Opinion
Why Americans Often Mistrust Vaccines
Over half of US adults say they are likely to get a COVID-19 vaccine, a more than 20-point drop from the same survey done in May. Americans have an often-irrational mistrust of vaccines, but rumors and fear cannot guide our decisions.
Why Does ‘Pro-Life’ Work So Well Politically?
Abortion has become a singularly defining issue in recent decades, spawning legions of single-issue voters. But why? A closer look reveals two distinguishing marks of many single-issue voters who label themselves ‘pro-life.’
Resolving Conflicts Through Nonviolent Means
Just War Theory sets high standards for a legitimate entrance into war. Since those criteria are almost never met, it’s time to accept that conflicts must be resolved through nonviolent means. We must consider Just Peace instead.
Do Christians have a Stake in Democracy? – Part 2
As Christians, our ultimate loyalty is not to any single government, but that does not mean we should not seek the welfare of the nation in which we find ourselves. To do that, we must exercise Christian practical wisdom. Here’s how.
Until Black Women’s Lives Matter
It’s a few hours after the announcement about Breonna Taylor in Louisville. No officer was indicted for the six bullets that went through Breonna Taylor’s body. When will Black women’s lives really matter?
Do Christians have a Stake in Democracy? – Part 1
Should Christians care if democracy survives? While there’s no biblical, historical or theological case that Christians have a stake in democracy, democracy is not necessarily antithetical to Christian convictions.
Family Practices to Make Advent Sacred
Advent is a season of waiting and preparation before the birth of Jesus, a time to prepare our hearts and our homes for the arrival of the baby Jesus. Here are a few practices you can do with your family to create holy moments.
How to Put an End to Election Angst
No matter who wins, a lot of people are going to be disappointed with the Nov. 3 election results. We believe voting on issues resolves tension. It does not. We can only resolve these issues by seeing one another as connected.
David and Colleen Burroughs Honored with Judson-Rice Award
David and Colleen Burroughs, who founded Passport Camps in 1993, providing mission opportunities for thousands of children and teenagers, are the recipients of this year’s Judson-Rice Award.
Between Two Crosses: To Which Do You Bow?
Americans stand between two crosses. If they bow to one, they must by necessity turn their back on the other. One cross stands for redemption and calls us to submission. The other stands for conquest. To which one do you bow?
Can Christianity Be Saved?
While many people are leaving behind evangelicalism, others are leaving Christianity altogether. Is Christianity killing itself in an attempt to ‘save’ the world? For Christianity to survive, the church must succumb again to death.
Immigrant Sterilizations Damage Health Care’s Integrity
News that women at an immigration detention center in Georgia were receiving hysterectomies without consent should rock us to our core. These allegations should cause all of us to question the safety of our health care system.
Civil Dissent: Can US Politics Return To It?
RBG was known for her civility yet she still wrote dissenting opinions on the Supreme Court. How can both dissenting opinions and civil behavior live within the same person? It used to happen all the time in US politics.
Snakeskins and Metaphors
Like a snake shedding its skin, we may wish we could grow younger or change into different people. More often, our growth opportunities come more gradually. Whatever the timeline, we have to give up the old to move on to the new.
Sidestepping Palestine Won’t Foster Real Peace
The Trump administration has heralded a so-called peace accord between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Palestine, which suffers the most from no peace, was urged to sign on. Here’s why the deal is bad for them.
RBG: Thank You for the Legacy, Inspiration
I never met Ruth Bader Ginsburg personally, but her life and legacy has had a major impact upon my journey. As a Black woman attorney, I may not be where I am if not for Ginsburg’s intelligence, legal acumen and courage.
Wandering Beyond Evangelical Captivity
Departures from evangelicalism continue largely over its alliance with a political agenda opposed to truth telling, compassion for those who suffer and equal justice. But where are all these ex-evangelicals going?
I Dissent: RBG’s Legacy of Defending the Powerless
Among the tributes left by Americans to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg on the steps of the high court was a votive glass cylinder with a portrait of RBG saying ‘I dissent.’ It’s the perfect tribute for the defender of the powerless.
Reaction and Response: Black, White Christians Diverge on Racial Justice
Intentionally oblivious. Cold. Unseeing. Failing the second great commandment. That’s how several faith leaders described a report showing a growing divide between Black and white Christians on whether the US has a race problem.
Managing Conflict with Friends This Election
The last presidential election left friendships divided. As the US gears up for another election, we must begin now to see how we can minimize spiritual casualties. The Bible shows us how the church managed conflict.
Find a Way or Make One: A Tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Find a way or make one. That is what Ruth Bader Ginsburg did, and it is what she would do if she were here now. We must continue her legacy, using Justice Ginsburg’s example as a map.
Nathan’s Parable: How Greed Ensnares Our Churches
Nathan confronted David with an ingenious parable after the king committed sexual assault and murder. The parable highlighted David’s greed and desire to amass even more. It’s a lesson many of our churches need to hear again.
Children’s Book Highlights People of Diverse Faiths
Daneen Akers’ book, Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints, is an illustrated children’s storybook featuring the stories of 36 people of diverse faiths who worked for more love and justice in their corner of the world.
Climate Crisis: What Can You Do?
The climate is rapidly changing, causing damage and irreparable harm. As the world faces the growing climate crisis, people of good faith are in a unique position to lead a global effort in climate care. Here’s what you can do.
Women in Church: Are They Being Heard Yet?
In some churches where women are supposedly equal and valued, they become invisible unless they fulfill certain roles or are of a particular age and stage of life. And women need to hear church leaders stand against wrongdoing too.
Conservancy, Conspiracy and the Need for Rationality
Environmental groups are worthy of support. As they jockey for donations, their message makes little headway as many people refuse to accept scientific evidence for climate change but are ready to swallow conspiracy theories.
Nevertheless, She Preached: Celebrating Female Preachers
Walking into the Nevertheless, She Preached conference is like walking into an alternate universe. Designed for the needs of women preachers, especially ethnic and sexual minorities, this year’s conference launches online Sept. 20.
We’ve Provided an Easy Route from Rite to Wrong
Throughout Christian history, no such thing as ‘the plan of salvation’ existed. The effort to distill the gospel into a step-by-step profession of faith arose in latter-day revivalism. We’ve paved an easy path from rite to wrong.
Injustice and Idolatry – Twin Sins?
Jeremiah clearly joins his predecessors in calling out Judah’s two sins of injustice and idolatry. Is it possible these are not two separate expressions of human failure to realize true community, but two sides of the same coin?
Wildfires Set Skies Aglow, Hint at Apocalypse
Even in the San Francisco Bay Area, noted for its low percentage of church attenders, many are using religious language to describe the wildfires, smoke-filled air and a surreal day-long darkness with the sky above glowing orange.