Opinion
The Public Can Handle Ethical Thinking
Three-fourths of Americans have had a dim view of the nation’s moral climate for nearly 20 years. More than two-thirds currently believe things are getting worse. These statistics should cause alarm in the faith and moral community.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis: A Leader Who Served
For U.S. Rep. John Lewis, following Jesus was about making an impact in the world based on Jesus’ teachings. The world could be a much better place if more of us followed Lewis’ example as he chose to follow the example of Jesus.
When God Forges Our Faith on Life’s Anvil
God uses our experiences to forge our faith on the anvil of our lives. From the coronavirus pandemic to our renewed awareness of racism in the US, it can be a moment of profound opportunity for people of faith.
Good Trouble Means Getting in the Way
There was no greater giant for civil rights and racial justice than the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis. He was often beaten and jailed for his beliefs. Lewis never hesitated to move beyond his words to get in the way of injustice.
Recalling John Lewis: ‘We Have Come Too Far’
John Lewis, civil-rights icon and US congressman from Georgia, always will be remembered among the ranks of America’s greatest leaders for enduring brutality while peacefully helping move America toward freedom and justice for all.
July 28: Final Virtual Good Faith Forum on Racial Justice
Good Faith Media will host its final racial justice forum on July 28. Terrell Carter will moderate the forum, focusing on policing reform. Panelists Danielle L. Bridgeforth, Saint Rice and Bruce Prescott will join him.
We’ll Get Through COVID-19 – Just Not Yet
COVID-19 is no respecter of persons. It imperils some more than others, but the many layers of its far-reaching impact leave no one untouched. It will go down fighting, but it will go down. We will get through it. Just not yet.
Lewis Inspired Others to Seek ‘Equal Justice’
Even as the nation attempts to go backward, the words of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who died July 17, propel the next generation forward. The civil-rights legend was not deterred and wasn’t ‘gonna let nobody turn (him) ’round.’
U.S. Rep. John Lewis Was ‘Sold on Social Gospel’
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, civil-rights icon who died July 17, kept the faith. He was akin to a beloved Baptist pastor whose congregation was Atlanta’s 5th District. He loved everyone. Will we follow his footsteps and keep the faith?
Congressman John Lewis: Getting Into ‘Good Trouble’
U.S. Congressman John Lewis spent his whole adult life working and fighting to deliver the US from its addiction to injustice, hate, greed and hypocrisy. He encouraged all of us to join him into getting into ‘good trouble.’
It’s Time to Make Black Lives Matter
The sign in my yard says it all: Black lives matter. Some argue all lives matter, but if life matter, Black lives matter too. For too long, Black lives have not mattered for many of us. And I have been complicit in this accusation.
A Memorable Lunch with John Lewis Recalled
I was showing international students around Atlanta during Christmas break in 1986. Congressman-elect John Lewis agreed to meet us at Paschal’s Restaurant, where he shared his civil-rights experiences over the diner’s soul food.
Are S-Word, F-Word Proper This Election?
The S-word has already been bandied about this election season but we ought to be more alarmed about the F-word. While the GOP unfairly labels Joe Biden as a socialist, we should pay more attention to a president who admires fascism.
Open Letter: SEC Should Postpone, Cancel College Football
The leadership of the Southeastern Conference can speak boldly with one voice by canceling or postponing the start of the college football season until spring, putting the lives of athletes, coaches and fans ahead of profit.
3 Difficult Steps to Restore Broken Racial Reconciliation
Reconciliation is hard work. Fixing what has been broken for over 400 years between Blacks and whites in the US cannot be taken lightly. Reconciliation is costly, controversial and often painful but it’s also transformational.
Baylor, White Churches Must Bare Racist Pasts Before Reparations
Churches should be willing to make reparations, but first, they must study their racist history to document their debt. Many white institutions and churches worked hard to not just whitewash their slavery legacy but even forget it.
Are We Treating Our Kids Like Canaries in Coal Mines?
As politicians, including President Donald Trump, push for schools to reopen in the fall, regardless of the rising number of COVID-19 cases, it begs the question: Are we treating our children like canaries in the coal mines?
Will You Extend Grace to Disillusioned, Exploited Citizens?
As we approach this year’s election, many people will deal with the disappointment of having been taken in by charismatic leaders and causes, only to find their loyalty exploited. Will we be willing to extend grace to those folks?
Hook, Line and Sinker
The ancients were much smarter than we think. Two articles remind us how human ingenuity developed over time, including one that said humans in northern Israel mastered the art of making string at least 120,000 years ago.
Playing Fast, Loose with Truth in Deadly Coronavirus Days
Playing fast and loose with the definition of truth may have been frustrating before, but in these coronavirus days, mislabeling truth has deadly consequences. One must wonder why Christians seem sometimes to be immune to truth.
When You Overgeneralize Generations, You Miss Major Nuances
Paying attention to generational tendencies is good. However, it is wise not to overgeneralize various generations. Not all older adults are wise, for example; just look at the fear-based nonsense many of them share on Facebook.
Building Off-Ramps to Avoid Divisive Internet Rants – Part 2
History feels frightening right now to many white people. They’re afraid of what they’re just beginning to know. Our job is to take some risks, redirect our own internet ranting and build off-ramps for those willing to take them.
Building Off-Ramps to Avoid Divisive Internet Rants – Part 1
On social media right now, people of conscience must choose what to ignore, what ethically demands response and what can be constructively engaged. Can we transform pitched battles into off-ramps of constructive engagement?
Baylor Doesn’t Need Commission to Know its Racist History
Acknowledging its link to slavery and the Confederacy, Baylor University’s board of regents announced it will form a Commission on Historic Campus Representations, but Baylor doesn’t need a commission to know its racist history.
How Seminaries Could Heal Racism Except for This Roadblock
Seminaries could make positive changes to the racial divide in the church, which could spill over into society. But, as many non-U.S. seminary students learned, the white-led, conservative leadership makes that difficult.
If They Kneel on Necks in Daylight, What’s Going on Elsewhere?
While peacefully protesting corrupt law enforcement is crucial, it’s only part of the racist virus permeating our society. If individuals will display racism in the light, it’s not hard to deduce what is going on in the dark.
5 Reasons We’re Not Your Mascots
Sports mascots and their antics do not honor Native peoples; here are 5 reasons they perpetuate demeaning and dehumanizing stereotypes. We can all enjoy our sporting events, but not at the expense of dehumanizing mascots.
Good Faith Media to Host Series of Forums on Racial Justice
Racial justice will be the focus of a series of Good Faith Forums on the next three Tuesdays in July. Each event will take place at 1 p.m. CDT / 2 p.m. EDT and will be livestreamed to Good Faith Media’s Facebook page.
We Can No Longer Stand on Sidelines of White Privilege
Those of us who are white must recognize our white privilege and do what we can to stand in solidarity with our family, friends, neighbors and co-workers who experience racism. We can no longer stand on the sidelines.
Could it Be the Last Days?
With the coronavirus pandemic raging, could we be in the last days? Some may wonder but I rarely think about the last days before Jesus comes. He said no one would know when, and that’s good enough for me.