Recent Articles
August 23, 2021
In today’s news and analysis headlines: NC Doctor: God Gave Us This Vaccine, My Evangelical Friends; Colorado Springs Evangelical Christian Groups Less Political, But Even More Powerful Economically; Frustrated with Biden, Evangelical Leaders are Tightening the Screws, Calling Resettlement of Afghan Refugees a ‘Moral Urgency’; and more
People of Good Faith: Cally Chisholm
Cally Chisholm is a graduate student at East Tennessee State University, pursuing a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies. She served as an Ernest C. Hynds Jr. intern with Good Faith Media for the summer of 2021.
Rich-Poor Gap Seen in Global Vaccine Distribution, Access
Wealthy nations are starting to roll out booster shots for the vaccinated, even as low-income nations struggle to obtain a sufficient number of initial vaccines. This is both greedy and shameful.
Why You Should Leave the Bible Out of Dating
The church doesn’t have a great track record ministering to adult members who are single, and an even more awkward history when it comes to single clergy. Leaving the Bible out of dating could bring about positive changes.
What We’ve All Suffered We Should Not Inflict
It is right and proper to pause and reflect on the souls lost or damaged because they sought to exercise the freedom of conscience. It is tragic that it has been necessary to formalize such an observance.
The Perils of Conversion Therapy
Good Faith Media released a series of interviews this week with survivors of conversion therapy. This project focuses not on biblical interpretation but on the results that conversion therapy has upon participants.
More than Words, Observances Must Accompany Declarations
Declarations and annual observances focused on human rights must move from lips to hearts for transformative change to take place. Despite our failings, let’s continue to have hope, faith in humanity to seek justice for all.
Gov. Abbott Needs to Tell Lone Star State, ‘Don’t Mess with COVID’
COVID-19 is ‘messing with Texas’ due, in large part, to Gov. Abbott’s anti-mask mandate stance. Having tested positive for the virus, he needs to change his attitude and approach for the good of all people in his state.
Seeking Light Streams Amid Genocide’s Darkness
People of good faith must follow Jesus’ example by expanding their circle of empathy. Then, let’s urge our elected leaders to work for the good of all people, striving to end genocide and violence against religious minorities.
Mushrooming Change
There’s no more time to waste in order to avoid the worst impacts of Earth’s changing climate, a new UN report emphasized. Not only government policies, but also personal habits and practices must change.
Remembering the Realities of Faith Freedom for All
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protect the exercise of religious belief (or non-belief) freely and ensure that it is a reality for all, including those who subscribe to minority religions.
To Be Anti-Zionist Is Not to Be Anti-Jewish
Many U.S. churches need an awakening when it comes to Israel and Palestine. Influenced by dispensational theology, too many do not realize that to be anti-Zionist is not to be anti-Jewish.
The Abuses and Idolatry of American Exceptionalism
To teach American exceptionalism requires ignoring a whole lot about this nation while romanticizing a faulty version of its history. And to do so is, indeed, idolatrous.
Religious Minorities’ Plight Too Often Overlooked
The plight of religious minorities is getting worse, as government restrictions on religion increase worldwide. We must renew our commitment to full participation of religious minorities in economic, social and cultural/religious life.
Autonomous Weapons Systems Raise Moral Questions
The emergence of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) raises moral and ethical questions about their use. Just war theory has guided military engagement for generations, but AWS cannot follow two key elements of this framework.
Churches Have a Faith Problem: Not Believing Women
Repeat a lie long, and often, enough and people will believe it’s true. Some men in the church have been doing this since Christianity began, refusing to believe women are truth-tellers and gospel-proclaimers. It’s past time for this to change.
Churches Continue Practicing, Supporting Conversion Therapy
Conversion therapy, now widely recognized as discriminatory and destructive, is still practiced and supported by local churches who believe you can “pray the gay away.” A forthcoming webinar and video series exposes this harmful practice and reveals the trauma it causes.
Go ‘Spelunking’ in Scripture with Two Nurturing Faith Books
The first two titles in a new book series from Nurturing Faith Books are now available. Join author Bruce Salmon in a spelunking adventure into Jesus’ birth narrative in Luke and into the letters of Paul.
People of Good Faith: Susan Fendley
Susan Fendley is a retired federal attorney, who has served as a church deacon and in committee leadership roles for nonprofit groups and boards. She is serving on GFM’s strategic advisory board for news and opinion.
Will People of Faith Respond to Climate Tipping Point?
A new UN report this week revealed we are at a tipping point on climate change, requiring immediate and substantive actions to avoid warming beyond the 1.5°C threshold. Will people of good faith respond?
Acknowledging Dysfunction Offers Rare Common Ground in Polarized U.S.
Shared recognition that democracy is not functioning well is a rare place of common ground for U.S. adults. A strong majority believes the nation’s democratic institutions are struggling, with general agreement on pathways to correct the problems.
Stepping Towards 51, Looking Back Over 50
Turning 51 offers an opportunity to look back and to step forward. With gratitude for the relationships and experiences over five decades, I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Is Texas Lawmakers’ Absence Conscientious Objection?
The political maneuvering in Texas related to voting law changes sought by the GOP has resulted in questions about what it means to be faithful to one’s oath and one’s convictions.
How to Be Part of the Solution as the Pandemic Continues
From doctors and nurses to public health department officials, the heavy burden on health care workers is causing physical and emotional burnout. Here are three ways you can be part of the solution rather than contributing to the problem.
Moving Targets
The hummingbird’s fast-moving wings pose a challenge to photographers wishing to capture a clear image. Similarly, public health officials must regularly change their guidance to “hit” the moving target that is the COVID-19 virus.
Church-School Partnerships Must Be Bigger than Backpacks
Churches who want to support their community schools must focus on more than the typical backpack ministries. Here are three guideposts to help your congregation effectively engage and support local schools.
Freedom Untethered from the Common Good Is ‘Juvenility’
Many adults are not practicing the values we teach our children, championing a notion of freedom untethered from the common good. True freedom is not merely freedom from, but freedom for.
Vaxxed or Vexed? It’s Both for Me
The “vaxxed” are rightly vexed at the continued rejection of science by the unvaccinated. Guided by unreliable sources, the vaccine resistant have allowed COVID-19 to come roaring back.
Freedom Without Responsibility is Moral Adolescence
Freedom is ubiquitous in U.S. public discourse these days, but many hold a flawed understanding of the term. The exercise of freedom without a sense of responsibility for the common good is moral adolescence.
More Black Americans Report Mistreatment
More than half of all Black Americans reported being mistreated in 2021, a Gallup survey found. The largest rise was in reports of unfair treatment while shopping.