Recent Articles
April 22, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: The Death of George Floyd Reignited a Movement. What Happens Next?; Black Americans are Buoyed by Chauvin Conviction, But They Worry it Will Blunt Pace of Reform; Constructive Science and Religion Dialogues at the University; and more.
Chauvin Verdict Reveals Justice Isn’t Callous, Indifferent – This Time
I was preparing for the worst – for a not guilty verdict, for my hopes to be dashed yet again. Then, I heard the word, “guilty,” and it was repeated twice more. Justice wasn’t callous and indifferent – this time.
The Lord God Made Them All
This is Fred, who took time from his busy day of foraging to pose. Or maybe it was Fred 2. Or Fred 3. It’s hard to tell one Fred from another when they’re all the same size, wear identical clothes, and live in the same trees.
How Integration Unveils God’s Relational Character
Only by limiting our own space and offering space for others, can we more fully participate in the redeeming and integrating work of the triune God, who embraces, renews and brings all creation to wholeness.
April 21, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Derek Chauvin Convicted on All Murder, Manslaughter Charges in George Floyd’s Death; An Anxious Minneapolis Awaits a Verdict as Deliberations in the Chauvin Trial Continue; Nashville Civil Rights’ Veterans See Hope for the Future; Howard University’s Removal of Classics is a Spiritual Catastrophe; The Catholic Church is Urging President Biden to Accept a Lot More Refugees; and more.
Confessing a Ministry Failure
Jesus didn’t soft-sell discipleship, so why do we? Preserving cultural dominance has overtaken the teachings of Jesus about how to live out the values of the kingdom of God. While charity is good, biblical justice demands more.
How Earth Day Aligns with Jewish Values
Earth Day is closely aligned with Jewish values, emphasizing each individual’s role and responsibility to maintain the earth for all its living creatures. Modern-day Jews must consider the community’s needs, now and in the future.
This Earth Day, a Sermon for the Birds
The trees, the flowers, the oceans, the mountains, every sand dune and towering pine – all of these things are precious to God. It is our job to be good stewards of the resources on this amazing globe on which we spin.
April 20, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Nate Cohn: Why Political Sectarianism is a Growing Threat to American Democracy; Law Professor: The Supreme Court Creates a New Religious Aristocracy; ‘I’m a Christian Woman of God.’ Texas School Board Candidate Cited After Refusing Mask; and more.
Who Killed George Floyd? | Don’t Blame Good Samaritans
The story of George Floyd’s death is tragic from every angle. A police officer’s knee on his neck, he died in police custody while pleading for his life in front of a crowd of Good Samaritans who were prevented from intervening.
Silence on Climate Change Spurs Millennials’ Migration
Millennials aren’t interested in a church that ignores the great crises of our age, such as climate change. The church’s silence has accelerated the departure of the younger generations from the institutional church.
1 Solution to Help Organ Donations Immediately
More than 107,000 Americans are waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant, with a new name added to the list every nine minutes. Sadly, we still do not have enough lifesaving organs in order to prevent over 7,000 deaths a year.
April 19, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: ‘One Person at a Time’: A Pastor Tries to Vaccinate His Deeply Conservative N.C. Hometown; Sikh Community Calls for Gun Reforms After FedEx Shooting; Faith Leaders Across US Join in Decrying Voting Restrictions; and more.
People of Good Faith: William Neal
William Neal is a retired Baptist minister who served during his career as a campus minister, journalist and CEO for a social services organization. He is currently serving as the chair of the strategic advisory board for Good Faith Media’s publishing division.
How Advanced Directives Ease Family Burdens
End of life decisions are often not discussed, leaving family to make hard decisions while distressed and grieving. Here is a primer on why advanced directives matter and what they should include.
Look Back | Faithfully Paying Taxes to Support the Common Good
People of faith should work to make sure that our state and federal taxes go to the common good, specifically for economic justice, public education and social services for our most vulnerable neighbors.
April 16, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: The Splintering of the Evangelical Soul; Many Evangelicals Say They Won’t be Vaccinated Against COVOD-19. Some Experts Say Distrust and Misinformation Have Played a Role; In Los Angeles, a Pair of Art Exhibitions Centers on the Black Church Experience; Dr. C. Gregory DeLoach Appointed Dean of McAfee School of Theology; and more
Trials, Tasers and Tags: What’s Going On?
From the Derek Chauvin trial to new instances of police-involved shootings and questionable traffic stops, we’re left wondering, “What’s going on?” It’s time to bring some love and justice to the nation.
Aaron’s Sons and Careers Outside the ‘Family Business’
Career choice is a relatively new concept, as prior generations often worked for, and with, their parents. Did Aaron’s sons desire another path? Or were they content with entering the family business?
Newest Book from Nurturing Faith Offers ‘Sermons for Special Days’
The latest book from Nurturing Faith, the publishing imprint of Good Faith Media, offers a collection of ‘sermons for special days.’ The authors’ goal is to help move beyond sentimental, shallow messages on such occasions.
April 15, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: As Policies Shift, Protestant Groups Join Catholics in Helping Immigrants at the Border; Many Say Now is the Time to Fight Racial Bias in Foster Care; Christian Colleges Fight LGBT Students’ Lawsuit Seeking to Block Title IX Religious Exemptions; and more.
Pollination Nation
Spring pollen season brings misery to some and inconvenience to all, but let’s count our blessings. Without it, we’d miss most of the trees that bring us shade and soak up carbon dioxide – and most of our land-based foods.
COVID-19: Will We Learn from Missteps of 1918’s Pandemic?
As successes against COVID-19 begin to pick up steam, we need to reflect upon the lessons of the past in order to avoid the errors following the 1918 pandemic when the nation functionally swept the horrors of five years under the rug.
Less Confident, But More People Reflect on Life’s Purpose
Whether it’s daily, weekly or monthly, nearly six out of 10 US adults say they think about finding meaning and purpose in their lives, a report found. Yet, less than a third strongly agree that they should pursue that purpose.
April 14, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: California Lifts Coronavirus Restrictions on Church Gatherings;‘Pandemic Acknowledges No Religious Exemption,’ Interfaith Group Warns Legislatures; Texas Faith Leaders Call Voter Bills Equal-Opportunity Disenfranchisement; and more
Brandi’s Baptism Debacle Met with Grace in Reverse
When singer and songwriter Brandi Carlile became a Christian at 15, a Baptist minister wouldn’t baptize her because she is gay. Sadly, much of Americanized Christianity cannot be trusted to faithfully dispense love and grace.
Why You Can’t Go Back to Normal After Pandemic
Many people across the US are enjoying the feeling that we’re coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, expressing hope that they’ll be able to finally ‘get back to normal.’ That may be understandable, but it’s not a good idea.
Report: US Religiosity Largely Stable in 2020
Despite the pandemic, US religiosity was largely stable in 2020, a report said, with 48% of people saying religion was ‘very important’ in their lives. Still, it’s the lowest level in polling history and a 10-point dip since 2012.
April 13, 2021
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: The Rise of Domestic Extremism in America; Retiring NPR Correspondent Looks at How Religious Beat Has Changed; Pro-Trump Evangelical Pastor Says Modern Church ‘Almost Homosexual,’ Asks ‘Where are the Men?’; John Piper’s Son Becomes a Critic of Evangelical Christianity on TikTok; How Churches and Community-Based Organizations Have Stepped up to Vaccinate Communities of Color; and much more.
Who Killed George Floyd? | What the Bible Says About Police Brutality
‘When the Bible is silent, we are silent.’ It’s a common phrase emanating from many pulpits, but life is much more complex. Can we not open the Bible to learn how God views police brutality, white supremacy and climate change?