Recent Articles
‘Title 42’ Usage Violates Refugee Act, Ignores Intent of Provision
The Title 42-based policy enacted by the Trump administration will remain in place, a district court judge ruled on May 20. There are a lot of misconceptions about Title 42 regarding what it is and what it does, so here is a brief overview.
The Shooter Did Not Act Alone: America Helped Pull the Trigger
The horrific situation in Uvalde, Texas, comes after other recent mass shootings, in Buffalo, New York, and Laguna Woods, California. In each incident, the same message emerged, “The gunman acted alone.” Here is why this isn’t accurate.
Things Are Different Now
A glitch in a recent graduation ceremony in which I was involved led to reflection on adjusting as circumstances evolve. There are some, in both religious and political life, who don’t acknowledge the need for such modifications.
Dominion, Domination and Theological “Replacement”
The biblical call to have dominion has often been misunderstood and modified into having domination over creation – and other humans. Those stoking fears in the U.S. of a “great replacement” are continuing a false and insidious practice.
Good Faith Media Welcomes Interns for Summer 2022
Libby Carroll and Kira Dewey are Good Faith Media’s Ernest C. Hynds Jr. Interns for summer 2022, beginning their internship June 1. They are the sixth group of interns since the program’s launch.
Bumps Along the Two-Way Street of Communication
A comment by one attendee at a preaching conference provided a humorous quip for the next few days. However, the statement reveals a widespread issue facing all faith leaders.
On the Longing for Home
Most adults in the United States remember a close relative who was not born here. The “Old Country” is hard to let go of. Everything there is familiar, even the pain.
Climate Change Indicators Reach Record Levels
Multiple climate change indicators reached record high levels in 2020 and 2021, according to a World Meteorological Organization report. Sea level rise, ocean heat, ocean acidification and greenhouse gas concentrations reached record levels.
Words Matter
I do my best thinking when sitting on top of my zero-turn lawnmower. The latest reflection focused on words and the need for being careful with what I say and quick to apologize when I cause offense.
Many U.S. Synagogues Experiencing Membership Growth or Stability
Six-in-10 U.S. synagogues from two major traditions within Judaism report that they are either growing or maintaining their membership levels, according to a Faith Communities Today report published on May 17.
A Word About Stewardship
There is nothing quite like planning for your demise to awaken the awareness that this world is not our home. Here are a few lessons and insights from preparing my last will and testament.
Lessons and Insights from Festival of Homiletics 2022
Hundreds of preachers descended on Denver, Colorado, this week to attend the 2022 Festival of Homiletics. The festival is planned by Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, and this year’s theme was trauma.
When Bootstraps Are Helpful – And When They Are Not
As a Texas girl, I know all about bootstraps. Yes! Tangible bootstraps are great, especially when you’re puffy and pregnant! But the proverbial ones? Not nearly as much.
Look Back | Mental Illness: A Key Component in Criminal Justice Reform
Effective criminal justice reform must address mental illness as a contributing factor to incarceration and recidivism. This was the focus of a bipartisan Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in early 2016.
History or Memory? A Scholar-Activist Seeks Justice in the Public Square
What should we do with public monuments and statues that are based on problematic interpretations of events handed down through generations? One scholar in Virginia is attempting to answer that question.
Violence at Funerals Is a Grave Offense
Several Palestinian funerals have been disrupted in recent months by Israeli police. The Israel-Palestine conflict is complicated, but interrupting mourners at a funeral is dehumanizing.
Reports Show Mental Health Struggles Increased During Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the prevalence of anxiety and depression by 25% worldwide, according to a World Health Organization report. This is one of several reports noting an increase in mental health challenges in recent years.
A Mass Shooting at My Mother’s Supermarket
A frantic call from my sister is how I learned about the most recent mass shooting in Buffalo, New York. This TOPS supermarket is near my mother’s home, and she shops there frequently.
Navigating the Dark Side of Your Thoughts and Emotions
Even the best and the brightest among us can find ourselves enshrouded in a whirlwind of emotional turbulence or bombarded by thoughts of darkness and despair. Here are some facts, and observations, about mental and spiritual health.
Catholic Leaders Condemn Acts of Violence at Journalist’s Funeral
Catholic leaders in Israel issued a joint statement on May 16, condemning the violence that took place on May 13 during a funeral procession for Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh.
May 18, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Biden on Calls on America to Reject ‘Poison’ of White Supremacy; Buffalo Suspect Considered Attacking Elementary Schools, Churches, According to Online Chat Logs; Christian Nationalist, Pro-Trump Pastor, Spouting Lies and Hatred, Calls for Further Right-Wing Insurrection; Refugees Who Found a Home in Atlanta-area Church are Poised to Help Ukrainians as War Continues (and more)
Randall Lolley Remembered With ‘Echoes of Mercy, Whispers of Love’
Echoes of mercy and whispers of love flowed as family, friends, colleagues, congregants, students and inspired younger ministers gathered in Greensboro, North Carolina, on May 14 to celebrate the impactful life of W. Randall Lolley.
Boundaries and Balance
Practicing balance and boundaries to maintain the sacredness of our being is vital to self-care. Here is why a boundaryless life is problematic.
U.S. Evangelicals Represent More Than One Third of ‘High Conspiratorial Thinkers’
Nearly one-in-five U.S. adults believe in the two central elements of “replacement theory,” according to a new report. U.S. evangelicals represent more than a third of those classified as “high conspiratorial thinkers.”
May 17, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: A Fringe Conspiracy Theory, Fostered Online, is Refashioned by the GOP; ‘Replacement’ Theories Driving Gunmen Creep into Mainstream Politics; The Roots of the ‘Great Replacement Theory’; GOP Governor Says Rays Victims Must Carry the Baby to Term (and more)
Talking to History: A Conversation with Lt. Col. Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse
Museums provide insight into people and events that shaped our present-day realities. There’s no substitute, however, for talking to those who made history. Recently, I spoke with one of the Tuskegee Airman of World War II.
Jumping Through ‘Hoops’ for Mental Health Services Must End
Around 1 in 5 Americans are struggling with mental health. Too often, people must jump through multiple “hoops” to obtain help that is covered by their insurance. This must change.
Religion Most Common Charitable Donation Category in Florida
Religious organizations in Florida received the highest percentage of all charitable donations and the highest average amount given, a recent report found. This giving level mirrors national trends.
May 16, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Margaret Atwood: I Invented Gilead. The Supreme Court is Making it Real.; Why Some Black Churches Aren’t Elated About the Possible End of Roe; Report Details Church-State Collusion on Native Schools; The Most Famous Girl at the Waffle House – and a Former Southern Baptist (and more)
People of Good Faith: J. Daniel Day
J. Daniel Day is pastor emeritus of the First Baptist Church (Salisbury St.) of Raleigh, North Carolina, and former senior professor of preaching and worship at Campbell University Divinity School.