Recent Articles
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.
A Lesson from the U.S. Senate’s Biggest Baseball Fan
Honus Wagner once quipped, “There ain’t much to being a ballplayer, if you’re a ballplayer.” This expression is a good reminder to check ourselves when we feel smug and dismissive toward others.
October 20, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Attendance Shrinking at Small and Midsize Congregations; Three-State Merger Hailed as Transformative by CBF Leaders; Powerful Gang Behind Kidnapping of 17 US and Canadian Missionaries in Haiti, Security Source Says; Scuba Diver Finds 900-Year Old Crusader Sword Off the Coast of Israel; and more
Running Off Without Jesus
Much of Americanized Christianity boldly proclaims to be the most faithful adherents to the Bible. At the same time, they seem to be ignorant of the fact that a central figure has been left behind, along with his teachings.
The Essence of God, Sharia, Jihad and Finding Your Way – Part 2
“Sharia” and “jihad” often are misunderstood and misconstrued by those who reference them in connection to terrorist extremists. Here is what you need to know about the true meaning of these terms.
Good Faith Media Enhances User-Friendly, Online Bookstore
Shopping for Nurturing Faith books — the book-publishing imprint of Good Faith Media — is even easier and more informative now. Learn about the new and improved bookstore features.
October 19, 2021
In today’s curated and analysis news headlines: Wendell Griffen: Southern Baptists, Attorney-Client Privilege, and Devotion to Empire; Preacher Who Suggests He is Acting Like Christ Laments Government Isn’t Executing LGBQT People; Pope Pledges to Continue Being a ‘Pest’ in Defense of Poor; For Missionary Group in a Fragile Haiti, Charity Turns to Chaos; and more
No Shortage of Shortages: We’re All Out
There has been no shortage of shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. This global crisis has placed inequities and injustices in stark contrast, causing many to wonder how anything, and everything, will work out in the end.
The Essence of God, Sharia, Jihad and Finding Your Way – Part 1
Faith traditions and other ideologies have different terms for the quest to reach the concept of this divine entity, force or higher power. Many refer to this as an individual’s preferred “way” or “way of life,” which is what Sharia is for Islam.
Most U.S. Faith Communities Are Small with Declining Attendance
Most U.S. faith communities are small and experiencing an attendance decline, a report found. With data submitted prior, or shortly after, the March 2020 lockdowns, it provides a picture of pre-pandemic religious life in the nation.
October 18, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Southern Baptist Convention President Resigns After Internal Fight Over Sex Abuse Investigation; Afghan Refugees Met With Cooperative Effort from Kentucky Baptists; Russell Moore: ‘Evangelical … Merely a Political Word’; Do the Rituals of Religion Make You a Better Person?; and more
What Should We Call Ourselves?
I used to pride myself in being Mexican-American, saying the hyphen served as a bridge between two cultures. These days I find myself wanting to draw the bridge up or burn it down.
Poverty, Migration Increasingly Driven by Climate Change
Poverty is a growing threat to many farmers in Central America. Climate change impacts on weather patterns have exacerbated the challenges, forcing many to migrate to find more stable income. Here are the stories of several families.