Recent Articles
November 17, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Is Judaism a Younger Religion than Previously Thought?; A Veteran Religious Writer Considers the Changing Church; White Teacher in Texas Fired After Telling Students His Race is ‘the Superior One’ (and more)
Fifty Years Later, Effects of Tuskegee Experiment Linger
There is a long history of bad blood when it comes to African Americans and the medical community. It contributed to the wariness of the COVID-19 vaccines because many know the story of the Tuskegee experiment.
The Sacrament of Jury Duty
Participating in jury duty offered insight into our judicial system and an opportunity to reflect on the local church. As jurors confessed the truth of past experiences, I wondered how this kind of honesty would transform congregations.
National Bible Bee Encourages Young Adults to Increase Bible Knowledge
It is a powerful experience to hear young people proclaim the Word of God. And it is even more amazing to watch them do it all from memory! This is what happens at the annual National Bible Bee.
November 16, 2022
In today’s news and analysis headlines: Why White Christian Nationalism Isn’t Going Away; The Culture Wars are Pushing Some Teachers to Leave the Classroom; Did Faith Fall Off a Cliff During Covid? New Study Says No (and more)
What I’ve “Left Behind” for My Sake and Others
There is a lot of talk today about leaving Christianity. I get it. There’s much within Americanized white evangelicalism that is repelling.
A Brief History of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study
A 40-year study on syphilis was officially concluded 50 years ago this month. The “Tuskegee Study,” which has been described as “ethically unjustified,” involved Black patients whose informed consent was not obtained.
Nurturing Faith Book Considers When God Can’t Answer
In their latest Nurturing Faith book, ‘When God Can’t Answer,’ Miles and Maralene Wesner draw on almost 70 years as religious and educational counselors to help readers navigate tragic experiences.
November 15, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Nonbelievers Rising: Pew Research Center’s Study Finds American Christians Could be a Minority Group by 2070; Shreveport Church Opens Healing Garden for Processing Grief; Solving the Mystery of Israel’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre Pillar Carvings (and more)
When Church Doesn’t Feel Like a Safe Word or Place
A source of trauma, even the word “church” can be triggering. What do we say then to Christians who are in search of healing from these sacred buildings that were not safe spaces?
Workaholism and Greed
What is the only addiction for which we are praised? With every other addiction, concerned others are looking to put you into a clinic or into a recovery program, but this addiction is generally seen as virtue.
Most U.S. Adults Do Not Frequently Visit Transcendent Spaces
Most U.S. adults do not regularly visit places or spaces that they consider transcendent or spiritual, according to a Barna Group report. Nature is the most common space considered to be transcendent.
November 14, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Episcopal Church Leader to Support New African American Museum with Special Service; Slavery, Involuntary Servitude Rejected by 4 States’ Voters; Midterms Reinforce White Evangelical Voter Trends on Abortion, GOP; Christian Nationalist-Aligned Federalist Society Welcomes Justices Who Ended Roe v Wade (and more)
What Did We Learn This Week?
Americans entered voting booths across the country, casting their support for their chosen candidates and lending their voices to important issues. I cannot help but marvel at the process of self-governance.
People of Good Faith: Ashley Robinson
Ashley Robinson is Pastor – Christian Education and Community Engagement at Oakhurst Baptist Church in Decatur, Georgia.
Pope: Economy Should Be ‘In Service of the Human Being’
Pope Francis urged entrepreneurs to “transform the face of the economy” so that it follows ethical principles in a speech delivered at the Vatican. This restructuring should result in an economy whose “activity is in service of the human being.”
November 11, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Religion Plays a Role in Native American Adoption Case Before Supreme Court; Texas Republicans Against ‘Critical Race Theory’ Win Seats on the State Board of Education, Strengthening Its GOP Majority; Puerto Rican Pastor Laura Ayala to Lead CBF Global Missions; The Methodist and Baptist Battles Over LGBTQ Inclusion This Week Trace a Common Road Back to …. Samford (and more)
The Paradox of Affirmative Action
Affirmative action continues to mean different things for Americans. Two cases currently before the Supreme Court reveal the complexities of the issue, which is a paradox for those seeking equitable treatment and justice for all.
By the Way | The Right Side of the Grass
I resolved some years ago to stop tracking birthdays, although I do have to calculate several times a year. However, at 68, I’m looking back, and looking ahead, with gratitude.
Plurality of U.S. Adults Say Houses of Faith Should Not Be Tax-Exempt
A plurality of U.S. adults say houses of faith and religious organizations should not be exempt from paying taxes, according to a YouGov survey. A plurality also says it should be illegal for such entities to endorse candidates.
November 10, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Despite Mastriano’s Loss, Don’t Count Out Christian Nationalism; Inspired by Elijah, Jeremiah, Bob Dylan and Himself, Bono Embraces the Jewish Roots of His Faith; American Heart Association: Black Adults’ Religious Activities Aid in Heart Health (and more)
Who’s Got the Power?
Wearing shorts on a trip to Atlantic Beach is not exceptional – unless it’s November. While temporary fluctuations in temperature happen, highs in the low 80s are well above average. What kind of world are we leaving to our descendants?
Belief and Belonging Festival Focuses on Rhyme, Rhythm and Reasoning
Rhyme, rhythm and reasoning took center stage in Waco, Texas, when University Baptist Church hosted the Belief and Belonging Festival. This event is dedicated to bringing people together to share personal stories of finding their place in the world.
U.S. Adults Pessimistic About Morality in Politics and the Nation
U.S. adults feel all three branches of government in the U.S. conduct themselves immorally, according to a YouGov survey. The negative perceptions carry over to views of morality in the nation as a whole.
November 9, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Major Christian Leaders Asked Jan. 6 Committee to Investigate Christian Nationalism; United Methodists to Meet in 2024 on Dividing up Church Property; Why Do Chinese People See Christianity as a Cultural Invasion? (and more)
November 29, 2022
In today’s news and analysis headlines: Norman Lear: I’m 100. Americans are Still Fighting for What We Thought We Achieved Over the Last Century; Why are Some Churches Leaving – and Others Staying With – the United Methodist Church?; New U.S. Religion Census Sheds Light on LDS Church Membership (and more)
Dinosaurs, Deception and Defensiveness
A recent visit to Dinosaur Ridge in Colorado brought to mind those Christians who promote the belief of an earth that is a few thousand years old. What is it that causes some to hold such views, contrary to all the available data?
Wisdom Wherever You Find It | Go Deep
Conservative Christian talk-show host Tony Beam’s words may be a dangerous statement in today’s political climate. There are plenty on the right and the left who may take them as “fightin’ words.” I consider them wise.
Sense of Political Alienation Growing Among U.S. Adults
Almost one third of U.S. adults feel completely alienated by politics, as the nation’s 2022 midterm elections take place, according to a Public Agenda report. Most also feel the government’s design and structure must be changed.
November 8, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: The Rev. Otis Moss III, et al.: Voting is a Sacred Right that We Can Use to Further Peace and Justice; Ron Desantis’ Campaign Ad Says He Was Sent by God to ‘Take the Arrows’; G20 Religion Forum Gathers Ahead of Summit in Bali, Indonesia; Orthodox Church of Ukraine to Allow Christmas on December 25 as Rift With Moscow Deepens (and more)