Opinion
When Melancholy Overpowers Suffering Souls
Suicide is often viewed by others as a moral failure, but it’s really, in most cases, the result of an overwhelming melancholy, which many of us do not understand and is lumped into an indiscriminate bundle labeled ‘depression.’
Jannie Lister Is Friend to All
The friendly voice of Jannie Lister usually greeted those calling the Nurturing Faith office. She is a dear friend to those of us who work with her. As she wraps up her work this month, we want to wish her well in the days ahead.
Losers, Thugs and Nasty – Why Words Matter
A bombshell article claimed President Trump allegedly referred to soldiers killed in action as ‘suckers’ and ‘losers.’ As he continues to spew deeply offensive rhetoric, the president once again hasn’t learned that words matter.
The Most Important Ritual in American Society
All major religions have rituals that help bring their faith to life. The Star-Spangled Banner is an important ritual before sporting events. And one ritual is vital to the lifeblood of our country. Will you participate in it?
Leadership Styles: Jesus vs. The Wolves
When Jesus talked about leadership, he spoke of those who served others. We still elevate leaders more wrapped up in self-promotion than in service. If we elevate wolves to lead us, don’t be surprised when we wind up as prey.
Two Cents. One Cent. Little Sense.
Many retailers are asking to be paid with exact change because of a shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With pennies and nickels costing more to make than their value, is it time to stop making them? Or do we fear change?
When Western Countries Hoard Vaccines
The US and other Western nations have been buying up and hoarding vaccines and antivirals to fight the coronavirus. However, when affluent nations pursue a stockpiling strategy for their own people, poor nations pay the price.
Is Trumpism a Cult? Let’s See.
Strong allegiance to a religious or political leader isn’t enough to make one a cultist. While not all Trump supporters are cult members, it is fair to ask if some of his loyalists have taken Trumpism to the point of cultism.
This One Word Best Describes 2020
How have we responded to COVID-19 in the US? We hoarded groceries and toilet paper. We refused to stay home or wear masks. We stormed statehouses with guns. Is this anger and selfishness the example God expects of Christians?
Sunday School Values Comin’ Down
Many of us were taught in childhood Sunday School classes to be kind to each other. For conservative Christians, those values go out the window when you feel threatened by shifting demographics and the loss of cultural dominance.
Parties’ Conventions Reveal Two Stark Christianities
While the theme of religion was woven into both party platforms, the similarities began and ended at the cliché of ‘God Bless America.’ The contrasting religious rhetoric at both conventions should raise questions for Christians.
Fundamentalists Have a Problem with Jesus
Fundamentalists have a problem with Jesus, trading Jesus of Nazareth with a Jesus of American nationalism, substituting Calvary’s cross with the American flag. They have remade him in their own political image.
Tempted to Believe the Worst? We Know Better
2020 has been tough. It is easy to start believing the worst watching the chaos. The months ahead will likely continue to be stressful and challenging. When tempted to believe the worst, remember ‘we know better than that.’
More Than Half Oppose Universal Basic Income
Majority of U.S. adults oppose universal basic income, a report says. When asked if they would favor or oppose a $1,000 per month government payment to all citizens, 54% of respondents opposed this, while 45% favored it.
More Than One Vaccine Needed
Sometimes, we have to feel bad in order to feel better. We must feel discomfort to work toward comfort. We must know pain to get to a better place. As we wait for a COVID-19 vaccine, our society also needs a ‘vaccine’ for racism.
The Labor Day Paradox: A Day of Not-Work
Working 14-hour days and 80-hour weeks in a hospital’s infection prevention department, COVID-19 turned me into a workaholic. This Labor Day, I’ll embrace the paradox of celebrating work with a day of not-work.
Why VP’s Speech Was Not Christian Nationalism
While many decried VP Mike Pence’s speech, which replaced ‘Jesus’ for ‘Old Glory,’ during the Republican National Convention, it was not an example of Christian nationalism. It was an example of idolatry. Here’s why.
Kudzu, Kinfolks and Me: A Family Tree Search
Many, perhaps even most folks, who grew up white in the South, can uncover ‘ways in which white supremacy, like kudzu, has crept its way forward through the family tree.’ Here’s what I found digging into my family tree’s roots.
Have Churches Pursued Justice for Laborers?
While capitalism has created enormous wealth, society has only partially committed to achieving distributive justice. With income inequality at its highest in 50 years, how have churches responded to robust capitalism?
Fearing COVID-19, Patients Avoid Hospitals
Our hospitals are cleaner and safer than ever, yet many vulnerable patients aren’t seeking treatment for congestive heart failure, heart attack or stroke because they fear catching COVID-19. If you’re sick, please go see your doctor.
No More Playing Around with Police Brutality
With athletes sending a clear message against police brutality, we watched one Black man get shot in the back by police while a white man shot and killed two people, walking passed police to drive home. Let’s end the hypocrisy.
Don’t Let Anxiety Fatigue Claim the Victory
Months of facing a global pandemic has left many of us experiencing anxiety fatigue. As we approach Labor Day 2020, may we rise above the chronic anxiety we all feel to create lasting changes that shape the future.
GOP Wraps Convention: Dark Day in US Politics
With Franklin Graham commencing it with a prayer, the fourth night of the GOP convention was filled with speeches, fireworks and music. That night, however, will go down as one of the many dark days in American politics.
Controversy Follows Pompeo’s RNC Speech
Another controversy embroiled night two of the Republican National Convention on Aug. 25 with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s brief appearance, breaking a longstanding tradition of diplomats not making partisan speeches.
After Tragedy, How to Move Forward in Life
Mental health issues are a matter of life and death. Our apocalyptic pandemic has been an accelerant on mental health issues. A new book details the grief faced by a congregation and a pastor when tragedy hit home.
While News May Be Bleak, Don’t Despair
The news is bleak. Near record-breaking unemployment levels. An ever-widening wealth gap. Black households making far less than white households do. And on it goes. Despite this news, we must rejoice in the God of our salvation.
How You Can Create Light in Dark Days
Butterflies. Hummingbirds. Cardinals. These new visitors to my backyard provide joy and peace to my mornings in these dark days. As the skies grow darker, what are people of good faith to do? Fight darkness by finding your light.
RNC Rhetoric Presents Trump as Savior
With a mixture of fear and Christian rhetoric, the Republican National Convention is depicting President Trump as the savior of the US and Western civilization. Expect to see more of this messaging as the election nears.
How Do Lord of the Rings, Revelation Differ?
J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, shows characters facing difficult times longing for their normal home life. It’s a comforting tale for us as we struggle with a pandemic and a longing to go back to normal.
Are We Erasing History – or Cementing It?
Critics claim removing Confederate statues is erasing history, but perhaps we’re cementing a clearer understanding of the original purpose of these statues and condemning it. Their removal is long overdue.