Recent Articles
Strangers With Candy
The folks here in New England do Halloween better than most. Pumpkins, witches, ghosts, you name it. People sit out on their porches or in lawn chairs. Fire pits blaze, and shadows dance across faces I think I recognize. Some houses even have airplane bottles filled with different spirits for parents.
When my OBGYN Became My Pastor
I had my annual checkup with my OB/GYN during my birthday week this month. My doctor asked about my kiddo, who she helped deliver a few years ago and is now in preschool. Then, “Are you thinking about number two?“ This year, that question hit something raw in my soul....
‘A Hope Graven in the Dawn’: Remembering Kyle Lake
Kyle was 33 when he died. I was 31. In the days after his death, I often thought, “This is terrible, but I wonder what life will be like without Kyle when I am 40 or 50 and beyond?” Now, at 50, I have my answer.
Preparing for a Post-Election “Theology of Recovery”
The image of recovery that is familiar to us from our experience with medical treatment and healthcare often includes what we know as “rehab”— that period and process between treatment and restoration to the desired level of function. A theology of recovery would address how we might interpret and apply faith to the path forward after the “fork in the road” has been chosen.
Movie Review | Conclave
As a Baptist pastor, I know there are two kinds of meetings: The official meeting in the building, where the votes are taken and counted, and the unofficial meeting in the parking lot, where the real business of the church gets done. “Conclave” is a movie about both types of meetings conducted to select a new pope.
Trump and Cruz Fearmonger, Harris and Allred Fumble on Trans Issues
The statewide anti-trans campaign in the Texas senatorial race has mirrored the one being waged by Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, in the presidential election. And in both, they have added another wrinkle: Accusations that the U.S. government is paying for gender-affirming care for undocumented immigrants in detention for crossing the border illegally.
“You Lied to Me About God”: An Interview with Jamie Marich: Part Two
This is part two of my interview with Jamie Marich, a sought-after speaker and consultant and an expressive artist. Marich is also the author of a new and courageous memoir, “You Lied to Me About God.”
National Healing and the Rhymes of History
Mark Twain allegedly said that history may not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. We are certainly no strangers to public figures being misquoted or misrepresented, but the adage holds true.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Let’s Talk About Proverb 11 Men
For years, I had been taught about an unnamed Proverb 31 woman. But there had been no mention of these unnamed Proverb 11 men, “who trouble their households” and, as a result, “inherit the wind” (11:29a, NRSV).
“You Lied to Me About God”: An Interview with Jamie Marich: Part One
Jamie Marich is committed to helping people and systems flourish. Marich is also the author of a courageous memoir, “You Lied to Me About God.”
Enrolled Freshmen at U.S. Colleges and Universities Decreased in Fall 2024 from Previous Year
Preliminary Fall 2024 enrollment data from colleges and universities across the United States indicates a 5% decrease from 2023 in the number of first-year students enrolled, according to a National Student Clearinghouse Research Center report. The study found the dropoff more drastic for public 4-year universities (-8.6%) than for public 2-year institutions (-3.1%).
Researchers, Historians and Theologians Host Faith and Democracy Tour
With so much on the line in less than two weeks, people of good faith need to rise up, advocate, and use their voices and votes to declare faith and democracy as essential tools for a prosperous American future.
‘People, People, People’ : Catching Up With Zach Russell
Late last year, I visited with Zach Russell about his 2023 album, “Where the Flowers Meet the Dew,” which has been in heavy rotation on my playlist this year. We recently caught up to discuss his new song and writing process.
The New Deconstructors
When I was younger, I despised telling an older person about a new idea I was mulling over, only to hear some version of the response, “That’s not new.” How dare they use their experience and wisdom to disavow me of the notion that I have thought thoughts that have never been thought by the brightest thinkers who have ever thought thoughts?
An Open Letter to LGBTQ+ Trump Supporters
Christian nationalists or other extreme fundamentalist Christians generally do not believe our identities are valid. They believe that how we exist in the world and who we are are “sins.” These are not just religious beliefs they practice on their own. They are fully committed to legally stripping us of any remaining rights we have in this country.
Americans Split on Likelihood of Poll Workers Tampering with Election
With early voting underway in much of the country and in light of widespread unsubstantiated accusations of voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, voting safety and integrity are once again at the top of many Americans’ minds.
Pastor Joins Partisans in ‘Sanewashing’ Donald Trump
I find the evangelical Christian desire for a president who has a conversion story and who lives, worships, and prays like we do curious. In my lifetime, only three U.S. presidents have come close to that ideal: Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama. Bush, however, is the only one who the evangelical community has ever embraced.
People of Good Faith: An Interview with Lisa Cressman
Lisa Cressman is an Episcopal priest, who is committed to ensuring pastors thrive not only in the craft and process of preaching but in the spirituality of it. She is the founder and steward of Backstory Preaching.
Look Back | Self-formation
I doubt that Rockwell would assign any deep mystical meaning to the portrait — I suspect he just thought it would be a cute idea — but it reminds me that we all have physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects to our being.
By the Way | Evangelicals for Harris and Franklin Graham Square Off
The aging Billy Graham did seem to endorse Trump before the 2016 election. However, several people familiar with the situation have suggested that there might have been a bit of manipulation by the younger Graham to make it appear that his ailing father favored Trump.
Glorious Distraction: Some Thoughts About Children In Worship
Ultimately, “children in worship” is not a child issue. It is an adult issue. It is not an isolated “graded ministry” issue. It is a congregation-wide issue. It is a matter of listening to the angels, that is, to the messengers.
Americans Split On the Role of Labor Unions in Country’s Direction
A recent Pew Research analysis of several studies regarding the place of labor unions in the U.S. has revealed that a slim majority (55%) of Americans believe that unions positively impact the country’s direction.
Theology as Technology: Advancing the Idea of the Supernatural Self
“Don’t be so heavenly-minded that you’re no earthly good.” Head in the clouds or feet on the ground, the statement implies that one is better than the other. But what if one is done in service to the other?
Gallup Report Finds Key Indicators of Loneliness
Recent Gallup National Health and Well-Being Index results found that 20% of Americans are experiencing loneliness. The rate of those saying they felt lonely “a lot of the day yesterday” has risen from 18% in May, but is still less than the highs of 25% measured several times during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bursting Bubbles: From Being Kind to Becoming Kin
Whenever I go shopping, I am fascinated by how every other shopper seems to have an invisible bubble wrapped around them. They are so focused on their shopping list that it is all they can manage to see. They pass by intently and quietly, with only the squeaky wheel from their shopping cart breaking the heavy silence.
Election 2024: Regardless of Who Wins
No matter who the president is, I am recommitting my life to standing up, speaking out, and stepping forward, demanding freedom, inclusion and justice for all.
Families and World Leaders See Opening to Free Hostages and End War In Gaza
Yesterday, Israel announced the death of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas’ top leader, in a battle with Israeli forces in Rafah. Families of hostages taken by Hamas in the October 7, 2023 attacks praised this development. They expressed a belief that Sinwar’s death represents the best chance of hope to attain a deal to release their loved ones from captivity.
Faith and Democracy | Election 2024: What if Harris Wins?
The following Faith and Democracy series does not endorse a candidate or party in the upcoming election. Its purpose is to consider the scenarios that could play out if former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris wins the election.
I Had a Choice
Because I was 35 and considered a “geriatric pregnancy,” I was able to visit the OBGYN at the eighth week for an initial ultrasound. During the check-up, I could tell by the faces of my nurse and doctor that something was off.
A Hillbilly Eulogy
There are powers that attempt to dispossess Appalachians, to misrepresent “hillbilly,” to twist the faithful witness of our Lord into a narrow and simple ideology of control and power. To all that, I can say, with love in my heart, this is not the time to grieve like those without hope.