Recent Articles
Sharp Drop in Affirmation of Civil Rights Progress
Although 59% of US adults told Gallup that civil rights for Black Americans had ‘greatly’ or ‘somewhat greatly’ improved, that represents a 16-point drop from 2016 and an all-time low since Gallup first polled the question in 1995.
September 16, 2020
In today’s curated news headlines: an evangelical pastor urges conservative Christians to mobilize militias to fight liberals; a Maryland Episcopal church vows to create a $1M reparations fund; more than 1/3 of young Catholics will attend Mass less often after pandemic; and more
We’ve Provided an Easy Route from Rite to Wrong
Throughout Christian history, no such thing as ‘the plan of salvation’ existed. The effort to distill the gospel into a step-by-step profession of faith arose in latter-day revivalism. We’ve paved an easy path from rite to wrong.
Injustice and Idolatry – Twin Sins?
Jeremiah clearly joins his predecessors in calling out Judah’s two sins of injustice and idolatry. Is it possible these are not two separate expressions of human failure to realize true community, but two sides of the same coin?
Report: Pandemic Expands US Inequality
Inequality in the US has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, with lower-income and minority households more likely to not have enough to eat, pay rent or face unemployment, a report says.
September 15, 2020
Today’s curated news headlines include: QAnon, the conspiratorial white evangelical Christian cult; Salvation Army kettles out early due to dire need in face of pandemic; mainline Protestants not in the headlines this election season; and more.
Wildfires Set Skies Aglow, Hint at Apocalypse
Even in the San Francisco Bay Area, noted for its low percentage of church attenders, many are using religious language to describe the wildfires, smoke-filled air and a surreal day-long darkness with the sky above glowing orange.
Reaction and Response: Medical Bankruptcy Concerns Half of US
Half of all US adults are ‘extremely concerned’ or ‘concerned’ about bankruptcy resulting from medical costs from a major health event, a Gallup report says. Several faith leaders share how the report hits close to home.
When Melancholy Overpowers Suffering Souls
Suicide is often viewed by others as a moral failure, but it’s really, in most cases, the result of an overwhelming melancholy, which many of us do not understand and is lumped into an indiscriminate bundle labeled ‘depression.’
September 14, 2020
Today’s curated news headlines include: KKK chapter appealing to “our white Christian brothers and sisters; QAnon candidate brandishing AR-15 calls for “Conservative Christians to go on offense” against liberals; the pandemic and religion in Chicago; Black Church leaders demand apology for Trump ad; Watching religion die in America; and more
People of Good Faith: Tony Cartledge
Tony Cartledge is contributing editor and regular columnist for Good Faith Media, as well as weekly curriculum/resource writer for Nurturing Faith Journal and Bible Studies.
Jannie Lister Is Friend to All
The friendly voice of Jannie Lister usually greeted those calling the Nurturing Faith office. She is a dear friend to those of us who work with her. As she wraps up her work this month, we want to wish her well in the days ahead.
Global Food Insecurity Could Hike by 11%
Global food insecurity is expected to rise by 11 percent in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a government report said. An additional 83.5 million people globally could face challenges in finding sufficient, healthy food options.
September 11, 2020
In today’s curated news and opinion headlines: Key findings about the religious lives of teens and their parents; Trump struggling with religious voters; evangelical Christians and climate change denial; and more.
Losers, Thugs and Nasty – Why Words Matter
A bombshell article claimed President Trump allegedly referred to soldiers killed in action as ‘suckers’ and ‘losers.’ As he continues to spew deeply offensive rhetoric, the president once again hasn’t learned that words matter.
The Most Important Ritual in American Society
All major religions have rituals that help bring their faith to life. The Star-Spangled Banner is an important ritual before sporting events. And one ritual is vital to the lifeblood of our country. Will you participate in it?
Leadership Styles: Jesus vs. The Wolves
When Jesus talked about leadership, he spoke of those who served others. We still elevate leaders more wrapped up in self-promotion than in service. If we elevate wolves to lead us, don’t be surprised when we wind up as prey.
September 10, 2020
In today’s curated news and opinion headlines: a rural church reimagines the Lord’s Supper as a farm stand; Baylor and Southwestern Seminary at odds; Christian colleges are trying to survive, but will they?; Mike Pence attends an event hosted by a QAnon-supporting Christian couple; and more
Two Cents. One Cent. Little Sense.
Many retailers are asking to be paid with exact change because of a shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With pennies and nickels costing more to make than their value, is it time to stop making them? Or do we fear change?
When Western Countries Hoard Vaccines
The US and other Western nations have been buying up and hoarding vaccines and antivirals to fight the coronavirus. However, when affluent nations pursue a stockpiling strategy for their own people, poor nations pay the price.
Pandemic Hasn’t Increased US Bible Engagement
Bible disengagement remained static in 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic triggering neither an increase nor a decrease, a report found. Nearly one-third of respondents reported reading the Bible at least once a week.
September 9, 2020
In today’s curated news and opinion headlines: White supremacy is ‘Most Lethal Threat’ to US, DHS says; Christian group launches anti-Trump effort in swing states; pandemic prompts churches to consider permanent changes; the Simpsons’ 10 best episodes about religion; and more.
Is Trumpism a Cult? Let’s See.
Strong allegiance to a religious or political leader isn’t enough to make one a cultist. While not all Trump supporters are cult members, it is fair to ask if some of his loyalists have taken Trumpism to the point of cultism.
This One Word Best Describes 2020
How have we responded to COVID-19 in the US? We hoarded groceries and toilet paper. We refused to stay home or wear masks. We stormed statehouses with guns. Is this anger and selfishness the example God expects of Christians?
Unhoused People Overrepresented in Criminal Justice System
People without homes in the US are overrepresented in the criminal justice system due to punitive laws and enforcement practices, a report found. Homeless persons are 11 times more likely to be arrested than people with homes.
September 8, 2020
Today’s curated news and opinion headlines include: Rochester police praise church volunteers for keeping peace at protest; When pews are too close, one church turns to kayaks; Trump, defender of white America, inspires Germany’s far right; an African nation separates religion and state; and more
Sunday School Values Comin’ Down
Many of us were taught in childhood Sunday School classes to be kind to each other. For conservative Christians, those values go out the window when you feel threatened by shifting demographics and the loss of cultural dominance.
Parties’ Conventions Reveal Two Stark Christianities
While the theme of religion was woven into both party platforms, the similarities began and ended at the cliché of ‘God Bless America.’ The contrasting religious rhetoric at both conventions should raise questions for Christians.
September 4, 2020
In today’s curated news and opinion headlines: 600 faith leaders urge California governor to stop transfer of incarcerated people to ICE; controversial Bonhoeffer biographer Metaxas responds to viral video showing him hitting rioter; from the seabed, figures of an ancient cult; and more
Fundamentalists Have a Problem with Jesus
Fundamentalists have a problem with Jesus, trading Jesus of Nazareth with a Jesus of American nationalism, substituting Calvary’s cross with the American flag. They have remade him in their own political image.