Opinion
COVID-19 Raises “I Am” Questions for Everyone
The ancient imperative, “know thyself,” remains wise counsel today. COVID-19 has brought a whole new way of being, requiring that we re-consider our “I am” identity markers.
Ahmaud Arbery: Another Black Man Killed for Doing Nothing
Close your eyes and picture a young man on a neighborhood jog. He’s confronted by armed men in a pickup truck and killed. Now, imagine he is white.
Ministers Face Dilemma with Mother’s Day Observation
Mother’s Day causes mixed emotions in congregations. When honoring parents, churches must avoid stigmatizing those who don’t have children, traumatizing those who have lost children, or reifying inherited gender roles.
Grit, Grace and Determination Defined Molly T. Marshall’s Career
Molly T. Marshall has impacted students, congregations, pastors and church networks in various ways throughout her career. She has modeled the kind of grit and grace that no sane person would want to be called on to exhibit.
Reopening? The Church was Never Closed
Churches don’t need to re-open like some U.S. states are beginning to do. Ministry never stopped, even as faith communities have ceased in-person gatherings to promote the common good.
Pandemic Grief | Mother’s Day When the World is Crumbling
A season often filled with celebration will feel different this year during a global pandemic. Churches have a responsibility that extends beyond efforts to merely avoid perpetuating the grief felt by so many.
Why to Consider What This Time is Doing to You
We’re so busy figuring out what to do with this time of physical distancing that we’re missing an important opportunity for reflection. We should be asking, “What is this time doing to us?”
GUEST BLOG: The trouble with tribalism
[Note: Glad to welcome my friend, Dr. Kevin Heifner, to bring his voice to this blog spot. JDP] By Kevin Heifner, M.D. As my father — a Baptist preacher turned religious educator turned anthropology professor — likes to point out, people historically have viewed their...
How a Seminary Professor Became “My Doktormutter”
A relationship that began in a Southern Seminary classroom in 1988 evolved from professor to “doktormutter” to colleague and friend. My hope as a teacher is to nurture in students the same passion for theology that Molly T. Marshall helped foster.
Prescription Drug Prices Raise Concerns about COVID-19 Treatment
Pharmaceutical companies have rapidly increased drug costs in the past, raising concerns about the affordability of a potential COVID-19 vaccine. Government investment in medical research can help control pricing, but the U.S. rarely requires such commitments in exchange for funding.
People of Faith Bring Three-fold Response to Four-fold Crisis
The world is facing a crisis in four areas: health care, economics, politics and morality. People of faith can help bring about relief, recovery and reconstruction by faithing, hoping and loving.
“Sleight of Mind” Tactic Distracts from Real Issues
Like a magician’s use of distraction to pull off a “magic” trick, sleight of mind shifts the public’s focus from the real issues and concerns. The former is amusing; the latter can have dire consequences.
‘Priestly’ Role of Humanity Seen in COVID-19 Encounters
Interactions and encounters during the global pandemic have revealed an often-forgotten truth: we’re to be priests to one another. Gestures of love, compassion and kindness are all around us if we pay attention.
COVID-19 Pandemic Highlights Persistent Injustices
The global pandemic is an apocalypse – in the sense of an unveiling of persistent injustices around the world. Being forced to see that which is often ignored should elicit a response from people of conscience.
Good Faith is coming!
By John D. Pierce Since announcing the formation of Good Faith Media we have been buoyed by the widespread interest and affirmation. This new venture brings together the varied media and experiential resources of Nurturing Faith and EthicsDaily. However, the sum of...
3 Ways Clergy Can Help Health Care Workers Process Moral Distress
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the ever-present moral distress faced by health care workers ‘into overdrive.’ The local church must mobilize to provide both immediate and long-term support to those on the front lines.
Don’t Forget You’re Not Alone Despite Physical Distancing
COVID-19 has challenged the world not only economically, but also emotionally. As our fears are heightened and loneliness is widespread, it is important to remember that we’re not alone.
Nurturing Faith extends free Bible study resources through June
By John D. Pierce Thoughtful and applicable Bible study — for individuals or in tech-connected groups — fills an important role during this time of isolation and uncertainty. Therefore, the Nurturing Faith Bible Studies by Tony Cartledge are available to everyone by...
How Not to Waste an Apocalypse
An apocalypse is an unveiling, shining light on what is wrong and providing an opportunity to make the necessary changes to pursue justice for all. How can you avoid wasting these moments?
Look Back | Millennials – A Voice to Call the Church to Faithfulness
Rachel Held Evans (1981-2019) offered a prophetic voice to U.S. Christians. She clearly articulated what many have felt about church and called Christians to more faithfully follow the life and teachings of Jesus.
New Book Explores ‘What it Means to be Black and Christian in America’
A new book explores ‘what it means to be Black and Christian in America.’ Author Terrell Carter highlights instances of racial injustice and considers reactions by white Christians that reveal ‘unwritten American societal expectations for black people.’
Immigrants Face High Living Costs, Lack of Safety Net During Pandemic
Many immigrant families are facing job loss, coupled with high costs of living and no safety nets available to them. One family’s experience illustrates the challenges faced by many.
POSITIVE NOTES: Music helps us get through hard times
By John D. Pierce Lee Bains III had planned to be touring with his band, The Glory Fires — that “draws deeply from punk, but also soul, power pop, country, and gospel.” Yet, like just about everyone else, Lee became homebound this spring. And, like many other...
Heart Unity: Gandhi’s Insights for Building Strong Interfaith Relations
Gandhi’s concept of ‘heart unity’ offers insight on constructive interfaith engagement. His inclusive approach is a model for developing personal character and social harmony.
The Ethics of Human Challenge Trials in COVID-19 Era – Part 2
The ‘Doctrine of Double Effect,’ developed by Thomas Aquinas, offers a time-tested method for assessing human challenge trials being proposed to streamline COVID-19 vaccine development.
Baptists Help Liberian Boy Receive Life-Changing Surgery
A 10-year-old boy from Liberia received life-changing surgery in the U.S. thanks to connections formed through a charitable foundation established to build houses, churches and schools.
Interreligious Relations Must Become Imperative, Not a Sidebar
Christians, as well as all others, must recognize they have something new to learn about God and the meaning and role of religion from traditions other than their own. Interreligious encounter must become an imperative.
The Ethics of Human Challenge Trials in COVID-19 Era – Part 1
Human challenge trials are regularly conducted all over the world. While these trials could aid in rapidly getting a COVID-19 vaccine to market, we have an ethical duty to protect vulnerable populations and mediate the risk.
Interfaith Efforts Can Help Break Down ‘Religious Distancing’
While social distancing is helping us respond to the COVID-19 crisis, ‘religious distancing’ causes individuals and communities of faith to respond to fear and anxiety toward the ‘religious other’ by isolating themselves from them.
U:21 | What This Pandemic Can Teach You About Prison Reform
The U.S. criminal justice system is corrupted in more ways than we can count. Prisons and jails are unnecessarily populated. Prisoners held for longer than their sentences. And it all creates a breeding ground for COVID-19.