Recent Articles
Three New Books Available From Nurturing Faith Books
Merrill Davies chronicles one man’s work to make meaning out of his life in the 20th century and Tony W. Cartledge gives access to a multitude of ideas, insights, and illustrations for those who heed the call to equip disciples to follow more faithfully in the ways of Jesus in the newest titles from Nurturing Faith Books, the publishing imprint of Good Faith Media.
August 21, 2023
Southern Baptist Leader Resigns Over Resume Lie; Trump Indicted in Georgia for His Election Lies: Why do His Evangelical Supporters Remain Loyal to Him?; British Historian Tom Holland: ‘Today’s Christian Culture is Trying to Purge Itself of Christianity’ (and more)
People of Good Faith: Justin Fung
Justin B. Fung is a Washington, DC-based pastor, worship leader, and liturgist, whose passion is for discipleship and spiritual formation that is evidenced by justice and peace, particularly in multicultural, multiethnic, and multiclass contexts.
Apocalypse Now
My interest is motivation. I would lift up the apocalypse as a sign of hope for this world.
August 18, 2023
A Religious Calling to Protect Democracy; Religion Literacy Course is an Eyeopener for Maryland Educators; Review: ‘Bible Belt,’ a Song by Houston-Born Lou Ridley that Recounts Her ‘Religious Trauma’ (and more)
Defending Freedom and Human Rights: The 2023 Parliament of the World’s Religions
The Parliament of the World’s Religions convened over 7,000 individuals from multiple faiths this week in Chicago. This year’s theme was “Defending Freedom and Human Rights.”
Gallup Finds Democrats and Republicans are Dissatisfied with Race Relations
There are several partisan gaps among Americans, but race relations is not one of them, according to a Gallup report released on August 7.
August 17, 2023
As Maui Rescue Continues, Families and Faith Leaders Cling to Hope But Tackle Reality of Loss; Ilhan Omar defends anti-abortion activist for posting about Jesus after GOP congressman called her ‘bigoted’; Kyle Rittenhouse, White Christian Nationalist Hero for His Killing of Black Activists, Launches Nonprofit with Far-Right Texans as He Ramps Up Political Engagement in the State (and more)
This I Can Do
Each time I went to vote, it seemed to me that the election workers were having a lot of fun. So, when the opportunity came for me to work a primary election, I jumped at the chance.
Religious Endowments: Five Ways to Move Beyond Stagnancy
Stagnant money yields stagnant congregations. Spending money is mission consistent.
August 16, 2023
Important Symbols of Hawaii’s Complex Religious History Were Also Lost in the Fire; A Religious Ritual in Iran Becomes a New Form of Protest; Ghana’s Plans for a National Cathedral are Mired in Controversy and Delays – But Also Reflect Religion’s Strong Role in the Nation’s Identity (and more)
Rethinking Original Sin
This idea of an implanted seed of sin, however, seems to take humanity off the hook from personal responsibility — and be somewhat at odds with our created state that God deemed good. What makes more sense to me is to see “original sin” in a more specific way: that is the human proclivity to seek control over others.
By the Way: Minding the Store at Christianity Today
The initial issue trumpeted evangelicalism’s “relevance to the world crisis.”
Occasionally, the magazine approached that goal. Too often, it has settled for mediocrity and for reflecting a perceived consensus.
Montgomery Goddamn!
African Americans are celebrating that Damien Pickett, co-captain of the Harriott II Riverboat, was not murdered in Montgomery, Alabama, after he was physically assaulted by multiple European American men and women on August 5. Members of the crew and paying customers came to his defense, besting his attackers on a dock that once served as a slave port in a formerly well-known slave trading community.
The Life and Death of Ethel Cain
Preacher’s Daughter still feels like a secret treasure even after attracting well-deserved public praise and attention on social media.
August 14, 2023
Christianity Today Editor: Conservative Evangelicals Call Jesus ‘Liberal’ and ‘Weak’; United Methodist Pastors Feel Worse and Worry More Than a Decade Ago; Republicans Invoke Noah’s Ark in Court to Defend Greg Abbot’s Border Buoys (and more)
Confusing Symptoms With Our Disease
[T]he deeper problem – meaning the disease – is that a sizable part of the U.S. adult voting population in one of the major political parties believes that a wealthy white man should not face charges for allegedly criminal conduct. They believe Trump is superior to the rest of us.
Starlette Thomas Named Interim Managing Editor for News and Opinion
Starlette Thomas has been named interim managing editor for news and opinion at Good Faith Media.
August 11, 2023
Progressive National Baptists Gain Partners to Address Voting Rights, Gun Violence; Black Leaders Blast Desantis ‘Atrocities’ Outside State Education Building; 200-Year-Old Hawaii Church, Home to Royal Graves, Destroyed by Wildfire (and more)
When Losing the Debate, Change the Rules
Traditionally a solidly red state, Kansas voters resoundingly communicated their deep desire for women to keep reproductive care. It was now evident that conservatives could no longer depend on voters. They needed a new plan to implement their draconian laws: If you cannot win the public debate — change the rules.
Jesus Changed His Mind; You Can, Too
My friend and colleague Kristian Smith preached a message after the overturning of Roe v. Wade called Holding Jesus Accountable that radically changed my perspective on Mark 7:24-30 and the concept of accountability.I want to take his observations and apply them to a different facet of Jesus’ ministry and our relationships with one another.
August 10, 2023
Birmingham Foot Soldiers Recount Experiences Before 60th Anniversary of Church Bombing; The Surprising Staying Power of Dispensationalism; In Setback for LDS Church, Appeals Court Reinstates Tithing Lawsuit Fraud Case (and more)
New Florida Teachings Standard is a Racist Revision of History
Rewriting history is an attempt to limit awareness of social structures’ complicity in denying personhood to those who are of color. But it is never enough to simply repress bodies; minds must also be controlled.
Hollywood Strike: A Lesson in Togetherness
For many of us, this strike has little direct effect on our lives— other than potentially decreasing the quality of television programming and postponing movies for the foreseeable future. However, this is much more.
August 9, 2023
Ohio Voters Easily Reject Ballot Proposal in State’s Special Election, Thereby Protecting Abortion Rights; Black Georgia Church Started Before End of Slavery Celebrates 160 Years in Community; Teen Accused in Brooklyn Hate Crime Stabbing is ‘Good Christian Boy,’ Attorney Says (and more)
Is Curiosity a Spiritual Gift?
What if we became more curious about what it means to be faithful followers of Jesus?
U.S. Is Not Universally Viewed as ‘More Religious’ Than Other Countries
Nearly a quarter of the world (23%) does not consider the United States ‘more religious’ when compared to other wealthy nations, according to a Pew Research report released July 31.
August 8, 2023
About 100 Milwaukee Faith Leaders Launch Campaign Against Christian Nationalism; A Florida Baptist Leader Wants to Have a Chat with Governor DeSantis About History Standards; Moody Bible College Asks Federal Appeals Court to Allow it to Discriminate Against Women Pastors (and more)
Faith in Lies: Why So Many White Christians Worship Donald Trump
To worship someone is “to regard [that individual] with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion.” Donald Trump, America’s biggest criminal by far, is worshiped by much of white evangelical America.
Employees Are “Half In, Half Out” at Their Current Job
Fifty percent of employees are looking for the exit, according to a Gallup report published July 27.