday morning, placing State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi under house-arrest. People of goodwill should call for justice in Myanmar and provide a lifeline of encouragement to those from Myanmar presently residing elsewhere.
Fixing Things
From appliances to face masks, fixing things is much easier than changing people. If we want to see change, we have to make good decisions, love others and fix what is within our reach.
When I Saw Hank, I Saw a Black Man
“Hammerin’ Hank” Aaron (1934-2021) overcame barriers and racist systems to become one of the greatest baseball players of all time, breaking Babe Ruth’s homerun record in 1974. His life and legacy should inspire us all.
Pilate’s Question Continues to Challenge Today
‘Fake news’ claims, popularized under the Trump administration, have made Pilate’s question, ‘what is truth?’ an important query for the nation. We must seek and defend truth, but not as a settled, finished possession.
Seven Appeals to U.S. Evangelicals
To evangelicals in the U.S. who supported Donald Trump, let me appeal that you bring an end to the culture war, lay aside your other loyalties and return to your first love: the way of Jesus, the kingdom of God.
Cooking Fatigue: American-Style Pandemic Blues
A magazine article exposed economic inequality and unrecognized privilege. While many cannot find sufficient daily food, apparently some Americans are suffering from ‘cooking fatigue.’
Look Back | When the ’60s Were Bad
Perspectives change as people age. Many who once lamented societal changes in the 60s, now look back fondly on this era. The changing present and unknown future often alarm these folks.
How COVID-19 Reshaped My Faith
I have a personal confession. The world has undergone significant changes, and so have I, since the first COVID-19 cases were reported in the US a year ago. So I’ll enter the confessional and explain how COVID-19 reshaped my faith.
Your Recipe for Gladness – Even When You Don’t Feel Like It
Political division. COVID-19. The economy. There’s not much to make you glad when you turn on the news. Yet during these long days of restriction and loss, you must look for reasons to be glad – even if you don’t feel like it.
In Praise of the Pig
A research article posted in a recent issue of Science Advances reports that the oldest known example of representational art has been identified on the wall of a cave in Sulawesi, Indonesia – and it’s the portrait of a pig.
The Growing Moral Context of the Impeachment Trial
The impeachment process is no longer only a trial on an article of impeachment of a former president, based on certain deeds and consequences. It is now an impending referendum on our national character as a constitutional republic.
Ignorance is Detriment to Faithfulness
Teaching the relationship between Christian faithfulness and the embrace of understanding, wisdom, knowledge and discernment is a needed priority in our homes, churches and other organizations charged with spiritual formation.
Films Unite Students Around Common Values
At each semester’s end, my high school students view one of two Denzel Washington films, ‘Glory’ and ‘Remember the Titans.’ It inspires me to see students of different political persuasions and ethnicities unite against injustice.
Poem Invites Us to Repair Unjust Past
Amanda Gorman’s poem, ‘The Hill We Climb,’ is both heartbreaking and hopeful, courageously inviting her listeners to step into the harm that has dominated the history of this country so that we can build a future together.
6 Steps to Help Pastors Caught Up in Right-Wing Lies
How can we help pastors and churches who have been drawn toward the destructive influence of Trumpism, Christian nationalism, conspiracy theories and the diminished value of truth? These 6 suggestions may help.
Look Back | Gospel’s Minor Characters Play Major Roles
The Gospels include stories of characters who appear so briefly, some aren’t even named. Yet, these minor characters serve as major models who often express the ideals of what it means to follow Jesus. One of them is an unnamed widow.
The Triumph of Democracy: The Tale of Two Weeks
Amanda Gorman, National Youth Poet Laureate, challenged all of us to ‘be’ the light our nation needs. Let each of us ‘be’ the light, shining it brightly for the common good of all people, especially those at the margins of society.
Secular, Sacred Aren’t Polar Opposites
Left unchecked, religions tend to coopt the sacred and ignore real-world problems. Secularism critiques religion in light of the categories of the secular, including science and philosophy. The secular and sacred aren’t opposites.
Why Can’t Some Christians Handle the Truth?
Many Christians share and believe conspiracy theories, label legitimate news sources as fake and deny scientific facts about climate change. Why do they maintain these views? A desire for power and control.
We Don’t Do Kings
As Donald Trump basks in a self-designed and elaborate military send-off from Washington and Joe Biden takes the solemn oath of office as our 46th president, it’s a reminder that in America, we don’t do kings.
Avoiding Breaches in Wall of Church-State Separation
Raphael Warnock will serve in the US Senate while continuing as senior pastor of his Georgia church. Is this a breach in the wall of the separation of church and state? On the surface, it might seem so. But let’s look closer.
Time for Church to Serve as State’s Conscience
As Donald Trump’s presidency ends and Joe Biden’s begins, it has never been more important for the faith community to accept its calling to be what Martin Luther King Jr. called the conscience of the state, to speak truth to power.
What Does It Mean to Be a Christian Citizen?
Over the last 40 years, US Christians have been engulfed with Christian nationalism, which has overrun many evangelical churches, especially the last five years. It is time to revisit what it means to be a Christian citizen.
Deciphering the Evangelical Lexicon
The redefinition of Americanized Christianity from a primary call to follow Jesus to a fear-based ideology has solidified during the divisive political activities of recent years. To accomplish this, words had to change meanings.
Emerging Voices | The Emerging Church Has Bright Future
The church is changing. The emerging church places emphasis on inclusivity, social activism and care of the earth while embracing science as one way in which God reveals God’s self. But not everyone is excited about the change.
King: Churches Preserve, Don’t Oppose Status Quo
While many believe the church is the hope of the world, Martin Luther King Jr. had his doubts. He was right. The US church must give an account for how it has contributed to past and current culture conflicts felt by our nation.
Religious Freedom for All Attacked – Then and Now
Our Founding Fathers sought to protect religious freedom for all from tyrants. Those tyrants are still present today, seeking to impose their beliefs on others. We must defend religious freedom at all costs.
Emerging Voices | Physical Fitness Crucial for Churches
Over 40% of US adults and nearly 20% of children are obese. Ministers need to ensure they do not neglect addressing physical health as they administer pastoral care. Here are 5 ways your church can be more physically fit.
Look Back | King: Religious Freedom Champion
Martin Luther King Jr. was well aware of the Baptist distinctive to ensure the right of all to worship (or abstain from worship) freely, along with the conviction that separation of church and state was essential to such freedom.
Speak Up and Step Out: Surviving White Christian Nationalism
White Christian nationalists would rather burn the country to the ground than see equality for others achieved. We must confront their misguided ways with love, peace and justice to create a more perfect union for everyone.