Recent Articles
Begging For a Bed: The U.S. Mental Health System
I was never explicitly taught this, but somehow, I absorbed the belief that we all have control over our choices and what goes on in our brains. It was a sign of emotional and spiritual weakness if we lost that control.
Most Countries Say Social Media Is Good for Democracy
Is social media good for democracy? A new report from the Pew Research Center says, “Yes.”
New Survey: The Threat of Christian Nationalism in All 50 States
Contrary to some assertions that Christian nationalists are CINOs (Christian in name only), Christian nationalism is highly correlated with frequent church attendance.
March 6, 2024
Kentucky Governor Marks Civil Rights Event by Citing Bible in Condemning Limits on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Greek Orthodox Authorities Slap Religious Ban on Local Politicians Who Backed Same-Sex Marriage; ‘They’ve Told Me He’s Jesus’: Unpacking Trump’s Empty Pseudo-Religion (and more)
My Callous Heart
One day, we will have common sense gun laws. One day, we may even beat our swords into plowshares and our spears into pruning hooks.
New Podcast Series Highlights Leadership of Women in Ministry
A new seven-episode podcast highlights the stories of women pastors, scholars and leaders. Each episode features an interview with women serving in leadership roles as pastors, chaplains, seminary scholars, and leaders of non-profits.
Small Towns and the Spirit of the Sugarhouse
Real small towns are not marked by the ever-present fear of violence from “Bible-believing good Christian men,” but rather are those that embody the spirit of the sugarhouse.
March 5, 2024
The ‘Subversive Spirituality’ of Bob Marley is Still Being Overlooked; Black-Led Utopia Legacy Lives on in Soul City, North Carolina: ‘Courage and Conviction’; Sen. Tom Woods ‘Filth’ Comments Expose Oklahoma’s Real Moral Crisis – LGBTQ+ Kids are Dying (and more)
Give Up Hypocrisy for Lent
“Do as I say, not as I do” is an understood and socially accepted double-mindedness. We say one thing and do another. But when we say, “do as I say,” we prove that we are not leading by example.
The Reformation Project Announces It Doesn’t Endorse Queer Theology
TRP instead promotes what it calls affirming theology, which assumes that the Bible is inerrant, but has simply been misinterpreted at the expense of LGBT people. Affirming theology holds that better Bible interpretation fixes the problem.
Where Have All the Teachers Gone?
We wouldn’t show up to our doctor’s office looking for legal advice or walk into a hair salon seeking help for a car repair. Still, it seems widely assumed that teachers must go beyond their teaching capabilities to be considered successful educators.
March 4, 2024
MAGA Furious at Merrick Garland’s Remarks at Selma Church; Red-State Christian Women are Rising Up, Speaking Out to Defend IVF; A 17th-Century Nun’s Feminist Manifesto (and more)
How Can Anyone Be Pro-Palestinian? A Biblical Scholar Explains
Most Palestinians want to live in peace without further loss of land and rights. All Palestinians have abundant reasons to be highly resentful over both past and present oppression.
Biden Needs to Listen to Pope Francis: A Temporary Ceasefire Is Not Enough
As Israeli bombs continue to fall on Gaza and Israeli settlers and armed forces increase their violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank, it has never been more urgent for an American president to bring the policy of his administration in line with the Vatican’s call for peace.
The Grace of Being Good Enough
Following the Creator’s words, we value the goodness of all creation. Our worth becomes based on how our Maker sees us, not the world or our own strength.
March 1, 2024
Christian Nationalism’s Support is Strongest in Rural, Conservative States; Oklahoma Governor Quoted Scripture in Recent Speech, But Religious Leaders are Taking Issue. Here’s Why.; Islamic Scholars Call Muslim Nations to Cut Fossil Fuels, Echoing ‘Laudato Si’ (and more)
The Dangerous Rhetoric of Eradication
As the rhetoric and legislation against LGBTQ+ people intensifies, people of good faith must consistently voice their concerns and outrage.
Louisiana Faith Leaders Gather to Decry the Death Penalty, Ask for Life and Mercy
On February 28, an interfaith gathering of religious leaders met on the steps of the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. They gathered to pray, to present a petition signed by more than 200 Louisiana faith leaders who oppose House Bill 6 and in recognition of International Death Penalty Abolition Day (March 1st).
Suffering: What Was The Reason?
What we need to understand is that suffering is inevitable. Being in “holiness,” paying tithes, visiting the sick and shut-ins and attending prayer meetings doesn’t absolve us of our turn to drink from the bitter cup.
Four Women From Texas and the Enduring Racism of Musical Genre
This “divide-and-conquer” story isn’t just the story of country music. It is the story of America.
Tolerance Didn’t Save Nex Benedict– It Won’t Save You Either
Jesus called us to a much more radical love than simply putting up with someone we don’t understand.
Pull Yourself Up By Your Book-straps: Finding a Writing Community
Writing a book, navigating the publishing world, and growing in your skills do not have to be lonely or isolating experiences. Finding the right community can help you accomplish your goals.
February 28, 2024
The Supreme Court’s NetChoice Cases Could Change Online Speech Forever; ‘Anger and Fear’: School Nurse Reacts to West Virginia Bill Allowing Religious Exemptions for School Mandated Vaccines; Megachurch Pastor Admits He Broke the Law Telling Church to Vote Republican (and more)
Comrade Abbott and the Russian Christian Nationalists at Our Border
Football stadiums packed with packing Texans and no referees on the field? That would make for a war zone to end all end zones.
The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference Meets in Chicago to Reimagine, Rethink and Reinvent
The Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference was held in Chicago, Illinois, on February 19-22. The theme for the Clergy and Leadership Conference was “Where Legacy Meets Future: Reimagine! Rethink! Reinvent!”
Supreme Court Hears Case That Could Do Irreparable Harm to the Working-Class
This case has been falsely presented as the story of a small business crushed and choked out by over-regulation. In reality, the case tells a different story.
February 27, 2026
Trump Tells Christian Nationalists They Will Have Power at ‘Level You’ve Never Before Used’; Three West Texas Billionaires are Pushing Texas to Far Right Christian Nationalism; Alabama IVF Ruling Divides Far Right Christians: ‘Fewer Children Will Be Born’ (and more)
Give Up Denial for Lent
So, we’re just going to keep on pretending? Our only option cannot be to stick to the worship program, given the state of the world, the economy and American democracy. In addition to giving up denial for Lent, I would like it addressed in a sermon series.
Black Pastors, Socio-Economic Disparity, and Sabbath
The nagging question for me as a Black pastor leading a predominantly Black congregation in a marginalized neighborhood with limited resources, is how can I model what neither I nor my people can often afford?
Alabama Supreme Court Recruits the Bible for a Job it Refuses to Accept
On February 16, 2024, the Alabama Supreme Court issued a decision in the LePage v. Mobile Infirmary Clinic case. The ruling has placed a threatening cloud of legal uncertainty over in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments in Alabama by equating a frozen embryo to a living child.