Recent Articles
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)
Then, and Now
A trip to visit my father brought joy and sadness. Going through my 94-year-old father’s home after he moved to assisted living was like taking a journey through my family’s past.
Lenten Lectionary | From Despair to Confusion to Faith
There are several accounts of, and references to, the resurrection of Jesus in the Christian Testament. They offer different perspectives on, and details regarding, the central confession of Christianity.
Hope From Above: A Reflection on Enoch and Jude
The letter of Jude in a strange document. At only 25 verses, it is often overlooked in biblical studies. Yet, its vision, drawing on that of the Book of Enoch, offers an ultimately hopeful vision.
April 13, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Christians Continue to Leave Jerusalem Among Ongoing Instability; Future of American Churches Uncertain as Millennial Membership Declines, Reports Show; Men are Less Religious in Countries with More Gender Equality, Study Shows (and more)
‘My God, They Killed Him’
Holy Week is a good time to consider societal expectations. After all, Jesus is chief among the many martyrs who have dared to live above community standards in a way that cost them their lives.
Holy Week Through the Lens of Covenant Faith
The Easter narratives are so familiar that it can be challenging to find creative ways to engage the story. Here is fresh insight thanks to some thoughtful fellow pilgrims and a new look at a familiar text.
Health Care Workers in the Line of Fire
The attacks on medical facilities in Ukraine have brought attention to the concept of medical neutrality. Here is a brief overview of the concept, along with a few examples of when it has been violated.
April 12, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Christians Mark Palm Sunday With Jerusalem Procession; Media Attention Overwhelmes Website of Church Giving up ‘Whiteness’ for Lent; The Christian Right’s War on LGBTQ People Never Ended (and more)