Recent Articles
Potential Sickle Cell Cure Necessitates Celebration and Reflection
New technology allows researchers to more easily modify DNA to address conditions that lead to conditions like Sickle Cell Disease. Such advancements are cause for both celebration and further reflection.
January 13, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Neo-Nazi Leader Sentenced to 7 Years for Plot to Intimidate Jews, Journalists; Reformed Church in America Charts a New Course as 43 Churches Jump Ship; Economics Professor Studies Links Between Rain, Church Attendance and Crime; Church, State Spreading Christianity in Papua New Guinea (and more)
What About the Dream? Reflections in Preparation for MLK Day 2022
The U.S. faces serious questions about “The Dream” set forth by Martin Luther King Jr. What are the issues that must be addressed to ensure his dream comes to fruition?
Movie Review: ‘Encanto’
Disney’s newest movie “Encanto” tells the story of a magical family that lives in a secluded village deep in the forests of Colombia. Here is what the movie does well and where it needs improvement.
What’s in Your Bowels?
New archaeological research related to a seventh-century BCE toilet has revealed interesting results. What might it reveal about that era? And what lessons could it offer us today?
January 12, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: The 25 Best Religious Movies, According to Critics; The White Christian Nationalism Tearing America Apart at the Seams; A Devout Christian Conservative Kicked Off His Campaign for Governor With … a Shofar? (and more)
Church’s Propensity for Discrimination Is Self-Harm That Harms Others
Discrimination has long-been prevalent in Americanized Christian churches. Confession, conversion and correction at the corporate level is essential for many congregations.
Helmet Policies, Sabbath Observance and 2022
What do biblical Sabbath observance views and a helmet policy debate in “The Mandalorian” TV show have in common? How might these discussions instruct us today as we seek to live faithfully in 2022?
Context Needed to Understand, Assess Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health
There are no absolute precepts in law, no bedrock foundation. The law is evolving, like a meandering river. This is why principles like ‘stare decisis’ are so critical in the U.S. judicial system.
January 11, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: South Side Church Looks to Develop Hub for Black Life; Can a Whimsical Bench Help Bring Neighbors Together? One South Bend Church Hopes So.; Bridging America’s Political Divides with Conversations (and more)
North American Church Experiencing Crisis of Meaning
The church in North America is experiencing a crisis of meaning. What are the contributing factors? And how should faith leaders respond to constructively engage this new reality?
May the Least of What We’ve Done Be Blessed
An unattributed saying on a Cambridge, Massachusetts, headstone provided profound insight and offered a challenge. As we enter an uncertain new year, its message is important for us all.
Remembering Vital to Protect Democracy, Freedom
As the U.S. observed the anniversary of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, a number of people and events were on my mind. Remembering our history accurately is vital to protect democracy and freedom.
U.S. Divided on Good-Evil Dichotomy
U.S. adults are evenly divided when it comes to their assessment of whether something is good or evil, a recent survey found. Which groups were most likely to say the good-evil divide is clear?
January 10, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Since January 6 Attack Spiritual Leaders Unify to Combat Christian Nationalism; A Historic Black Church Says D.C. is Trying to Push it Out of Shaw. The Church’s Tenants Say it is a Slum Lord; Jerusalem Church Leader Says Israeli Extremists Threaten Christian Presence in City; and more
People of Good Faith: Monty Self
Monty Self is a certified health care ethics consultant and senior staff chaplain at the Baptist Health Medical Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
How Immigrants Are Vulnerable to Human Trafficking
Immigrants are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking – not only undocumented persons but also people in the U.S. under the temporary farmworkers visa program. Here is what you need to know about immigration and trafficking.
Look Back | For New Year, Will You Choose Life or Decay?
Ethical considerations are all about choices – what, how and why we choose certain actions. As a new year begins, we would do well to consider the biblical exhortation to “choose life.”
January 7, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Katherine Stewart: Christian Nationalism is One of Trump’s Most Powerful Weapons; Seminary President: If We Don’t Counter Far-Right Christianity, 1/6 Will Just be the Beginning; Carter Warns America ‘Teeters on the Brink of a Widening Abyss’ in Stark Op-ed (and more)
The Fragile State of Democracy
On Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. democracy came closer to collapsing than any time since the Civil War. It is time for decent and thoughtful people to dream of, and work toward, a better, stronger nation.
What You Need to Know About Sex Trafficking
Why does sex trafficking exist? How can we reduce demand for sex trafficking? Find answers to these and other questions here.
A Lectionary Reflection for Epiphany
Epiphany recalls the journey of the magi to see Jesus. Let’s use this day to renew our commitment to seek justice for all, working to manifest God’s light amid the thick darkness facing our world.
January 6, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Robert P. Jones: Facing White Christianity’s Role in the January 6th Insurrection; The Real Tragedy of January 6 is That it’s Still Not Over; Christians Have a Role to Play in Defending U.S. Democracy (and more)
Running Through the Night
Why did a North Carolina pastor complete a 100-kilometer run on a rainy night in late December? What does he hope will result from this experience?
Are We Part of the System?
The story of Joseph in Genesis offers an account of human trafficking. It offers both insight and conviction as we consider whether, and how, we might be complicit in the complex systems of human trafficking in our world.
Good Faith Media Welcomes Spring 2022 Interns
Angela Grant and Maddie Grimes are the latest individuals to become GFM’s Ernest C. Hynds Jr. interns. The program launched in 2020, with eight having completed internships to date.
January 5, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Samuel L. Perry: January 6th May Have Been Only the First Wave of Christian Nationalist Violence; The Battle That Will Define America Began in 1865; Latin Americans Drive Surge or Evangelicalism in Spain (and more)
Are We Adrift or Still on Target?
As the distance from an organization’s founding grows, “mission drift” can sometimes occur. So, it is wise to pause at times to consider whether the primary mission is still in focus.
Why We Need a ‘Christmas Lens’ for 2022
The journey from Christmas to Epiphany and beyond is a time of transition. We move from looking at decorations to looking through the lens of incarnation. This shift in vantage point can change everything.
U.S. Wage Inequality Continues to Increase
Wage inequality in the U.S. continues to increase, with the nation’s top earners consistently seeing a significantly higher percent increase in annual wages each year, according to the Economic Policy Institute.