Opinion
What Was the Star of Bethlehem?
An exploration of the Star of Bethlehem in Matthew’s Gospel, examining five leading theories—from astronomy to literary symbolism—behind the biblical mystery.
Limping Toward Christmas
No matter whether we run or limp, when we arrive on Christmas morning, the story ends the same for everyone. Darkness does not win.
By the Way | Stephen Colbert, Our Most Important Theologian
Fear is one thing our country still manufactures, but you cannot laugh and be afraid at the same time.
Derek Webb’s Tallest Fire: A Year of Survival Songs
Derek Webb discusses his “tallest fire,” writing Survival Songs, and playing intimate house shows across the country.
Reclaiming the Radical Message of Christmas
Amid consumerism and busyness, Christmas calls us back to Christ’s radical message of justice, compassion, peace, and solidarity with the marginalized.
Trapped in ‘Thank You’: When Gratitude Becomes the Price of Belonging
For those of us who know the cost of belonging, the most radical act may not be to offer gratitude, but to refuse its performance.
“Go to Homewood”: How Islamophobia Derailed an Islamic School’s Move in Alabama
The renewed platforming of this prejudice may feel fresh, but the prejudice itself is not. It is a part of us.
Faith in 24 Frames: Seeing the Beauty and Brokenness in Our Collective Stories
When you learn to read films theologically, you’re developing the skills necessary to understand how your neighbors see the world.
Light a Candle in the Darkness
We are counting the days until Christmas. The gift-giving clock moves inexorably on, seemingly faster and faster.
Troy Anthony Bronner: A Maker of Upside-Down Disciples
His benediction, a call and response, began: “And these are they who came to turn the world…” Before leaving the building, we shouted, “Upside down!” It is an adaptation of Acts 17:6 that would later flip my understanding of Christian ministry on its head and become foundational to my practice of it.
When Silence Protects Predators: The Deadly Cost of Institutional Inaction
An examination of how churches and institutions protect sexual predators through silence, denial, and delayed reform—leaving victims vulnerable.
In Praise of Minor-Keyed Advent Hymns
Hope is not hope outside the context of threat. The labor of spiritual formation comes by way of entering shuddering occasions with the confidence God is not yet done.
Hope in the Face of Evil
The good news is that the scriptures promise evil will not prevail in the world. The wicked will indeed fade like the grass of the field.
Finding Jesus at the Mosque
My prayer for everyone this week is that you find hope in a most unusual place.
Lauren Daigle at the Midland: A Voice Born of Winter and Light
Lauren Daigle’s Kansas City performance revealed a voice shaped by illness, burnout, resilience, and Advent longing—offering joy, honesty, and hard-won hope.
AI, Surveillance, and Solidarity
From AI-driven disinformation to state surveillance, emerging technologies will fuel authoritarian power—unless ethics, regulation, and solidarity intervene.
Hagar, Ishmael, and the Refugee King
Advent reveals a dangerous incarnation: God as refugee. Faith calls us to bear witness amid the horrors of empire.
Take the Next Exit You See
After neo-Nazis marched near Little Rock’s Central High School, Preston Clegg warns how Nazism begins—and why silence enables its return.
Lessons of Love: A Conversation With Phil Madeira
Songwriter Phil Madeira reflects on faith, love, and the stories behind his music—from “Can’t Shake Jesus” to the moving final track on Falcon, “Lesson of Love.”
As a Chaplain, I Carry Depth Like Oxygen
I unmasked because masking was going to kill me. I chose the least violent option: honesty.
When Strength Isn’t Enough: Confronting Sexual Assault and the Systems That Silence Survivors
Michael Chancellor reflects on sexual assault, survivor trauma, and the institutions that too often protect abusers instead of believing victims.
The Enduring Magic of the Church Christmas Pageant
Wanda Kidd reflects on church Christmas pageants—crooked halos, sparkly dresses, fellowship hall treats, and why these imperfect traditions still matter.
Belief Behind the Book | Resistance, Resilience, and Radical Love: Reflections on Blackness and Teaching Peace
Angela Yarber looks at Regina Shands Stoltzfus’ Resistance, Resilience, and Radical Love in this installment of Belief Behind the Book.
Remembering the Best (and Worst) of the Baptist Tradition in an Age of Christian Nationalism
I was baptized in 1959 at Truett Memorial Baptist Church in Hayesville, North Carolina, the birthplace of George W. Truett. My father was the pastor there, and from an early age, I was aware of Truett’s legacy. A historical marker stood on Highway 64, right in front...
Choose Neighborliness Over White Christian Nationalism
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christofascism in America with the promotion of increased militarism and aggressive nationalism. A form of tyrannical government, the first lesson from Timothy Snyder’s On Tyranny— “Do not obey in advance”— is being taught on the streets of Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, Chicago, Charlotte and Raleigh. Residents are choosing neighborliness over white Christian nationalism.
In Defense of the Megachurch
A closer look at two Kentucky megachurches shows that behind the criticism, these large congregations often drive community, philanthropy, and meaningful ministry.
The Star That Stays With Me
One star leads to many. And many stars lead to hope.
Religious Persecution in Oklahoma, But Not From Where You Think
Christian persecution is a reality within the U.S., but not where you think. It’s coming from right-wing Evangelicals themselves.
Wonder as You Wander the Road to Bethlehem
Advent prompts us to slow down enough to see grace glowing at the edges of our days, sort of like candlelight in a dark sanctuary, gentle yet unignorable.
Be Golden: How KPop Demon Hunters Counters America’s Dehumanizing Narratives
Oh, how we need this beautiful movie and its catchy songs, for they help us remember and sing the true narrative about life, ourselves, and our incredible potential for beauty and virtue.