Recent Articles
The Power of Words
The baptism of thousands of Catholics has been declared invalid due to a one-word difference in the official proclamation being voiced by the priest. What does this reveal not only about Roman Catholicism but also other expressions of Christian faith?
Lenten Lectionary | Seeing the Good in Repentance
Confessing sins and shortcoming can be difficult. Despite the general acknowledgement that “We all make mistakes,” we’re often reticent to admit specific failings. We need to learn to see the good in repentance.
Why We Need to Remember
I grew up in a Southern Baptist pastor’s home within a denomination that has a long, tragic history of racism. There remains a vestige of systemic racism within Baptist life and much of evangelical Christianity in the U.S.
March 23, 2022
In today’s news and analysis headlines: U.S. Supreme Court Pick Jackson Stresses God and Country Amid Republican Attacks; John Lennon Revealed ‘Imagine’ Wasn’t Actually an Attack on Religion; Church Breaks Ground on Accessible Community Part (and more)
Sticking With Lent
Sticking with Lenten commitments through the full 40 days (plus Sundays) can be a challenge. Here are several resources to provide support and encouragement throughout the journey.
The Debt America Refuses to Pay: Part 2
After more than 250 years of exploitation, abuse and enslavement, the formerly enslaved population of the U.S. was given no land, no property and no money. This is one of many hypocrisies that exist under the so-called “rule of law.”
The Last Thing You Want to Do
“This American Life” is one of the best podcasts currently being broadcast. An episode sharing a conversation between Joshuah Bearman and his alcoholic mother offers profound insight into the human condition.
March 22, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Supreme Court Rejects Case of Christian Group and Bisexual Lawyer; Black Christian Homeschoolers are Redefining the Movement; Why is Russia’s Church Backing Putin’s War? Church-State History Gives us a Clue (and more)
Grieving Ornate Churches With So Many Unhoused
A recent trip to St. Louis included a visit to the Cathedral Basilica. I immediately felt uncomfortable and out of place. Here is why.
The Debt America Refuses to Pay: Part 1
I am one of the more than 30 million descendants of American slavery. U.S. society has done nothing to compensate the descendants of enslaved persons for 250 years of unpaid labor.
Racial Justice Protest Affirmation Outpaced Financial Support
Far more people were involved in, or supportive of, protests for racial justice in 2020 than those who made donations to organizations and causes working for justice, according to a recent report.
March 21, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Putin Believes He is Defending Orthodox Christianity from the Godless West; Researchers Warn that Christian Nationalists are Becoming More Radical and are Targeting Voting; Is the GOP’s War on Women Now Pro-Rapist?; Religion-Fueled Mobs on the Rise Again in Pakistan (and more)
People of Good Faith: Scott Stearman
Scott Stearman directs the International Advocacy Baptist Collaborative that seeks to amplify and coordinate the advocacy work of the global Baptist family at the United Nations and in Washington D.C.
How We Remember the Legend of St. Patrick Matters
St. Patrick preached against idol worship and greed and centuries later, the holiday has taken on a new identity.
Look Back | Baptists, Women and the American Suffrage Movement
From the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention at Seneca Falls to the ratification of the 19th Amendment 72 years later, Christian religion and women’s suffrage kept close, if not always cordial, company.
March 18, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Americans’ Support for LGBTQ Rights Higher than Ever, Even as White Evangelicals Lag; Helping Women Pay for Abortion Would be Illegal Under New Missouri Bill; Debt, Racism and Fear of Displacement are Driving an Overlooked Public Health Crisis Among Black Farmers (and more)
The Human Cost of War
While we have been inspired by the resolve and resilience of the Ukrainian people as they stand toe-to-toe with an evil aggressor, we need to remember and reflect on the human cost of war.
Global Nursing Shortage Must Be Addressed Equitably
As the world faces a nursing shortage, wealthier nations are recruiting from lower-income nations to address needs. Is this being done equitably? Or is it hurting nations with the greatest need?
Trying Not to Make God Look Bad
Whatever else you do in your pastoral practice and preaching, try not to make God look stupid. That’s a key lesson I emphasized to my seminary students, and it is a lesson all Christians should follow.
March 17, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: God Knows: Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Faith to Share Spotlight at Conformation Hearings; After 30 Years, the NRSV Gets an Update: Here’s What That Means; Williamsburg’s Historic Bruton Parish Episcopal Church to Contextualize Its Confederate Monument (and more)
Lenten Lectionary | Singing in the Shadow of God’s Wings
Psalm 63 vibrates with emotional intensity and assumed intimacy. It offers insight on journeying through life’s parched episodes and on singing in the shadow of God’s wings.
What Jesus Learned from the Woman with the Alabaster Jar
Jesus learned from most of the challenges he faced and people he encountered. His encounter with one unnamed woman had a profound impact.
U.S. Charitable Giving Increased in 2021
Charitable giving in the U.S. rose nearly 9% last year, with faith-based organizations experiencing an 11-point increase, a new report found. Online giving increased as well.
March 16, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Russian American Pastors Combat Propaganda in Their Churches; Omaha Church Sign About Immigration Sparks Complaints: Message is Quickly Changed; Speaking at a Church, Herschel Walker Skeptical of Evolution: ‘Why are There Still Apes? Think About it.’; Albany Pastor Opens Community Ice Cream Shop in Church Basement (and more)
Let’s Not Practice Our Liturgical Rightness Too Proudly
It’s easier to point out the flaws in others than to take a sober assessment of our own shortcomings. Are there ways that the attitudes of moderate-to-progressive Christian churches run counter to Jesus’ warning in Matthew 6?
Reliable Medical Research Vital to Public Health
“Follow the science” has been the mantra throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. However, flawed research methods and retracted publications from medical journals have created confusion and mistrust.
Two New Titles Now Available From Nurturing Faith Books
Two new titles are now available for Nurturing Faith Books, the publishing imprint of Good Faith Media – a theological reflection, ‘Taking on the Cross,’ and a novel, ‘The Best Version of Alice.’
March 15, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Chattanooga Church Turns Coffee Profits into Help for Area Ministries; A Kansas Teacher is Suing School Officials for Requiring Her to Address Students by Their Preferred Names, Saying the Policy Violates Her Religious Freedom; As Ukrainian Baptists Continue to Shelter and Feed Neighbors, a CBF Ministry Center is Bombed; Ukraine Invasion Splits Orthodox Church, Isolates Russian Patriarch (and more)
Where You See Jesus Reveals How Faithfully You Follow Him
Christians are called to identify with suffering – not only with Christ’s pains but also the world’s groaning. If we don’t, we should begin to question what we call discipleship.
How Greed Affects Us All
We live in a society that doesn’t talk much about sin, but one deadly sin — greed – has begun to affect me and others in ways that I don’t like. How does the story end?