Recent Articles
Why Abusers Rarely Stand on Their Own
Rachel Denhollander is correct, “Abusers rarely stand on their own.” Sharing stories of abuse is hard, but it can be healing. We must stand with victims to help bring an end to systemic abuse.
Our Timidity Enables the Enablers
When goodwill people of faith are too timid to speak out, it enables those who proclaim a fearful, self-serving version of Christianity at odds with the teachings of Jesus.
Why We Must Cultivate Neighborliness
Our sense of isolation and angst is increasing as the pandemic rolls on. Kindness and neighborliness would go a long way to helping one another through this difficult time.
Movie Review: The Eyes of Tammy Faye
“The Eyes of Tammy Faye” about the rise and fall of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker isn’t a great film. Yet, one star’s performance is captivating and makes the film worth seeing.
Nevertheless She Preached 2021 Embraced Healing, Embodied Hope
While men continue to set up obstacles to females called to pastoral ministry, women continue to persist in preaching the good news. The 2021 Nevertheless She Preached conference covered a lot of ground over three days.
Religious Bias Third Largest Hate Crime Basis in 2020
Religious bias was the third largest hate crime bias in 2020, accounting for 13.4% of all hate crimes. Anti-Jewish bias accounted for a majority of all religious bias incidents last year.
Four Moral Concerns Regarding Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition technology is now commonplace – used not only by government agencies but also in many smartphones. We need to stop and reflect upon how we as human beings intend to use it.
It Can Be Hard to See the Light
A deep sense of darkness and sadness have swept over the nation following reports of civilians killed in a U.S. drone strike and border patrol agents on horseback chasing Haitian migrants. Is there still light to be found?
People of Good Faith: Jamie Nash
Jamie Nash is a Masters of Divinity student at Mercer University’s McAfee School of Theology. He is an Ernest C. Hynds Jr. intern with Good Faith Media for the fall 2021 semester.
Dishonoring the Image of God in the Thin Places
The more things change, the more they stay the same. Immigration policies under President Trump have largely continued under President Biden. People of faith must continue to speak against injustice no matter who is in the White House.
Why Our Tables Should Model Hospitality, Intimacy, Inclusion
Downsizing to a smaller residence evoked reflection on the table-fellowship my family enjoyed. Our tables should model the hospitality, intimacy and inclusion of the future dream set forth in the Christian testament.
White, Born-Again Evangelical Identification Increased Since 2016
The number of white, born-again evangelicals increased between 2016 and 2020, as did the percentage who voted for Donald Trump. Both white and non-white respondents identifying as not born-again evangelicals declined during this period.
Faith Lessons Under a Bridge in Austin
A woman concerned about her brother’s eternal fate spoke with me recently, concerned that he died without an explicit faith and outside the church. What does one say in response?
Talk About Restrictive…
Most are at least vaguely familiar with the Essenes and their community at Qumran. A newly published article offers an intriguing explanation for conundrums associated with current understandings of Qumran.
U.S., Japan See Drop in Citizens “Very Concerned” About Climate Crisis
Most nations see an increase in citizens “very concerned” about climate change impacts, a recent survey found. Only two nations saw a decrease.
The Contagion of Evil
Conversation delving into weighty matters like good and evil is an occupational hazard for clergy. Here’s the line of thought one such mealtime discussion yielded.
Christian Faith Is a Calling, Not a Formula
How did so much of American Christianity today get so far from Jesus? It began with the reframing of Christian faith from a calling to a formula.
Are Federal Vaccine Mandates Constitutional, Enforceable?
The Biden administration announced a federal vaccine mandate applicable to more than 100 million people. Is this constitutional? Can it be enforced?
A Note to Clergy on Worries, Anxieties and Hurts
There is much to worry about in both our personal and collective lives – particularly during a global pandemic. It is an especially difficult time for clergy.
How Do We Respond to a World on Fire?
Many religious folks talk about preparing for the end of the world. They’re right, in part – the world as we’ve known it is ending. Will we change our ways and be part of creating a brighter future?
To Hope, Perchance to Dream
Dead silence filled the room when a group of local ministers was asked about ministry plans for 2022. That is a reflection of the weight clergy are feeling due to the ongoing pandemic.
Despite Precedent, Biden Vaccine Mandate Faces Possible Challenges
President Biden’s federal vaccine mandate resulted in swift critique from Republican leaders, including many who vowed to fight it in the courts. What would be the basis for states to challenge this mandate?
People of Good Faith: Emma Fraley
Emma Fraley is a graduate of Baylor University where she studied Science Research Fellows as a pre-med student with a philosophy minor. She is serving as an Ernest C. Hynds Jr. intern for the fall 2021 semester.
Three Lessons from Year 33
Birthdays are often occasions for reflection, particularly when it’s been a difficult year. Reflecting on what transpired and considering what lies ahead, here are three lessons from my “Jesus Year.”
How Do We Counter Conspiracy Theories?
Conspiracy theories are nothing new, but, like fear and anger, they are rampant and ubiquitous. How can people of good faith help turn the tide?
COVID-19 Limbo: A Hellish Place for Clergy
The surge of COVID-19 cases has put us back in a state of limbo. Clergy are struggling again to balance protecting public health and maintaining their faith community. Here are five ways you can support them.
Expressions of Kindness Give U.S. Adults Hope
The kindness of others is the leading source of hope amidst adversity for U.S. adults, a survey found. Relationships, religious faith and stable finances were the other leading sources.
Afghanistan Polio Eradication Efforts Hindered by Taliban
Polio isn’t a concern in the U.S. these days, but its eradication is a key concern in nations like Afghanistan. With the Taliban now in control, concerns are increasing among health experts.
If Only Andy Were Here…
“The Andy Griffith Show” ended production in 1968, but its charm and homespun wisdom have endured. Could Griffith’s Sheriff Taylor persuade people today to get vaccinated?
The Gift and Challenge of Memory
Memory is a powerful instrument that requires cultivation and protection, lest it be manipulated to unwholesome ends. How will the 20th anniversary commemorations of 9/11 shape our nation’s future?