Recent Articles
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)
A Simple Way to Care for Your Body and Bank Account
It’s the most expensive time of the year – the three months in which we’re told it’s time to go shopping. Here is a simple way to care for your body and your bank account.
Voting Is the Beginning of Democracy
Perhaps we need to change that little sticker from, “I Voted” to “I helped save democracy.” Democracy requires many things from us. Voting is the beginning, not the end.
Two International Religious Summits Taking Place During Fall 2022
Global faith leaders convened in Bali, Indonesia, on Nov. 2-3 for the G20 Religion Forum. A second interfaith forum with international leaders will take place in December in the United Arab Emirates.
November 7, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: As Midterms Near, Clergy Preach Politics and Civics Lessons; In Existential Midterm Races, Christian Prophets Become GOP Surrogates; Lawsuit Alleges Facebook Helped ‘Radicalize’ Charleston Church Gunman; Someone Paid $440,000 for the Bible Used in ‘Shawshank Redemption’ (and more)
Upgrading Our Election Year Conduct
A trip to Europe in 2012 led me to a renewed awareness of how rare U.S. democracy is in the history of the world. With the 2022 midterms approaching, here are four ways to exercise responsible citizenship.
CEO Pay Increases to 399 Times U.S. Worker Pay
The wage gap between CEOs of the 350 largest publicly traded U.S. companies and average U.S. workers continues to increase. In 2021, CEOs earned 399 times more than the typical U.S. worker was paid.
Look Back | Voting is More Than a Civic Duty
After next Tuesday, it will all end — all the campaign ads, the mudslinging, the distortions, the character attacks — and we can get back to other things. But will it really be over? Or will it just be beginning?
November 4, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Herschel Walker Cites His ‘Redemption’ Story, Focuses on White Evangelical Christians; Some American Protestants Aren’t Letting Go of Violent Revolution; Christian Monastery Possibly Pre-dating Islam Fond in United Arab Emirates (and more)
The Lies of Christian Nationalism Versus the Truth of the Gospel
Christian Nationalism is an ideology based upon the false belief that America was founded as a Christian nation. Good Faith Media is currently working with partners to counter Christian nationalism through its A Better Way Initiative.
Extreme Poverty Increases, Will Not Be Eliminated by 2030
Decades of progress in reducing extreme poverty slowed and then stopped, according to a World Bank report. In 2020, there was an increase in the number of people living in extreme poverty.
Risking God’s Mercy
I asked a saintly old priest this question: “If you had your priesthood to live over again, would you do anything differently?” From a man so full of integrity, I fully expected that there would be no regrets. His answer surprised me.