Recent Articles
Samford University’s Decision on Jon Meacham Disheartening
Samford University disinvited Jon Meacham from speaking at a series of events connected with the university’s incoming president. While the plan is to reschedule his lecture, the decision is problematic and disheartening.
‘Dia de los Muertos’ Encourages Remembrance, Gratitude
While Halloween gets most of the attention in the U.S., the “Day of the Dead” is an observance that should be more widely recognized and understood. It encourages participants to exercise their memory and gratitude.
Look Back | After Halloween
Halloween gets most of the attention, while a long-standing, but often-overlooked, Christian observance happens the next day. Let’s use All Saints Day to remember and learn from those who came before us.
October 29, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: How a Nashville Radio Station Became a Conspiracy-Theory Hotbed in the 1990s; Families of Charleston Church Shooting Settle With Justice Department; Thousands March in Chicago Against Abortion Ban, Joining Rallies Across the Nation; and more
Faith Leaders Urge G20 Leaders to Prioritize Creation, People Over Profits
Faith leaders from five Christian organizations representing over 500 million Christians sent a joint letter to G20 leaders ahead of their Oct. 30-31 meeting. They urged a reset of the world’s economic system to adopt a more holistic approach.
Reading Opens Hearts, Minds to Change the World
Interactive reading is one way to engage children in learning about new people and places. It opens their hearts and minds to new possibilities, inspiring them to do their part to make the world a better place.
Annual Fashion Report Urges Ethical Shopping
Baptist World Aid Australia issued its annual ethical fashion report in mid-October. Despite improvements in recent years, overall grades for fashion brands remain low.
October 28, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: My Church Doesn’t Know What to Do Anymore; New Liberty University President Says on Tape that ‘Getting People Elected’ is His Goal; Bridging America’s Growing Family Divide; and more
Radishes at Work
The less-known ‘cousins’ of a common vegetable found in many salads serves important purposes other than human consumption. What lessons might they offer to people of faith?
Many in U.S. Need Remedial Citizenship Lessons
Faulty understandings and expressions of freedom abound in the U.S., often empowered by self-identified Christians. It seems a remedial citizenship class is necessary for many.
U.S. Adults Divided on Strength of Religious Conflict in the Nation
U.S. adults are evenly divided on the degree of conflicts in the nation based on religious differences, according to a new report. Where does the U.S. rank with the other nations on the perceived conflict?
October 27, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Whiteness Rooted in Place; God, Trump and the Closed-Door World of a Major Conservative Group; Is Evangelical Becoming Another Word for ‘Republican’; Majority of Gen Z Reject Organized Religion Though Most are Spiritual or Religious: Study; He Wanted to Let Homeless Neighbors Sleep in Cars Outside His Church. It Launched a Two-Year Battle; and more
The Question Americanized Christians Are Really Afraid to Consider
I found myself quickly clicking the remote to get past the “Christian” channels during a recent hotel stay. This raised a line of inquiry that led to a question many seem to fear giving serious consideration.
U.S. Facing Emergency Blood, Platelet Shortage
The U.S. is facing a severe shortage of blood and platelets, the Red Cross announced recently. Here is what you need to know about the U.S. blood supply and how you can help.
Pope: Limitless Freedom is Selfish, Empty
Limitless freedom is selfishness and leads to emptiness, Pope Francis asserted in a recent general audience message. The proper exercise of individual freedom considers the impact of our actions on those around us.
October 26, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Inside the Fraught Effort to Build a Christian Nationalist Internet; Fired After Endorsing Vaccines, Evangelical Insider Takes a Job at Southwestern Baptist Seminary; Facebook’s Language Gaps Weaken Screening of Hate, Terrorism; and more
Don’t ‘Cry Over Spilled Milk,’ but What About Spilled Blood?
How should we respond to spilled blood, resulting from blatant acts of racism and social injustice? One faith leader and the organization he leads suggest a time-tested, biblical act.
Self-Care Vital for Effective Ministry
Congregants and clergy alike have struggled during the pandemic, with mental health being a key challenge. Three North Carolina clergy share their experience and insight on balancing congregational and self-care.
Emerging Voices | Creating Safer Faith Communities for Survivors of Abuse
Too often survivors of abuse feel unheard and unsupported by their faith communities. This must change, and it starts with education about abuse and a commitment to believe those who courageously share their experience.
October 25, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Reclaiming Jesus from His Church; Baptist Church in Beaufort Has ‘Incredible Story.’ Its Plans for a $250,000 Windfall; I’m a Florida School Board Member. This is How Protesters Come After Me. (Washington Post)
Biden’s Critics Hurl Increasingly Vulgar Taunts; Facebook Services are Used to Spread Religious Hatred in India, Internal Documents Show; Why are There Christian Crosses in Jewish Graves from Ancient Rome?; and more.
People of Good Faith: Don Gordon
Don Gordon is an ordained Baptist minister who is the founder and CEO of Christians Caring for Creation. He is a member of the Good Faith Media strategic advisory board.
Education Should Teach You How to Think
A decent education teaches you how to think and carry out critical analysis. While this necessitates presenting a diversity of perspectives, not all viewpoints are created equal.
Clergy Trust High, Clergy Vaccine Encouragement Low
U.S. adults have a great deal of trust in their clergy. Yet, many ministers have not spoken about the importance of vaccination against COVID-19. This is a departure from historical precedent and a neglect of their role.
October 22, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Conservative Southern Baptist Pastor Sues Russell Moore; Behind the Fortenberry Scandal: Another Member of Secretive Christian Nationalist Network Goes Down; White Evangelicals Dealing with Racial Issues and Faith: ‘If I’ve Been Wrong About that, What Else Have I Been Wrong About?”; and more
Faith and Science: Religious Exemptions Expose the Complicated Relationship
Science and faith have long had a complicated relationship. Some believe there is inherent conflict and tension between the two, but is that true?
What Has Happened to Christianity in the U.S.?
My family is really not all that messed up, but we do exemplify several larger political and religious trends. Here is a little of our story.
Pope Francis Urges Caring for Common Good, Common Home
Pope Francis spoke about working for the common good and protecting our common home in a video address. Citing the Bible and Catholic social teaching, he urged listeners to live in harmony with one another and creation.
October 21, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Christian Nationalism, Vaccine Hesitancy and Science Skeptics: WVU Researchers Delve into the Sociology of COVID-19; Amid Pandemic Turmoil and Curriculum Fights, a Boom for White Conservative Christian Schools; More Black Families in Birmingham Find Freedom in Homeschooling; Episcopal Diocese of Alaska to Investigate the History of Church-Run Boarding Schools for Indigenous Children; Indicted Congressman is ‘Longtime’ Member of Secretive Evangelical Organization Tied to Uganda’s ‘Kill the Gays’ Bill: Report; and more
Too Late Schmardt
Spending time with the Amish brings perspective on modern conveniences. A recent trip provided insight on how we view ourselves and others.
‘Midnight Mass’ Portrays Church Horrors On-Screen and Off
Bev Keane is both an unassuming and fascinating character in the Netflix limited series “Midnight Mass.” Sadly, the on-screen horrors she carries out are mirrored in too many of congregations.