Recent Articles
Native Reservations: Hypocrisy, Hope and Religious Liberty – Part 3
Culture and social structures existed throughout the Americas prior to 1492. Many of the problems, past and present, regarding America’s history with Native peoples stem from our inability to recognize these cultures before Columbus’ arrival.
Latest Nurturing Faith Book Encourages ‘Lively Hope’
“Lively Hope” by J. Daniel Day guides readers through understanding the phenomenon of hope, hope’s many challenges, and our literary view of hope. The book is now available in the Good Faith Media bookstore.
October 15, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Counties with More Confederate Monuments also had More Lynchings, Study Finds; National Council of Churches Elects All-Female Officers, Approves NRSV Update; The Sleeper Supreme Court Case that Threatens the Separation of Church and State; A New Book by Esteemed Sociologist Robert Wuthnow Struggles to Show ‘Why Religion is Good for American Democracy’; and more
Native Reservations: Hypocrisy, Hope and Religious Liberty – Part 2
I am a citizen of the Muscogee Creek Nation. Here is a story of how my family was negatively impacted by the “Pratt Doctrine” that informed the creation of schools for Indigenous peoples designed to “kill the Indian to save the man.”
The Tragedy of Poverty in a Rich Land
Poverty is not natural or necessary. It is the result of poor choices, but not usually, or primarily, by those who are impoverished. So, whose choices lead to so much poverty in the midst of plenty?
Why It Matters if Ethics are Agenda- or Need-Based
Understanding the difference between philosophy and ideology is helpful in considering ethical frameworks. Let’s consider why these distinctions matter and what difference they make.
October 14, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis: Texas Axes Teen Suicide Hotline Page Over GOP Claim it ‘Promotes Transgender Policies’; Who’s Bankrolling the National Prayer Breakfast? Evangelical Superstar Franklin; No Musical Instrument Clause in Deed; and more
Why I Felt Ashamed After Visiting a New Church
Finding a church home can be both exciting and uncomfortable. After visiting one church in my new city, I left feeling ashamed … for a very good and holy reason.
Native Reservations: Hypocrisy, Hope and Religious Liberty – Part 1
The genocide of the Indigenous peoples of North America began 529 years ago this week. Columbus’ arrival began a long, painful history of European exploitation of Indigenous peoples in the Americas.
Going in Style
A recent archaeological discovery in the Old City of Jerusalem offers little in the way of moral lessons. Yet, it offers some interesting considerations that might pique your curiosity.
October 13, 2021
In today’s news and analysis headlines: White Supremacy Permeates US Life, Scholar Says; Southern Baptist Convention’s Lawyers to Cut Ties After Vote to Waive Privilege; An Ancient Translation is Now Helping to Threaten Abortion Rights; and more
Good, Bad Examples for Better Communication
Browsing a local paper revealed examples of both good and bad communication. Here are a few takeaways that might improve all our relationships.
‘Bootstrap Theology’ Offers Flawed Perspective on Poverty
Mercy on the poor and unemployed is lacking in much of the U.S. ‘Bootstrap theology’ contributes to this reality, as it offers a flawed perspective on poverty.
Practicing Christians Are Outliers in Pastor Assessment
Practicing Christians in the U.S. tend to be outliers in being very affirming of local pastors’ leadership in the community, a recent Barna Group survey found. Their affirmation was typically much higher than other groups surveyed.
October 12, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: At South Mississippi Baptist Church, Members Can Give in Cryptocurrency; How Being a Hospital Chaplain Motivated One Pastor to Address COVID-19 Misinformation; Columbus Day or Indigenous Peoples’ Day? The Damaging Christian ‘Doctrine of Discovery’ at the Heart of American Identity Crisis; and more
Why October’s Second Monday Needs an Accurate Poem and New Focus
The second Monday in October now has two holidays in the U.S. Each tells of the same events from vastly different perspectives. Let’s adopt an accurate poem and a new focus for this annual observance.
Will Christians Finally, Fully Repent of Colonial Legacy?
The discovery of unmarked graves of school-age children in Canada and the U.S. revealed again the tragic, horrific legacy of colonialism. Will the church stop shirking its responsibility and finally, fully repent?
Religious Orgs. Second Most Common Charitable Donation Among U.S. Affluent
Religious organizations were the second most common charitable cause supported by affluent households in the U.S. in 2020. Even so, a new report found a few trends that should concern religious charities.
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.