Recent Articles
Integrity Is on the Ballot in 2022
Integrity seems to be on the ballot this election season, maybe as much or more than it has been in recent memory. We need truth-tellers who will work for the common good of all creation.
U.S. Majority Says Antisemitism a Serious Problem
Most U.S. adults see antisemitism as a serious problem in the nation, according to a recent YouGov survey. Respondents are more likely to see the problem of antisemitism as located online than in the local communities.
October 27, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Whitehead and Perry: Is Christian Nationalism Growing or Declining? Both.; Giving Back Ancient Manuscripts and Giving Away Hobby Lobby – the Latest on David Green; New Saddleback Pastor Sees Women Clergy in Church’s Future (and more)
Short Documentary Forthcoming from Good Faith Media and Baptist Women in Ministry
A third short documentary on female Baptist pastors will be released this November. “No. 3: Danielle,” produced in partnership by Baptist Women in Ministry and Good Faith Media, will premiere in person and online Nov. 13.
Hush and Bustle
We’ve all had hectic periods, whether long or short, that left us longing for quiet and a bit of free time. Self-care, some people call it. Here is how I’ve managed a busy month of October.
A Mother’s Heart
We had a plan. We executed it perfectly. And then, on September 21, 2022, it completely fell apart. Here is my story, and my heart, as a mother.
October 26, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Deconstruction or Reconstruction? Pastors Discuss a Reboot of Evangelicalism; Faith Groups Weigh the Impact of Abortion on the Midterms; Out in Ohio: Nonprofit Reframing LGBTQ+ Community’s Relationship With Faith (and more)
Avoiding the Snookering at Snook Haven and Beyond
A pleasant dinner with friends was somewhat derailed when the restaurant’s troubadour for the evening began to opine about his religious and political views. Preaching singers, like singing preachers, should come with warning labels.
Fashion, Footwear Industries Rarely Pay Factory Workers a Living Wage
Most fashion and footwear brands do not pay a living wage to the factory workers producing their products, according to Baptist World Aid Australia’s annual Ethical Fashion Guide.
A Biblical Formula for Forgiveness
Nothing is as important as forgiveness, but sometimes nothing is harder than forgiveness. Contrary to some well-intended advice, we can’t simply decide to forgive and move on. It is a process that often takes a long time.
October 25, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: A Visit to the First Baptist Church in America; Ohio Has a Particular Appetite for Christian Nationalism, Group Says; There’s No One ‘Latino Vote’ – Religion and Diversity Add to Voters’ Diversity; Judge Rules for California Baker Who Discriminated Against Same-Sex Couple (and more)
When You’re Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired
Americans are preparing to vote in the midterms, and we hear the familiar cliché, “The next election is the most significant one in our lifetime.” But the constant fighting among politicians has left many “dog tired.”
How Should Christians Work to Overcome Oppression?
Is it ethical for people of color within the U.S. who claim to be disciples of Christ to engage in violence against oppressors? Before you answer, consider that violence against the oppressed has been institutionalized.
Why Competent Thinking Is Essential
Why are some people apparently not thinking about much of anything? That thought was on my mind one recent morning, leading me to spend some time thinking about thinking.
People of Good Faith: David Wheeler
David Wheeler is an adjunct professor of theology at Palmer Seminary in St. Davids, Pennsylvania.
Wisdom Wherever You Find it: Moral Utility
History is a human construct that chooses among a myriad of events to create a narrative from the past to inform the present. So, we must consider what historian Jon Meacham called ‘the moral utility of history.’
‘Searching for God and Finding the Treasure’ Invites Readers on Journey of Self Analysis, Discovery
The Black Lives Matter movement caused me to look at the privileges that being white has afforded me. Reading the book ‘Searching for God and Finding the Treasure’ forced me to look at the privileges that being male has brought me.
Sunset on the Mountain: Count Your Blessings
Good Faith Media is hosting a writer’s retreat this week at Amicalola Falls State Park in the mountains of northern Georgia. Fall has assuredly descended upon the mountain, as we were greeted with 40-degree temperatures and a kaleidoscope of autumn colors.
Religious Identity References Common Among Alternate Social Media Accounts
Few U.S. adults regularly obtain news and information from seven alternative social media platforms, but most who do say they have found community. Religious identity references are common among the most prominent users.
The Shamefulness of Maternity Care Deserts in the U.S.
Nearly seven million women of childbearing age have low or no access to basic obstetric services in their county of residence, according to the March of Dimes “Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S.” biannual report.
By the Way | Weeping in Church During Roll Call
I wept in church recently. Didn’t see it coming, but during the refrain of “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder” there it was. Here is how I found myself in tears in a church pew.
U.S. Teens Have Mostly Positive Views of Jesus
In a recent Barna Group survey, teenagers around the world were asked about how they would describe Jesus. Their responses show that many teenagers have a fairly positive view about Jesus.
How Does Political Polarization Destabilize Faith Communities?
Princeton Theological Seminary hosted an in-person and live-streamed panel discussion considering how political polarization destabilizes communities, including houses of faith.
On “Saving” the Bible and the Babies
There are striking parallels in how power politics get played to seize organizational reigns and to advance an agenda of wider dominance disguised as “pro-life.” Both are centered on unquestioned control.
Where Prayer, Politics and Voting Intersect
A candidate for political office in the U.S. recently suggested that our vote is a sort of prayer. It expresses what we value for our common life and what our vision and hope is for its future.
U.S. Evangelicals Influenced More by Family, Friends and Media Than the Bible on Immigration
Family, friends and the media are more influential in shaping the immigration views of U.S. Evangelicals than the Bible, according to a LifeWay Research report.
October 18, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: How Michael Flynn Goes Local to Spread Christian Nationalism; Doug Mastriano’s Holy War; Episcopal Priest: Same Sex Marriage is Religious Freedom (and more)
Following Jesus Can Get You Kicked Out of Church
Following Jesus can result in you getting kicked out of a church. It’s an experience that both Clarence Jordan and I have in common. Ironically, American discipleship doesn’t come with that warning or many examples.
Books by Charles E. Poole, Jon R. Roebuck Now Available from Nurturing Faith Books
Nurturing Faith Books has released two new titles, ‘The Path to Depth’ by Charles E. Poole and ‘Morning Conversations on the Wisdom of the Ages’ by Jon R. Roebuck.
Hunger Doubles in 10 Nations Particularly Impacted by Climate Change
Extreme weather events fueled by climate change are causing widespread hunger, according to an OxFam International report. The number of people living in situations of acute food insecurity in 10 nations has more than doubled since 2016.