Recent Articles
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?
Rejecting Violence, Encouraging Reasoned Discourse on Abortion
The FBI has requested public assistance in investigating a series of attacks against pro-life centers. Such tactics mirror the radical wing of the Right to Life movement. The U.S. must decry violence, encourage reasoned discourse on abortion.
June 23, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Faith Leaders Urge Transformation on Anniversary of Emanuel AME Shooting; The GOP Weapondizes Christianity; Supreme Court Says Maine Cannot Bar Religious Schools from State Tuition Program; Rare Ancient Mosque Discovered in Negev Desert by Israeli Archaeologists (and more)
Silence That Says Too Much
Injuries suffered by 62 Palestinians due to the actions of participants in “Jerusalem Day” 2022 received scant news coverage. Have you heard any American politicians speaking out against such pointed provocations, or any American Jewish leaders?
Annual Report Highlights Challenges, Opportunities for Baptist Women in Ministry
Baptist Women in Ministry released its 2021 Report on the State of Women in Baptist Life on June 21. It highlights both challenges and opportunities, providing suggestions for congregations to better support women in ministry.
SCOTUS Rules Against Maine’s Restriction of Public Education Funding to Non-Sectarian Schools
The Supreme Court of the United States issued a 6-3 decision on June 21 that the State of Maine cannot restrict its public funds to non-sectarian schools. Here is what the justices said as well as reaction from several organizations and individuals.
June 22, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: The New Juneteenth Holiday Traces its Roots to Galveston, Texas; New Platform of Texas GOP is Laced with White Christian Privilege; How Franklin Graham Pushed a Domestic Abuse Victim to Return to Her Husband; Drought in the 6th Century Paved the Way for Islam (and more)
The Jesus of Our Making
“Church people” often act in ways that reveal overt racism, loss of truthfulness and absence of compassion. Rather than the “biblical worldview” these folks claim to follow, we need a Jesus worldview.
Wisdom Wherever You Find It: Is This Heaven?
Classic films like “Field of Dreams” raise questions about love, faith, history and redemption. Watching the opening of a professional baseball game played in 2021 on the previous film set brought tears to my eyes. Is this heaven?