Recent Articles
Zakat Given by U.S. Muslims Approached $2b in 2021
Muslims in the U.S. gave $1.8 billion in zakat in 2021, according to a report from Indiana University’s Lilly Family School of Philanthropy published April 14.
April 26, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Coalition of Local Faiths Vows to Advocate for Affordable Housing, Address Systemic Woes;mBook Challenges Mount in Florida Schools, Including the Bible; Teachers Tried to Convert Me to Christianity: TN Student Complain; Review: A Novel with Recipes Pokes Fun at Church Politics (and more)
Faith Seeking Understanding | My Journey to the Raceless Gospel
A faith that cannot be questioned cannot claim to have all the answers. In following the principle of ‘faith seeking understanding,’ I found the Raceless Gospel.
RaDonda Vaught and Medical Neglect
A former Tennessee nurse was found guilty of medical neglect. Her case raises questions about medical ethics and public understanding of the health care system. The verdict could create new problems for health care workers and their patients.
U.S. Pastors See Missions as Mandate for All, Parishioners Divided
Most Protestant pastors in the U.S. see missions as a mandate for all Christians, while their parishioners aren’t as certain, a recent Barna Group report revealed.
Why It’s Time for Churches to Set Aside Their NDAs
If the story of Easter teaches us anything, it is that what happens in darkness will come to light. The tendency of churches to require ministers to sign NDAs needs to end, so healing for all can occur.
God’s Awesome Creation
A recent trip to Islamorada revealed the awesomeness of God’s creation. But you don’t have to travel to the Florida Keys to appreciate the world’s beauty – just step out your door and pay attention.
Look Back | Reading the Green Bible
The Bible has been described in many ways, but have you heard it called “God’s green book”? Here is why you should consider this descriptor and what it would mean for your day-to-day life.
April 22, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Nigerian Baptist Convention Holds 109th Session, Calls for God to Install His Chosen Political Leaders ‘at all Levels of Government’; The Surprising Voice of Charlie Duke: An Astronaut Reaches for Heaven; Putin Demands Israel Give Russia Control of Historic Jerusalem Church; Tensions Over Race, Religion in France’s Presidential Race (and more)
Earth Day and Spring Planting
My wife and I head out to our local nursery each year to purchase flowers for our backyard. This annual ritual reminds us of the beauty of creation and the need to care for the planet.
Creation and Liturgy on Earth Day
As faith communities around the world prepare for the 2022 observance of Earth Day, let’s remember that humans are part of creation. Learn how some U.S. churches affirm God’s declaration that humanity is “very good.”
Most of the World Breathes Air Detrimental to Health
Most of the world is currently breathing air that exceeds World Health Organization’s air quality standards. These standards are based on the negative impacts of fine particulate matter and nitrogen dioxide on health.
April 21, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: The Scientific Meltdown Over a Controversial Discovery of ‘Biblical Sodom’; ‘Straight, white, Christian’ Michigan Lawmaker’s Forceful Speech Refutes ‘Grooming’ Attack; How a St. Louis Pastor Triggered a War Within the Presbyterian Church in America (and more)
Is Mother Nature Jewish?
Mother Nature is beyond religion and theology, but she follows many Jewish values. In the name of so-called “progress,” creation has suffered. Earth Day is a great time to take stock and set forth on a more sustainable path.
Good Faith Media to Host Unique, Small-Group Amish Experience in October
A Good Faith Experience set for October 5-8, 2022, will provide an opportunity to interact with Amish families and community leaders in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Ministry on an Emerging New Landscape
Like a lava flow that reshapes the physical landscape, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the business, educational, entertainment and religious landscapes. What will the future look like?
April 20, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Loretta Lynn on What Her Faith Means to Her; The Christian Nationalism Behind Putin’s War; Parsing Pacifism: Ukraine’s Mennonite Heritage Shapes Evangelical Responses to Russia (and more)
Who’s Gonna’ Make the Sticky Buns?
As observed during a recent hotel breakfast, there is a disconnect between the services people desire and attitudes toward those who do or can provide those services.
The Desert Shall Blossom
Walking among the flowers is always a fascinating and rejuvenating experience. The prophet Isaiah seems to agree, as he incorporates images of blooming and flourishing to his proclamation of hope.
The Feeling Is Still on My Cheek
Eight-three years ago today, Marian Anderson performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Her performance was not without controversy, but her song choice demonstrated a belief in ‘the true meaning of democracy.’
April 19, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Science and Religion: Smithsonian Exhibit Explores Intersections; Centered on Compassion and Justice, Leaders Hold Interfaith Dinners at Mosque; Ukraine War Divides Orthodox Faithful (and more)
SCOTUS Hearing Revealed Problematic Expectations of Black Women
The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson has been confirmed as the 116th associate justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The hearing leading to her confirmation revealed problematic expectations of Black women that many hold.
Climate Report Notes Emissions Rise, Highlights Key Contributors
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released its Sixth Assessment Report detailing the status of climate change mitigation progress globally. Emissions are on the rise and several groups are key contributors to the trend.
Emerging Voices | What Eastertide Resurrection Tells Us about Healing from Trauma
With the southwestern U.S. beginning to shift to summer-like weather, a scar on my right leg is visible again. After months of being covered, its reappearance around Easter week led me to reflect on Easter, scars and trauma.
April 18, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Holy Days Converging in April Spark Interfaith Celebrations in US; Why This Easter Feels Different; Selma is Tired of Being Just a Symbol – It Wants Change (and more)
April 15, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: As Supreme Court Weighs Abortion, Christians Challenge What it Means to be Pro-Life; California’s First-in-the-Nation Reparations Task Force Meets at Third Baptist Church in Fillmore; Imagine a Bible With No Moses, No Story of the Exodus. It Does Exist.; Many Jews are Fed up With Christians Holding Their Own Passover Seders (and more)
The Moment
Many Christians focus on Friday’s crucifixion or Sunday’s resurrection at this time of year. Thursday night when Jesus enters the Garden of Gethsemane is where I tend to pause for reflection. Here is why this moment is so important.
All Who Are Hungry, Come and Eat
My wife and I take seriously the declaration of the Passover seder – all who are hungry, come and eat; all who need to do so, come and partake of the Passover ritual.
U.S. Majority Favors Several Climate Change Mitigation Proposals
Most U.S. adults support six possible climate change mitigation strategies, a new report found. Tax credits for installing clean energy in homes was the most favored proposal.
April 14, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Amanda Taylor: Christian Nationalism is ‘Single Biggest Threat’ to America’s Religious Freedom; Baptists and Other Religious Minorities Already Facing Severe Persecution in Russian-Occupied Portions of Ukraine; (and more)