Recent Articles
Nearly One in Five Say Lack of DEI a Common Problem in Houses of Worship
Nearly one in five adults in both the United States and Canada say that a lack of diversity, equity and inclusion is a “common problem” in houses of faith, according to a new report.
July 6, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Christian Nationalists are Excited About What Comes Next; He’s on a Mission from an Authoritarian God: Pennsylvania GOP Candidate Doug Mastriano’s War With the World (and more)
A Heart for the World
In the wake of the U.S. celebrating its independence, Christians must remember that we are called to proclaim an inclusive message to the entire world. Our highest loyalty is first and foremost to Jesus Christ.
SCOTUS Ruling Could Allow Insurers to Offload Patients
In addition to worrying about the inflation of everything from groceries to health care expenses, a recent Supreme Court ruling offers a new area of concern — the possibility of private insurers pushing customers off their plans and onto Medicare.
U.S. Catholics Not Significantly Influenced by Church Leaders on Social, Political Issues
The political views and position on social issues for most U.S. Catholics are not significantly influenced by church leadership or official doctrine, a report found.
July 5, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Roe is Over. Prison Sentences Are on the Way.; Myths About Abortion and Women’s Mental Health are Widespread, Experts Say; In the Dobbs Supreme Court Abortion Decision, These Untruths are Self-Evident (and more)
One Nation … Under God?
The U.S. Pledge of Allegiance has included a controversial clause, “under God,” since 1954. Much debated and litigated, do the lectionary texts for July 3, 2022, offer insight into what that phrase might mean for people of faith?
Faith Groups React to SCOTUS Ruling on ‘Remain in Mexico’ Policy
The Migrant Protection Protocols can be terminated, according to a June 30 ruling from the Supreme Court of the U.S. in ‘Biden v. Texas.’ Several faith leaders and organizations offered statements following the decision.
Women, Inequality and Feminism
Some people, particular in Western democracies, believe that women now enjoy full equality with men. Is that true? Others see feminism as a pejorative, politically-charge term. What’s to be said about this?
Many U.S. Protestant Churches to Include Patriotic Elements in Worship July 4 Weekend
Many Protestant pastors in the U.S. will incorporate patriotic elements in their church’s worship services during the July 4 weekend, according to a LifeWay research Report published June 28.
We Can’t Let People With Evil Intentions ‘Take the Wheel’
The House of Representatives select committee charged with investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection heard a startling testimony this week. One act of defiance detailed in the hearing reveals the nature of radical right-wing theology and politics.
We Must Stop Stigmatizing Diseases
MPX, or monkeypox, is an orthopoxvirus similar to smallpox that has historically been seen in Africa. A recent outbreak in other countries has led to a public health challenge of communicating risk without stigmatization.
Is an Assumption of ‘Good Intentions’ Still Valid?
I am in search of a narrative following the reversal of ‘Roe v. Wade’ and the subsequent diminishment of the rights of body and life autonomy for women. How much “assumption of good intentions” approach can I maintain?
Why Amnesia Is No Virtue and Nostalgia Is No Use
Bodily autonomy’s centrality to the existence of liberty is genetically encoded in my very being. Last week, I joined millions in grieving the loss of that autonomy by half of my congregation and half of my nation.
Recapturing the Lost Art of Civil Discourse
While everyone is mourning the death of civil discourse, a group of college students is recapturing this lost art. Discarding the maxim, “Don’t talk about religion or politics,” they’re engaging both topics in a safe, respect-filled space.
Strong U.S. Majority Says Abortion Should Be Legal
A strong majority of U.S. adults say abortion should be legal in all / some circumstances, according to a recent public opinion survey. Of this group, most feel abortion should be legal in certain circumstances.
Common Courtesy Not So Common
Common courtesy is no longer common. Kindness doesn’t preclude calling out destructive forces and countering falsehoods, and courtesy isn’t an admonition that expires as we grow older.
Faith Responses to SCOTUS ‘Kennedy’ Decision
The Supreme Court of the U.S. ruled on June 27 that a football coach at a public school can pray at midfield following a football game. Faith leaders offered their reaction and response on Twitter and in formal statements.
To the Single Mom Who Struggles
I felt seen when a seminary professor voiced a prayer with a petition for “the single mom who struggles.” Having extricated myself from an abusive marriage, here are a few ways congregations can help those facing similar circumstances.
What Words Are There to Say?
The fundamental rights of over half our country have just been erased. Our neighbors will suffer, and people of faith should speak up. But I confess I’m tired. What words are there to say?
Seeing Red After Pentecost
It is the season after Pentecost, but the North American church should not stop seeing red. Not “fighting mad” but a righteous anger in response to injustice is warranted.
Faith Leaders, Organizations Respond to SCOTUS ‘Dobbs’ Ruling
Many faith leaders in the U.S. issued tweets and formal statements following the Supreme Court declaring that there is not a constitutional right to abortion in its June 24 ruling.
Was the Southern Baptist Convention Ever ‘Pro-Choice’?
While some might equate the anti-abortion positions of the Southern Baptist Convention equally with the Catholic Church, a review of SBC history tells a very different story of Southern Baptist views on abortion.
June 27, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Around the Nation in the Wake of the Reversal of Roe v Wade, Demonstrators Show Support for Abortion Rights; We’re Not Going Back to the Time Before Roe. We’re Going Somewhere Worse.; New Abortion Laws Say It’s Clear When Life Begins. Biology Can’t Agree. (and more)
Two SCOTUS Rulings Show Radical Court Shift
Trying to keep up with the Supreme Court decisions rolling out at the end of the current term is like trying to stay upright as the ground beneath me shifts. Two recent decisions and one looming have me seeing the radical shift (think earthquake) in the court.
What SCOTUS’ New York State Rifle and Pistol Association Ruling Means
One of New York State’s handgun permitting requirements was overturned by the Supreme Court of the United States on June 23. What does this mean for gun regulations in the U.S. and the nation’s gun violence epidemic?
Strong U.S. Majority Affirms ‘Establishment Clause,’ Divided on Its Application
Most U.S. adults affirm the First Amendment’s Establishment Clause, according to a YouGov report published in mid-June. However, the nation is divided on when, and how, it should be applied.
June 24, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: The Supreme Court Allows the Carrying of Firearms in Public in Major Victory for Gun Rights Groups; The Myth of the ‘Good Guy with a Gun’ Has Religious Roots; Justice Sonia Sotomayer Continues Her Warnings of a Dramatic Conservative Turn at the Supreme Court; Separation of Church and State is Crumbling Before Our Eyes (and more)
Why I Celebrate Pride Month
Many people questioning conservative theology that condemns LGBTQ+ people and their relationships want to know how I drew my conclusion to support LGBTQ+ people. Here are four reasons.
Achieving an ‘Educated Citizenry’ and Avoiding ‘Mass-Mindedness’
Thomas Jefferson spoke about the necessity of an “educated citizenry” for a functioning democracy, while Carl Jung warned of the dangers of “mass-mindedness.” How can we achieve both ends?