Recent Articles
October 11, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: National Institutes of Health Director Makes Plea to Evangelical Christians; Pope Opens Two-Year Consultation on Catholic Church Future; Texas Executions Face Delay Over Religious Rights Claims; and more
Global Faith Leaders Emphasize Interdependence Ahead of COP26
Faith leaders and scientists gathered at the Vatican on Oct. 4 to discuss faith, science and climate ahead of COP26. They emphasized interdependence and the need to work together to care for our ‘common home.’
Love Does No Harm
Many churches still support, and Christian ministries still practice, conversion therapy. Learn why it is harmful and find some resources to educate yourself and your faith community.
Look Back | Rich Get Richer? Been Here, Done That
Don’t think the Bible is relevant to our lives today? Consider ancient Israel. The rich lined their pockets by fleecing from the poor. Sound familiar? God loathed it then and acted accordingly. What would stop God’s judgment today?
October 8, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: What American Christians Hear at Church; 84% of Trump Voters Worry About Discrimination Against Whites and Think Christianity is Under Attack; Archaeologists Uncover One of America’s Oldest Black Church Buildings; and more
The Next 500 Years of Christianity: Center It Around Jesus
Phyllis Tickle was correct: the church is undergoing a 500-year ‘rummage sale.’ What will emerge is not clear yet, but goodwill Christians must ensure that Jesus is at the center of ‘the great emergence.’
Obesity Often a Symptom of Economic Inequality
Obesity in the U.S. continues to increase, with 16 U.S. states now having an obesity rate 35% or higher. The reasons are many and complex, with economic inequality often an overlooked factor.
Reaction and Response: U.S. Christians See Vocational Discernment as ‘Solo Journey’
A majority of U.S. Christians say discerning their sense of vocation and calling is a ‘solo journey,’ a new report found. Here is what several faith leaders had to say about this finding.
October 7, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: An Old Coin, a Pile of Straight Pens Offer Clues to a Bygone Life of African American Church; Racism Allegations Sparked Mass Exodus From NC Sorority. Now the Chapter is Suspended; Haiti’s Diverse Faiths Bolster it Against Waves of Tragedy; After Weeks of Chaos, Southern Baptist Leaders Vote for Full Transparency in Sex Abuse Investigation; and more
Facebook, Instagram Outage Offers Screen Time Wake-Up Call
With Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp going offline for hours on Monday, many were left to ponder life without such platforms. Here is one suggestion regarding our daily screen time.
Looking Out for Others
Sessions on an elliptical are both effective and boring, so watching TV helps pass the time. A series on animals offers important lessons for humanity.
U.S. Adult COVID-19 Vaccinations Rise, Majority of Parents to Vaccinate Kids
Vaccination rates among U.S. adults ticked up in September after flatlining during the summer, while a majority of parents plan to vaccinate their 12 and under children upon FDA approval, two Gallup reports found.
October 6, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: 330,000 Children Were Victims of Sex Abuse Within France’s Catholic Church, New Report Says; The Battle for the Future of Mormonism; Jesus, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll: How an Orange County Hippie Church Birthed Contemporary Christian Music
A Prayer for Our Time
We have heard the call to “follow me,” and responded favorably with our voices. Yet, even when filled with good intent, we have bolted down other paths. Of this, and so much more, we repent and ask forgiveness.
Let’s Talk Patriotism – What It Is and Is Not
Some are adopting and promoting a faulty understanding of what it means to be patriotic. So, what is (and what is not) patriotism in our time?
Majority of U.S. Food Insecure Struggled to Obtain Help
Three main obstacles hindered, or prevented, U.S. adults from obtaining food assistance in the past year. Believing they were ineligible was the most common reason cited for not getting help.
October 5, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: In 2019, Almost All of Facebook’s Top Christian Pages Were Run by Troll Farms; ‘COVID Has Been Harder on Us’: Some Black Churches Remain Hesitant to Reopen; The Provisions in Texas’ Restrictive Abortion Law are Not Popular, an NPR Poll Finds; and more
Give Pastors a Break to Show Your Appreciation
We’re all exhausted, clergy included. Let’s give our ministers a break from the usual gripes and “suggestions” on how to improve sermons and services. One new initiative can help you do just that.
Government Restrictions on Religion at All-Time High
Government restrictions on religion worldwide matched an all-time high, a new Pew report found. Meanwhile, social hostility toward religion declined.
When We Doubt the Power of Prayer
Does prayer matter? Can it make a difference in the world? These are questions people of faith often ask. So, why pray when it can seem ‘the most lifeless thing to do’?
October 4, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Southern Baptist Leader Outcry Advances Push to Wave Privilege in Sex Abuse Inquiry; Public Workers Finding Religion to Avoid COVID-19 Shots; San Antonio Experts Believe They’ve Found Original Site of Alamo Church; Abortion, Guns, Religion Top a Big Supreme Court Term; and more
People of Good Faith: Alyssa Aldape
Alyssa Aldape is a contributing correspondent for Good Faith Media. Some of her hobies include hiking, running, playing guitar, reading and cooking.
The Sound of Distress and a Call to Action
The mid-July Texas court ruling on DACA stunned DACA applicants and advocates. Here are five actions people of faith can take to advocate for immigrants.
Nearly 14m U.S. Households Were Food Insecure in 2020
Around 13.8 million U.S. households experienced food insecurity last year, representing more than 10% of all U.S. households. This was the first year since 2016 that households with food-insecure children increased.
Look Back | What’s Right vs What’s Expedient
When politicians make decisions based on what will garner the needed votes for reelection, it’s morally troublesome. Shouldn’t we consider what supports the common good? When did decisions stop being based on the right thing to do?
Retired U.S. Air Force Battle Manager Reflects on Aug. 29 Drone Strike
Despite the countless hours training pilots and reviewing errors, U.S. military personnel make mistakes, sometimes with tragic consequences. Here is some insight regarding the tragic civilian casualties during an Aug. 29 drone strike.
Four Reasons People of Faith Become Disillusioned
The story of Jim Palmer, a former pastor turned humanist, raises questions about why people of faith become disillusioned. Here are four contributing factors.
Christian Affiliation in U.S. Continues to Decline
The number of U.S. adults affiliating with Christianity continues to decrease, new Pew Research Center data reveals. This continues a decades-long trend.
Respite for Revs Initiative to Support Local Church Clergy
A GoodFaithMedia.org column by Mitch Randall on the struggles and stress clergy have faced during the pandemic led to a dialogue with the leaders of BJC, Baptist News Global, Baptist Women in Ministry, Good Faith Media and Passport about how the organizations could help. Respite for Revs is the result of that dialogue.
How to Notice, Celebrate the Miraculous in the Ordinary
Every day in public school is an opportunity to see and celebrate miracles in the seemingly simple and ordinary. You just need to open your eyes and pay attention.