Recent Articles
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.
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.