Recent Articles
Trust in Charitable Organizations Increases Among U.S., Canadian Adults
Adults in the U.S. and Canada are expressing more trust in charitable causes and organizations, according to a Better Business Bureau report. Trust in U.S. religious charities rose for the first time in four years.
December 13, 2022
Climate Change and Christianity: Some Chattanooga Area Believers Find Small Acts of Stewardship are a Start; Being Religion Affects Your Relationship Choice; Theologian: What Sort of Christian Story is Viable in Our Time? (and more)
Unwrapping Christmas | Is There a Difference Between Merry Christmas and Merry Xmas?
He says, “Christmas.” She says, “Xmas.” Some Christians disagree on how an invitation to celebrate Jesus’ birth should read. It reveals how little some of us know about early Christian symbols and traditions.
The Highway of Advent
The massive road-building project that is the interstate highway system divided communities across the nation, creating situations of injustice and inequality. By contrast, Advent reminds us of a divine road-building project that is bringing justice and equity.
Weekly Churchgoers Only Faith Group Without Majority Approving Marijuana Legalization
Weekly churchgoers in the U.S. were the only faith group without a majority of respondents favoring the legalization of marijuana, according to a Gallup report. Political conservatives were the only other demographic group without majority support.
December 12, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: As Attendance Dips, Churches Change to Stay Relevant for a New Wave of Worshipers; United Methodist Split: 198 Churches Leave North Alabama Conference; 2 Books Reach Same Conclusion on Organized Religion in America (and more)
Blowing the Whistle on Human Rights Violations
Last week, an all-female referee crew took the pitch at a World Cup match for the first time. It was significant moment that offered a reminder that we need to promote and defend women’s rights around the world.
Report Details How Some Faith Groups Were Blamed for the Pandemic
On November 29, Pew Research Center published a report showing how government restrictions have impacted religious groups and their sacred spaces specifically. It also detailed how religious groups were blamed for the pandemic.
Look Back | Overcoming the Politics of Fear with Faith
The politics of fear afflicts our culture and infects our congregations. So, perhaps the rightful role of faith in politics is to overcome fear.
December 9, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: With Race in Mind, Christians Reconsider Language of Dark and Light at Advent; Greek Orthodox Church Destroyed on 9/11 Reopens; Friction Over LGBTQ Issues Worsens in Global Anglican Church (and more)
Leave and Learn: Three Unique Good Faith Experiences Offered in 2023
Three in-person travel experiences are being offered by Good Faith Media in 2023, with dates far enough apart to participate in all three. Join GFM staff on trips to Alabama, Amish Country and Iceland.
U.N. Anti-Discrimination Guide Highlights Two Sides of Religious Discrimination
A new publication on protecting minority rights highlights the ways in which religions face discrimination and the ways in which religious beliefs are used to discriminate against others. It offers guidance to governments on enacting and enforcing anti-discrimination laws.
Enjoying ‘the Beautiful Game’
Despite the U.S. team being eliminated, my passion for following the rest of the World Cup 2022 has not been diminished. I’m enjoying the beauty of ‘the beautiful game,’ while committing to protest injustices of the host nation.
December 8, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Restaurant Refuses Service to Christian Group, Citing Staff ‘Dignity’; Stunning Necklace Found at Burial Site of Powerful Anglo-Saxon Woman, Perhaps an Early Christian Leader; US Catholic Population Shows Growth, Trends Southward (and more)
Red Hot Revenge
A near disaster on Thanksgiving Day due to a faulty oven was saved by a Google search and quick thinking. The malfunction led to some reflection on the state of our society, particularly when it comes to political division.
Advent Lectionary | Giving Voice to the Wilderness
The legendary Sandy Ray once declared, “The wilderness needs a voice.” The lectionary texts for the penultimate Sunday of Advent this year do just that.
Why Citizenship Matters
Citizenship matters. Not in some ethereal or patriotic sense of pride at being a citizen of a certain nation, but in tangible ways that confer rights and protections not afforded to non-citizens.
A More-Pressing Question About Post-Pandemic Christianity
Many U.S. church leaders and members are lamenting a slow or absent return of participating members following the pandemic. They are seeking answers. But rightly formed questions are always essential in the pursuit of answers.
Why the World Needs People Willing to Change Their Religion
The world needs people willing to change their religion. This isn’t about hopping or swapping between houses of faith, but a mass movement, individually and collectively, to transform whole faiths.
A Tale of Two Christians
Sitting on an old, uncomfortable, wooden pew in an almost 500-year-old cathedral nestled at the foot of a volcano and adjacent to Lake Atitlán in Guatemala, I reflected on the vast differences in how self-professed Christians live out their faith.
Unwrapping Christmas | What Will Your Nativity Look Like This Year?
Sponsored by the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, tis’ the season for neat nativity scenes after Mary’s labor and delivery. During Advent, I am unwrapping Jesus, stripping away the ceramic finish of this both natural and miraculous event.
The Capability Approach and Human Rights: A New Perspective
Human Rights Day is December 10. In recognition of the date, the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted in 1948. But what are human rights? And how do they relate to the Capability Approach?
Increase in U.S. Adults Who See SCOTUS As ‘Friendly’ Toward Religion
The number of adults in the United States who see the Supreme Court as friendly toward religion is increasing, according to a Pew Research Center report. Religiously unaffiliated adults are most likely to agree with this view.
People of Good Faith: Miguel De La Torre
Miguel De La Torre is professor of Social Ethics and Latinx Studies at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, and a contributing correspondent at Good Faith Media.
Turning the Tables on Race: A New Raceless Gospel Initiative Resource
‘Turning the Tables on Race: Disrupting Systems of Exclusion, Marginalization and Privilege’ is a new resource from The Raceless Gospel Initiative. It aims to give the reader the upper hand in conversations about race.
Look Back | Christians and the Creation
If the creation story describes humanity’s appointment as steward of the earth’s resources, then as caretakers, humans are called to protect, preserve and safeguard those resources so that all can benefit and enjoy its fruits.
December 2, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Amy Grant Conquered Christian Music. That Was Just Her First Act.; Kentucky Baptist Leaders Say Respect for Marriage Act Threatens Their Rights to Discriminate Against LBGTQ Persons; No Longer the Fringe: Small-Town Voters Fear for America (and more)
World Cup Corruption … and Hypocrisy
English Premier League, Champions League and the Euros all provide excellent matches for football (soccer), but nothing compares to the World Cup. This year’s World Cup is unique for many reasons.
Emerging Voices | Imago Dei, Namaste, and Loving Neighbors
The concept of ‘imago Dei’ is a recognition of the divine image present in everyone, an awareness that some interpretations of ‘namaste’ also contain. Here is how these terms encourage us to love our neighbors.
‘The Fabelmans’ Presents the ‘Call Story’ of an Artist
The Fabelmans’ appears to be a fictionalized version of Steven Spielberg’s ‘call story.’ It is a fine film. Not only because it tells about a great director’s coming of age, but also due to its depth.