Recent Articles
July 27, 2023
Faith Leaders Call on Lawmakers to Improve Heat Response in Arizona; How Christianity Conquered Rome Through Simple Math; Biden Honors Emmett Till and His Mother With New National Monument (and more)
How Freedom Has Been Redefined to Deny Human Rights
In the name of this freedom, self-proclaimed “patriots” gathered to prevent the peaceful transfer of power after a free and fair U.S. election. It is one of many instances in which freedom has been redefined to deny human rights.
Job Description of a Church Member:12 Ways to Enrich and Energize Your Spiritual Community
These days many have departed or disconnected from the local church. However, many other members and non-members are thinking in fresh ways about the positive role of the church as they address their need for spiritual community and their desire to serve in ways that make a difference.
July 26, 2023
A Missouri Church God Millions to Run Meals Program. Then Came Questions About Salaries, Spending.; A School Board in Missouri, Now Controlled by Christian Nationalists, Revokes Anti-racism Resolution; Thousands of Christians Demand Ban of Pro-Trump Event on Public Property (and more)
New Roots Urban Farm Is Church Near the Corner of Hogan and N Market Street
It’s not in the church on the corner. Instead, it’s right outside, sprouting new life right this very minute, as God always, always does.
Teachers Shouldn’t Need Wish Lists
Tyler, collector of vintage toys, records, comic books, and tattoos, would most certainly delight in a limited-edition Rick Flair wrestling figure or comic bookstore gift card on his birthday. However, I know he would rather have the tools he needs to educate his students and the state is simply not providing them.
America Is Not “Becoming More Divided”
America is not “becoming more divided.” With politicians spouting racism “as plain as day,” if you have ears to hear it, then you know that this goes back to America’s founding.
Many Americans Believe That the U.S. Southern Border Is in “Crisis”
Nearly three-quarters of Americans believe that the U.S. Southern border is in “crisis” or that the situation is a major problem according to a Gallup report published July 14.
July 24, 2023
Science ‘Supersedes’ Creationism, Einstein Tells Religious Students in Newly Revealed Letter;‘Backbone of the Church.’ In the Wake of Baptist Debate, Oklahoma Female Clergy Share Stories; Rambling Donald Trump Dodged Answering Questions About His Christian Faith at Campaign Town Hall (and more)
Look Back| U.S. Rep. John Lewis Was ‘Sold on Social Gospel’
By Aaron Weaver – 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?
On Religious Liberty in Cuba
My first-hand experience in Cuba contradicts the U.S. Commission On International Religious Freedom 2023 report and causes me to question its claims of being “objective, thorough, and fair.”
The Shell Game: Centrist Christians’ Favorite Game
The greatest enemy of freedom is not white Christian nationalists breaching the U.S. Capitol. It’s white moderate — now centrist — Christian males advocating for civility over justice.
Wisdom Wherever You Find It| A Faith in Better Tomorrows
The scramble to erect blockades to the honest public expression of an honest internal landscape says more about the insecurity of the proponents of these barbed-wire barriers than anything else. They are fighting a losing battle and, as such, are on the wrong side of history.
Breaking Up Is Hard to Do
I believe in the importance of journalism, including local journalism. I love the feel of a print newspaper in my hands. Still, though it breaks my heart, we have to break up.
A Pastor With No Vision
In this office, one is continuously asked to manage and address a specific query. What’s your plan for us? What’s your vision for this church?
The Challenge of Unpursued Truth
A recent lectionary text for worship question calls into question whose voice we’re hearing.
‘Morning Conversations on the Prophetic Word’ Now Available from Nurturing Faith Books
Morning Conversations on the Prophetic Word: Isaiah–Malachi by Jon R. Roebuck is now available from Nurturing Faith Books, Good Faith Media’s publishing imprint. This is the fourth volume in a five-part series.
Never Forget: No Reparations for Survivors of the Tulsa Race Massacre
Survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre filed a lawsuit for reparations and the rebuilding of the Greenwood District. Caroline Wall, an Oklahoma judge, dismissed it and don’t you ever forget it.
How Realistic Fiction Promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
A good story offers readers both a reflection of themselves and a window into the lives of others. The genre of realistic fiction does both of these well, helping to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in our schools and communities.
Emerging Voices | How Comfort Can Make Us Complacent
Jesus didn’t settle for the luxuries of his title or seek to be crowned king after performing a few miracles. So, why don’t we all learn from him and step out of our comfort zones?
Overall Confidence in U.S. Institutions Hits All-Time Low
There is little improvement in American’s confidence in U.S. institutions, according to a Gallup report published on July 6.
July 14, 2023
Florida Rabbi Challenges the Bible on Library Shelves in Palm Beach County Public Schools; Some Evangelicals Rejoice at the Church of England’s Fossil Fuel Divestment; The Gunman Who Killed 11 People in Pittsburgh is Eligible for the Death Penalty (and more)
Good Faith Media Creates Endowment Fund in Honor of John D. Pierce
Good Faith Media has established an endowment fund in honor of John D. Pierce. The John D. Pierce Endowment Fund is a planned giving opportunity for foundations, institutions and individuals interested in supporting faith-based journalism.
Why I’m Unashamedly Progressive, and What Defines My Progressive Faith
Once a flaming fundamentalist, here’s why I am now unashamedly progressive.
Imagining God
How you imagine God as children will have a spiritual effect on us into adolescence and adulthood.
July 13, 2023
‘Get back in line with God’: Fundamentalism Christian YouTubers furious with Duggar documentary ‘Shiny Happy People’; The Surprising Share of Americans Who Don’t See Political Divisions at Church; Evangelical Churches Turn to US Jewish Nonprofit to Help Them Have Hard Conversations
Body/Building: Season Four of The Raceless Gospel Podcast Calls for Embodiment
Season four of The Raceless Gospel podcast invites listeners to take a fresh look at what it means to follow Jesus – to the ends of the earth and/or into a church building.
Hearing Voices
A recent lectionary text for worship calls into question whose voice we’re hearing. How can we discern when it is the voice of God and when it is our personal desire?
July 12, 2023
Iowa Republicans Pass a New, 6-Week Abortion Ban; For Too Many Christians, the Lines Between Dominionism, Nationalism and Fascism are Blurred; Black Southern Baptist Churches Challenge Denomination’s Vote to Ban Women in Leadership (and more)
A Baptist Dog Tale
The tail is allowed to wag the dog in too many Baptist churches. This creates unhealthy dynamics and prevents congregations from living into their internally professed but outwardly hidden identity. It’s well past time for this to change.