Recent Articles
We Asked for It
Does two weeks of digging in hot, dirty, tiring conditions sound like your idea of vacation? Here’s why my wife and I, along with several students, traveled to Tel Shimron, Israel, to do just that.
Eugenics and Scientific Racism
A report published by Japan’s parliament in mid-June sheds light on the onerous history of eugenics and its harmful use by governments around the world. Tragically, the ideology and belief undergirding eugenics are still evident today.
July 5, 2023
The ‘Shrinking Baptist Convention’ is Doubling Down on the Culture Wars; Divided Church of England to Debate Blessings for Same-Sex Unions; Anglican Church of Canada Finalizes Decision to Replace ‘For the Conversion of the Jews’ Prayer (and more)
“Our Home on Native Land:” Singing for a Change
While performing the Canadian national anthem at the NBA All-Star game in Salt Lake City, Utah in February, Jully Black changed one word of a single lyric— “our home and native land” to “our home on native land.” That preposition made all the difference.
The Danger of Going in the Wrong Direction
There is a parallel between my encounter with a driver heading the wrong way on an interstate and support for authoritarian political movements in the U.S. Sadly, many Christians have embraced these false, fear-driven narratives.
People of Good Faith: Bella Ball
Bella Ball is a Good Faith Media Ernest C. Hynds Jr. intern for the summer 2023. She is studying Management Information Systems at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
July 3, 2023
Web Designer in Supreme Court Anti-Gay Rights Ruling Cited Client Who Denies Making Wedding Site Request; Proud Boys Fined Over $1 Million for Vandalizing Sign at Black Church; Russell Dilday, Former Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary President, Dies at 92 (and more)
Sometimes We’re Better Off Expelled
Why would churches who disagree with key positions of their denomination want to stay? Why not chart a different path? There will be significant loss in leaving – but there will be even more that will be gained.
Supreme Court Affirms Long-Standing Principle of Judicial Review
The Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision on June 27 in the case of ‘Moore v. Harper.’ The ruling is significant in upholding a longstanding precedent and in affirming prior rulings limiting the independent legislature theory.
Recycled Plastics Often Contain High Levels of Toxic Chemicals
Plastics that are recycled often contain high levels toxic chemicals that can negatively impact people and the planet, according to a Greenpeace report. Thousands of chemicals are used in plastic production, and these are transferred into recycled products.
June 30, 2023
Religious Freedom Arguments Underpin Wave of Challenges to Abortion Ban; Christian Preschool Challenges Religious Exemption in Universal Preschool Program; New Life for Old Churches: These Louisville Bars, Restaurants Were Once Houses of Worship
Lessons from Gladis the ‘Killer Whale’
Orca whales have been attacking boats in the Strait of Gibraltar, with over 20 encounters in the past month. Researchers believe the matriarch of an orca pod has taught her offspring to defend their territory. What lessons and insights can we gain from their actions and example?
American Perspectives on Racism Differ Based on Political Affiliation, Race and Ethnicity
While there is a consensus on racial equality as a basic ethic, Americans still differ based on their political affiliation, race, and ethnicity regarding their views on racism, its affects, and how to address it, according to a Public Agenda/USA TODAY Hidden Common Ground survey published June 15.
Growing Number of U.S. Adults Say Only Two Genders Exist
The number of U.S. adults who affirm only two gender identities has increased in recent years, according to a new report. Nearly two-thirds say, “there are only two gender identities, man and woman.”
June 29, 2023
Saudi Arabia Wants Tourists. It Didn’t Expect Christians.; Historian: Southern Baptists Expel Churches with Women Pastors – But the Debate’s Not Just About Gender; Conservative Baptist Network God $50,000 from Far-Right Political Group Last Year (and more)
Am I Young Enough to Believe?
The Southern Baptist Convention reaffirmed its opposition to women in ministry. I left the SBC long ago, but this recalled the trailblazers ahead of me who likely cannot believe people are still questioning what women can and cannot do.
Sara Fimmano Is GFM’s Second Intern for Summer 2023
Sara Fimmano is joining Bella Ball as a Good Faith Media’s two Ernest C. Hynds Jr. interns for summer 2023. Fimmano is a student at Belmont University.
Americans More Pessimistic About Morals Than Ever
A majority of U.S. adults expressed pessimism about the nation’s morals for the first time in polling history, according to a Gallup report. More than half in the U.S. believe that America has “poor” moral values.
June 28, 2023
Election Workers in Oregon are Facing Threats and Embarrassments from Christian Nationalists as They Brace for 2024; Walgreens Pharmacist Cites His Religion for Denying a Transgender Man’s Hormone Replacement Needs; What the Titanic Submersible Saga and the Greek Migrant Shipwreck Say About Our Reactions to Tragedy
Walden Pond Is a Lake — and Words Can Be Misleading
What is the difference between a pond and a lake? This question arose following a visit to Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. It reminded me that words matter – particularly how we use them.
Into the Woods and Searching for Hope in Act 2
When all seems lost, it is helpful to remember there is usually more to the story. This is not pollyannish optimism, but it reminds us to look for glimpses of hope as our story continues.
June 27, 2023
How Christian Groups Helped Parents Pull Books from Some Pennsylvania Libraries; He Walked Away from His Evangelical Roots to Escape Feeling Suffocated. And the Wrote a Book About it. ; Former Pennsylvania Church Converted into Home is on the Market for $499,000 (and more)
Just a Reminder: America Never Fully Abolished Slavery
While Juneteenth celebrates the emancipation of African Americans from chattel slavery in the U.S., slavery was never fully abolished.
Caring for Canines and Creation
References to being “at that age” began soon after graduating from college. Many friends are now “at that age” of saying goodbye to their pets. This has led me to reflect on my dog, as well as on caring for canines and creation.
June 26, 2023
His 1956 Complaint About Bible-Reading in School Changed History. He Says Things are Worse Now.; Trump to Christian Nationalists: “Together, we’re warriors in a righteous crusade to stop the arsonists, the atheists, globalists and the Marxists … I’m Being Indicted for You”; Inside the Black Church Fighting for Reparations from California (and more)
‘True Colors: Stories of Baptist Inclusion’ Now Available from Nurturing Faith Books
The beauty of a prism lies in the way it refracts light, revealing the colors that are hidden within it. In much the same way, the contributors to ‘True Colors’ offer a range of experiences around LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Baptist tradition.
Why It’s Time to Shake the Dust From Our Feet and Move On
Responses from the Southern Baptist Convention’s decision to reaffirm that women cannot be pastors of SBC churches was met with varying responses. Here is why I refuse to engage in rational dialogue with the SBC any longer.
How a Drag Show Changed My Aversion to Revivals
My aversion to revivals is strong. Despite my own fears around anything called a “revival,” attending a recent drag show / revival has changed my mind.
June 23, 2023
The Woman Who Bought a Mountain for God; Hawley Gets Holy Hell After Juneteenth Claim About Christianity and Slavery; Praise Be to AI: Hundreds Attend Church Services Generated by ChatGPT (and more)
Road Trip Reflections
The Randalls gathered in Hanover, New Hampshire, last week to celebrate my youngest son’s graduation from Dartmouth College. A road trip back to Oklahoma with my son is a memory I’ll never forget.