Recent Articles
Tempted to Believe the Worst? We Know Better
2020 has been tough. It is easy to start believing the worst watching the chaos. The months ahead will likely continue to be stressful and challenging. When tempted to believe the worst, remember ‘we know better than that.’
More Than Half Oppose Universal Basic Income
Majority of U.S. adults oppose universal basic income, a report says. When asked if they would favor or oppose a $1,000 per month government payment to all citizens, 54% of respondents opposed this, while 45% favored it.
September 3, 2020
In today’s curated news and opinion headlines: Baptist Calvinists defend slavery of Southern Seminary’s founders; American Christianity’s white supremacist problem; Christian group seeks removal of dinosaur from Tuscon McDonalds; and more
More Than One Vaccine Needed
Sometimes, we have to feel bad in order to feel better. We must feel discomfort to work toward comfort. We must know pain to get to a better place. As we wait for a COVID-19 vaccine, our society also needs a ‘vaccine’ for racism.
The Labor Day Paradox: A Day of Not-Work
Working 14-hour days and 80-hour weeks in a hospital’s infection prevention department, COVID-19 turned me into a workaholic. This Labor Day, I’ll embrace the paradox of celebrating work with a day of not-work.
Why VP’s Speech Was Not Christian Nationalism
While many decried VP Mike Pence’s speech, which replaced ‘Jesus’ for ‘Old Glory,’ during the Republican National Convention, it was not an example of Christian nationalism. It was an example of idolatry. Here’s why.
September 2, 2020
In today’s curated news and opinion headlines: Church aid to Kenosha seized by police; Liberty University announces investigation of Falwell’s presidency; ‘Latter-Day Saints for Trump’; 500 faith leaders endorse Biden and Harris; a new, ancient discovery in Israel; and more
Kudzu, Kinfolks and Me: A Family Tree Search
Many, perhaps even most folks, who grew up white in the South, can uncover ‘ways in which white supremacy, like kudzu, has crept its way forward through the family tree.’ Here’s what I found digging into my family tree’s roots.
Have Churches Pursued Justice for Laborers?
While capitalism has created enormous wealth, society has only partially committed to achieving distributive justice. With income inequality at its highest in 50 years, how have churches responded to robust capitalism?
Fearing COVID-19, Patients Avoid Hospitals
Our hospitals are cleaner and safer than ever, yet many vulnerable patients aren’t seeking treatment for congestive heart failure, heart attack or stroke because they fear catching COVID-19. If you’re sick, please go see your doctor.
September 1, 2020
In today’s curated news and headlines: The thin blue line between violent, pro-Trump militias and police; evangelical voters who are not voting for Trump; the shooter in Kenosha; Black Christians play a crucial role in athlete activism, and more.
No More Playing Around with Police Brutality
With athletes sending a clear message against police brutality, we watched one Black man get shot in the back by police while a white man shot and killed two people, walking passed police to drive home. Let’s end the hypocrisy.
Don’t Let Anxiety Fatigue Claim the Victory
Months of facing a global pandemic has left many of us experiencing anxiety fatigue. As we approach Labor Day 2020, may we rise above the chronic anxiety we all feel to create lasting changes that shape the future.
GOP Wraps Convention: Dark Day in US Politics
With Franklin Graham commencing it with a prayer, the fourth night of the GOP convention was filled with speeches, fireworks and music. That night, however, will go down as one of the many dark days in American politics.
August 31, 2020
Today’s curated news and opinion headlines include: Mike Pence rewriting a Bible verse to replace Jesus with the American flag; the role of religion in the presidential election; how Black Lives Matter is changing the Church; who sleeps better? Baptists or atheists?; and much more.
People of Good Faith: Cliff Vaughn
Cliff Vaughn is the media producer for Good Faith Media, where he has worked for 20 years producing documentaries, videos and podcasts.
Controversy Follows Pompeo’s RNC Speech
Another controversy embroiled night two of the Republican National Convention on Aug. 25 with Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s brief appearance, breaking a longstanding tradition of diplomats not making partisan speeches.
After Tragedy, How to Move Forward in Life
Mental health issues are a matter of life and death. Our apocalyptic pandemic has been an accelerant on mental health issues. A new book details the grief faced by a congregation and a pastor when tragedy hit home.
While News May Be Bleak, Don’t Despair
The news is bleak. Near record-breaking unemployment levels. An ever-widening wealth gap. Black households making far less than white households do. And on it goes. Despite this news, we must rejoice in the God of our salvation.
August 28, 2020
Today’s curated news and opinion headlines include: Charleston Church massacre looms over SC hate crimes bill; White Christians should ask ‘What would Jesus Do?”; Religious tourism during the pandemic; Latin America churches and pastors hit hard by pandemic; In Australia, wealth, not faith, drives most students to religious schools; and more
How You Can Create Light in Dark Days
Butterflies. Hummingbirds. Cardinals. These new visitors to my backyard provide joy and peace to my mornings in these dark days. As the skies grow darker, what are people of good faith to do? Fight darkness by finding your light.
RNC Rhetoric Presents Trump as Savior
With a mixture of fear and Christian rhetoric, the Republican National Convention is depicting President Trump as the savior of the US and Western civilization. Expect to see more of this messaging as the election nears.
How Do Lord of the Rings, Revelation Differ?
J.R.R. Tolkien’s masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, shows characters facing difficult times longing for their normal home life. It’s a comforting tale for us as we struggle with a pandemic and a longing to go back to normal.
August 27, 2020
Today’s curated news and headlines include: Evangelicals looking for answers online and finding QAnon; Buried Baptist history in Connecticut; Politics in Mormon Land; and more
Are We Erasing History – or Cementing It?
Critics claim removing Confederate statues is erasing history, but perhaps we’re cementing a clearer understanding of the original purpose of these statues and condemning it. Their removal is long overdue.
In COVID-19 Era, Back to Where We’ve Never Been
Thomas Wolfe said you can’t go home again. And the Israelites, according to 2 Isaiah, learned they couldn’t return to home as they had known it. So when we long to return to normal after COVID-19, it isn’t going to be the same.
Sharing Your Faith When Words Escape You
Many of us who want to share our faith go blank during conversation, don’t know what to say or fear being misunderstood. For a fresh approach to share your faith, consider the four simple points of The Way of Mission.
August 26, 2020
Jerry Falwell Resigns from University After Back-and-Forth Monday (United Press International) First Night of Republican Convention Marked by Ambivalence, Fear (National Catholic Reporter) Survey Reveals Impact of COVID-19 on Congregations (Lutheran Reporter) Standoff...
My 9 Nonpartisan Actions Before Election Day
Voting is central to a functional democratic government. Our duty as US citizens is to participate in this foundational practice. Recognizing that, here are nine actions I plan to carry out between now and the November election.
How Evangelicals Became Easy Pickin’ for Politicians
By simply raising a few hot-button issues and employing related terms, politicians have learned they can attract many churchgoers to their causes like bugs to a lone light. How did this happen? Here are 3 things to consider.