Recent Articles
Plain and Simple?
The Old Order Amish are famously “plain,” but their lives are anything but simple. A dozen participants in a recent Good Faith Experience with multiple Amish families learned just how complicated the “plain” life can be.
What’s in a Name?
If the first step toward liberation is self-naming, the fact that we are unable to name ourselves reveals how far we are from this goal. Part of the problem is that many within our community fiercely argue for one term over and against another.
Responding to Colonialism
The movement to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day challenges Christians to confront their faith tradition’s complex history and, at times, complicity with empire. So, how should American Christians think about and respond to advocacy movements for Indigenous peoples?
October 12, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: United Methodists are Breaking up in a Slow-Moving Schism; ‘The Class War Never Ends, the Master Never Relents’: An Interview with Norm Chomsky; As Inflation Hits, Africa’s Largest Indigenous Church Clings to a Tea Obsession (and more)
Perhaps the Winning Is in the Welcome
“Soul winner” was a common phrase in the religious lexicon of my upbringing. Sharing the good news of Jesus is important for Christians, but how it is carried out makes all the difference in the world.
Why Truth Must Come Before Lamentation and Reconciliation
Truth comes before reconciliation. These words have become ingrained in my mind after hosting and attending our Canadian Baptist families’ second National Day for Truth and Reconciliation online event.
UN: ‘Piecemeal’ Approach Won’t Effectively Combat Systemic Racism
A U.N. report says a comprehensive approach is essential to effectively combatting systemic racism, rather than the current piecemeal approach. It highlights continued disproportionate experiences and life expectations of people of African descent across the world.
October 11, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: A $100 Million Ad Campaign Wants to Fix Jesus’ Image. His Followers Remain a Problem.; Michael Flynn is Creating an ‘Army of God’ in Growing Christian Nationalist Movement; Christian Nationalism Will Lead to Christian Persecution, SBC President Bret Barber Warns; How Hitler’s Enablers Undid Democracy in Germany (and more)
Who First Discovered America?
Who first discovered America? Your answer depends on the history you were taught. Restoring the broken fragments of Indigenous history first begins by acknowledging a fuller and complete history.
On Military Service and Student Loan Forgiveness
An announcement about the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program’s limited waiver ending in October reminded me of why I have student loans. I decided not to follow my family’s tradition of joining the military.
U.S. Holds Mixed Views on Religious Expressions in Sports, Schools
A slim U.S. majority approves of the Supreme Court’s ruling that “a public high school football coach can pray on the field after games.” Views on several scenarios regarding prayer at sporting events and public schools were mixed.
October 10, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Orthodox Jews Suing Over NY Gun Law Restrictions for Synagogues; A Marine Who Hated Muslims Went to a Mosque to Plant a Bomb. His Intended Victims Ended up Saving His Life. ; Breakaway Church Gives Gay Ex-Monk what Vatican Would Deny Him: A Holy Wedding (and more)
People of Good Faith: Danielle L. Bridgeforth
Danielle L. Bridgeforth is an ordained preacher, writer and encourager who serves as the senior pastor of the Church at Clarendon located in Arlington, Virginia.
160m Children Remain in Child Labor Conditions
There were 233 million working children in 2021, with 160 million in conditions of child labor, according to U.S. Department of Labor report. Of the children in child labor, 79 million worked in hazardous conditions.
Look Back | Columbus Day, No Reason to Celebrate
Christopher Columbus was hired by my ancestors to expand the emerging empire of Spain. I find it somewhat surprising that we “celebrate” what is believed to be the start of one of the largest acts of genocide ever recorded in human history.
Remember This: The Story of Jan Karski
Of the Broadway shows I saw in New York City on a recent vacation, one left me moved beyond explanation. David Strathairn’s performance of Jan Karski in “Remember This: The Lessons of Jan Karski” was mesmerizing.
Road Trips, Car Trouble and Finding Hope in Small Towns
Car trouble on a recent trip resulted in a weekend spent in a small Virginia town. What I witnessed at the Friday evening community-wide gathering at the country store challenged my preconceptions and gave me hope.
Challenging Racism in the Criminal Punishment System by Connecting the Dots Between ‘Moore v. Dempsey’ (1923) and 2022 – Part 2
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1923 that the due process rights were violated at trial for six of the Elaine 12. Here is the connection between that decision and the U.S. criminal legal and punishment system today.
Challenging Racism in the Criminal Punishment System by Connecting the Dots Between ‘Moore v. Dempsey’ (1923) and 2022 – Part 1
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1923 that the due process rights were violated at trial for six of the Elaine 12. Here is the connection between that decision and the U.S. criminal legal and punishment system today.
Awakened by Ashes
In the early days of COVID-19, some communities required cremation as a safety public health step. As I’ve prepared a presentation on grief after the pandemic, I’ve been thinking about ashes.
Study Reveals Self-Perception of U.S. Adults’ Tolerance, Inclusivity, Pluralism
U.S. Muslims were more likely to perceive themselves to be tolerant and inclusive than non-Muslims when it comes to philanthropy, according to a report from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
The Capability Approach: New Perspectives for Old Problems
The imperative to care for others in James 2 is familiar to most Christians, but we should explore these verses through a new lens. The Capability Approach, developed by Amartya Sen, offers a different perspective on meeting needs.
‘Tears in Silence’ Shares Painful Sojourn Toward Freedom
Jody Dungan’s life mission has been to follow her wish to live fully and completely in her true identity. In ‘Tears in Silence,’ she shares her painful sojourn toward freedom from the self that others expected her to embody.
Nearly 12% of U.S. Lived in Poverty During 2021
There were 37.9 million people living in poverty in the U.S. during 2021, which represents 11.6% of the total population, according to new data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Good Faith Media Launches A Better Way Initiative
Religious, social and policy issues are often framed in ways suggesting that many people of faith hold narrow, fundamentalists views. GFM is launching a new initiative to offer another, better way that will provide an alternative voice and perspective.
Why the Religion-Relationship Binary Is False
Religion and relationship are sometimes presented as two competing options from which to choose. What if this is a false binary? What if the two are one expression?
U.S. Divided Along Race, Party and Religious Lines Regarding Confederate Monuments
The legacy of the Confederacy, and commemorations in public spaces to its leaders continue to divide the U.S. mostly along racial, political and religious lines, according to a Public Religion Research Institute report.
In What Direction Is U.S. Christianity Headed?
When a former U.S. president thinks he is the closest thing to Jesus, his followers must question what direction Christianity is going in. When Jesus and Pilate stood before a crowd, it wasn’t for a photo opportunity.
People of Good Faith: Michael Chancellor
Michael Chancellor is a private practice counselor working with veterans and survivors of trauma.
Look Back | Love All Thy Neighbors, Not Just Those Like Us
What is the relationship between Christian identity on the one hand and national identity or affiliation on the other? Does God care which side of a border someone is born on?