Recent Articles
July 28: Final Virtual Good Faith Forum on Racial Justice
Good Faith Media will host its final racial justice forum on July 28. Terrell Carter will moderate the forum, focusing on policing reform. Panelists Danielle L. Bridgeforth, Saint Rice and Bruce Prescott will join him.
July 23, 2020
Today’s curated news stories include an analysis of the dangers now confronting America’s democracy, an upcoming rally of evangelical pastors and right wing extremists, a coronavirus outbreak from a West Virginia church, and trends of Bible reading during the pandemic.
We’ll Get Through COVID-19 – Just Not Yet
COVID-19 is no respecter of persons. It imperils some more than others, but the many layers of its far-reaching impact leave no one untouched. It will go down fighting, but it will go down. We will get through it. Just not yet.
Lewis Inspired Others to Seek ‘Equal Justice’
Even as the nation attempts to go backward, the words of U.S. Rep. John Lewis, who died July 17, propel the next generation forward. The civil-rights legend was not deterred and wasn’t ‘gonna let nobody turn (him) ’round.’
U.S. Rep. John Lewis Was ‘Sold on Social Gospel’
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, civil-rights icon who died July 17, kept the faith. He was akin to a beloved Baptist pastor whose congregation was Atlanta’s 5th District. He loved everyone. Will we follow his footsteps and keep the faith?
July 22, 2020
Today’s curated news headlines include a tribute to John Lewis, a focus on racism, a story about religion and the presidential election, and a historical Louisville receiving the recognition it deserves.
Congressman John Lewis: Getting Into ‘Good Trouble’
U.S. Congressman John Lewis spent his whole adult life working and fighting to deliver the US from its addiction to injustice, hate, greed and hypocrisy. He encouraged all of us to join him into getting into ‘good trouble.’
It’s Time to Make Black Lives Matter
The sign in my yard says it all: Black lives matter. Some argue all lives matter, but if life matter, Black lives matter too. For too long, Black lives have not mattered for many of us. And I have been complicit in this accusation.
Reaction and Response: Work Remains on Gender Equality
While the public’s affirmation that women should be treated as men is good, the US still must deal with gender inequality across all its sectors, according to a census of faith leaders reacting to a Pew report.
July 21, 2020
Today’s curated news stories a reflection on civil rights leaders John Lewis and C. T. Vivian; faith leaders’ fight against the death penalty; church struggles with the coronavirus; and a story about a prominent cathedral that is no longer a tourist draw.
A Memorable Lunch with John Lewis Recalled
I was showing international students around Atlanta during Christmas break in 1986. Congressman-elect John Lewis agreed to meet us at Paschal’s Restaurant, where he shared his civil-rights experiences over the diner’s soul food.
Are S-Word, F-Word Proper This Election?
The S-word has already been bandied about this election season but we ought to be more alarmed about the F-word. While the GOP unfairly labels Joe Biden as a socialist, we should pay more attention to a president who admires fascism.
Open Letter: SEC Should Postpone, Cancel College Football
The leadership of the Southeastern Conference can speak boldly with one voice by canceling or postponing the start of the college football season until spring, putting the lives of athletes, coaches and fans ahead of profit.
July 20, 2020
Today’s curated news headlines include articles about: remembering civil rights hero Congressman John Lewis; white supremacy; racial injustice and efforts for mutual understanding; and a political candidate seeking to enlarge the religious tent.
3 Difficult Steps to Restore Broken Racial Reconciliation
Reconciliation is hard work. Fixing what has been broken for over 400 years between Blacks and whites in the US cannot be taken lightly. Reconciliation is costly, controversial and often painful but it’s also transformational.
Baylor, White Churches Must Bare Racist Pasts Before Reparations
Churches should be willing to make reparations, but first, they must study their racist history to document their debt. Many white institutions and churches worked hard to not just whitewash their slavery legacy but even forget it.
Reaction and Response: US Gives Notice to Withdraw from WHO
The World Health Organization may have its flaws, but as two Baptist leaders pointed out, it remains a vital organization to deal with the health of the world, not only the current pandemic but other health risks as well.
July 17, 2020
In today’s curated headlines news: Reparations; a Cross Burning; Evangelical Women in Texas; and Divine Judgment
Are We Treating Our Kids Like Canaries in Coal Mines?
As politicians, including President Donald Trump, push for schools to reopen in the fall, regardless of the rising number of COVID-19 cases, it begs the question: Are we treating our children like canaries in the coal mines?
Will You Extend Grace to Disillusioned, Exploited Citizens?
As we approach this year’s election, many people will deal with the disappointment of having been taken in by charismatic leaders and causes, only to find their loyalty exploited. Will we be willing to extend grace to those folks?
Good Faith Media Forums on Racial Justice Continue July 21
Good Faith Media will host the second of three virtual forums on racial justice on July 21, focusing on nationalism, white Christian nationalism and white supremacy. The third and final forum will be held July 28.
July 16, 2020
Today’s curated news headlines include stories about Mormon millennials, a biblical ‘visual genome’, young Asian American Christians and more.
Hook, Line and Sinker
The ancients were much smarter than we think. Two articles remind us how human ingenuity developed over time, including one that said humans in northern Israel mastered the art of making string at least 120,000 years ago.
Playing Fast, Loose with Truth in Deadly Coronavirus Days
Playing fast and loose with the definition of truth may have been frustrating before, but in these coronavirus days, mislabeling truth has deadly consequences. One must wonder why Christians seem sometimes to be immune to truth.
US Child Well-Being Improves Overall; Racial Inequities Remain
The well-being of U.S. children continues to improve by most measures, a new report said. However, ‘the nation’s racial inequities remain deep, systemic and stubbornly persistent,’ the report cautioned.
July 15, 2020
Today’s curated news stories include articles about white Christians and racism, Republican Christians’ charges that Trump is using Christians to further his own purposes, and new scholarship about the Dead Sea Scrolls.
When You Overgeneralize Generations, You Miss Major Nuances
Paying attention to generational tendencies is good. However, it is wise not to overgeneralize various generations. Not all older adults are wise, for example; just look at the fear-based nonsense many of them share on Facebook.
Building Off-Ramps to Avoid Divisive Internet Rants – Part 2
History feels frightening right now to many white people. They’re afraid of what they’re just beginning to know. Our job is to take some risks, redirect our own internet ranting and build off-ramps for those willing to take them.
Strong Majority in US Wants Policing Reform Measures
A majority of the U.S. public supports many policing reform measures, a report found. Seven out of 10 possible policing reforms in the poll were strongly or somewhat favored by a majority of adults.
July 14, 2020
Today’s curated news headlines include a report on how religion influences happiness, how churches and church groups are now responding to COVID-19, and more.