Recent Articles
A New Worship Resource Is Available From Nurturing Faith Books
The newest book on the shelf at Good Faith Media’s bookstore offers resources for personal and communal worship.
America Going From a Culture War to a Civil War Is Not a Stretch of the Imagination
America’s current culture war can quickly lead to a civil war. Northern versus Southern states now Red versus Blue states, this country has been in conflict for hundreds of years.
A New Report Captures How College Students Are Feeling
College students are worried and stressed, according to a Gallup report published in early August.
September 25, 2023
After Florida Restricts Black History, Churches Step up to Teach It; An Army for Trump Sees 2024 as the ‘Last Change to Save the Nation’; Huckabee: 2024 Will be Last Election ‘Decided by ballots rather than bullets’ if Trump Loses Over Legal Case; Yom Kippur is the Holiest Day of the Year in Judaism. Here’s What That Means (and more)
Look Back| What Should We Call Ourselves?
I used to pride myself in being Mexican-American, saying the hyphen served as a bridge between two cultures. These days I find myself wanting to draw the bridge up or burn it down.
Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) and Trusting Relationships
The challenge is to turn toward our conflicts, differences and difficulties with spiritual ascension, nonjudgmental awareness, and spiritual compassion (actions) as we relate to others. This mandates beginning and maintaining trusting relationships.
Nevertheless She Preached 2023
The conference focused on everlasting female and queer voices. Many of the speakers preached and spoke about the importance of matriarchal voices and representation.
By the Way| Brazen and Illegal
The act was brazen and according to the canons of the Episcopal Church, illegal. On July 29, 1974, eleven women gathered at Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia and were ordained to the priesthood.
Things Are Not As Bad As They Seem
Americans have long believed that social inequities are not as bad as they seem. But as was the case in Germany, that view has always been not merely debatable, but wrong.
The Kin-dom is Kin- nough: A Queer Take on ‘Barbie’
There’s one doll in this movie who didn’t get closure and inclusion: Allan, Ken’s best friend. In a binary-based world where everyone’s either a gorgeous Barbie or a handsome Ken, where does Allan belong?
While Healing from Church Hurt, Consider These Resources
For individuals who want to do more outside of sessions with their therapists, I recommend these texts, interviews and podcasts as resources.
Simon Cowell Puts a Spotlight on Therapy
As a therapist, I appreciate not just what Cowell has done to bring forward new talent around the world, but also to encourage men to not be afraid to seek therapy.
“Free, White and Twenty-One”: Who’s Holding Believers in White Supremacy Accountable?
I have these visions of a raceless kin-dom that is coming. But I still see what’s right in front of me. White supremacy propping itself up with more and more dead bodies.
Book Review| From Distrust to Trust: Controversies and Conversations in Faith Communities
From Distrust to Trust is written to help congregations encounter these shifts with honest dialogue and hopeful trust. This book ably describes health-giving trust as a means to explore these changes.
Fellowship Southwest’s Inaugural Compassion & Justice Conference Centers Storytelling, Truth-Telling and Embodiment
Fellowship Southwest held its inaugural Compassion & Justice Conference in Dallas, Texas, on September 8-9. The conference brought together award-winning authors, well-known speakers, worship leaders and attendees committed to justice for the sake of a more compassionate world.
Look Back | An Ethics of Continuity
When you feel frustrated by a lack of progress, or overwhelmed by the pace of change, consider the writer of Ecclesiastes. It reminds us that transitions are inevitable and that there is ‘nothing new under the sun.’
Expanding the Concept of Ekklēsia
Over the last week, my understanding of ekklēsia (church) has expanded. In four instances, I discovered the concept of ekklēsia in traditional and nontraditional settings.
Say What? Transposing an Iconic Sermon Title
Most memorable was the professor’s suggestion that in some
circumstances there was value in looking at the theology behind certain evangelical
appeals—specifically the concept of God reflected therein. He proposed that if Edwards
were preaching in our time, his title might need to be “God in the Hands of Angry
Sinners.”
Wisdom Wherever You Find It: In Between
It is in that gap between order and disorder that we live our lives, both on a macro level and a micro level.
How Many Americans Drink Alcohol?
More than 60% of Americans drink alcohol, according to a Gallup report released last month.
Putting Away Childish Things
Much of the hostile, grievance-driven ideology that has arisen within American religious and political life today looks absolutely nothing like the kind of love to which Paul speaks — the unbridled love that is the nature of God and is commended for those who follow Jesus.
Embracing Uncertainty
I wonder if there is another way. What if instead of running from uncertainty, we embrace it?
The North American Church Needs a Fresh Pair of Eyes
True prophets call it like God sees it. Their words will make you rub your eyes. Why then are we seeing no difference between American Christianity and the American empire?
In-Person or Virtual Religious Services? A New Survey Reveals Why Some Americans Have a Preference
With the option to attend religious services in-person or online, most U.S. adults prefer in-person, according to a Pew Research survey released on September 6.
PragerU Gotta Be Kidding Me
As part of Pastors for Oklahoma Kids, an urgent message arrived in my email this week: Oklahoma State Superintendent Ryan Walters established a new “partnership” with PragerU, a radically conservative media company attempting to provide school resources nationwide.
What Insecurity Can Teach Us on the Anniversary of the Occupy Wall Street Movement
Idolatry is no bull. It is a spiritual and economic reality.
September 8, 2023
Far Right Extremist Christian Lawmakers Push Battle Over Church and State After Roe; Why Some Americans Prefer to Go to Religious Services in Person and Others Prefer to Watch Virtually; Not Religious, Not Voting” The ‘Nones’ are a Powerful Force in Politics – But Not Yet a Coalition (and more)
Seeking Joy in the Land of Despair: Relearning to Color Outside the Lines
I had, for too many days, taken up residence in a land of despair. I sat at my desk wondering if our well-meaning work on issues at the intersection of faith and culture really makes a difference in the world.
10 Benefits of Being in a Pastor Peer Group
In the realm of spiritual leadership, pastors shoulder a weighty responsibility of guiding, supporting, and nurturing their congregations. During this journey, one invaluable resource that can serve as a lifeline is a pastor peer group.
Forced Sterilization in America Is Not a Thing of the Past
Surely, we no longer sterilize women of color without their consent. Right? Wrong!