Recent Articles
September 30, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: A Boise, Idaho Congregation Builds Affordable Housing on Church Land; More Psychotherapists are Incorporating Religion into Their Practices; Muslim Americans as Likely to Join Military as Other Groups, Poll Says (and more)
Why It Is Time for Desperate Righteousness
Many speakers offered inspiration and challenge at the 2022 “Space for Grace” conference organized by the American Baptist Home Mission Societies. While we must speak truth to power, we must also speak truth to the powerless.
Reaction and Response | #PandemicPastoring Report
A report on pastoring during the pandemic was released in early September, providing insight and reflection on the experience of ministers during this time. Several faith leaders offer their reaction and response to the report’s findings.
Media Outlets Struggle to Meet Global Desire for Religion News Coverage
In a global survey, adults across the world expressed a desire for more coverage of religious news. Journalists acknowledged the dearth of coverage and shared reasons for the trend.
September 29, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Most Americans Want to Redress Confederate Monuments in Public Spaces, Poll Finds; 78% of Republican Evangelicals Want U.S. Declared a Christian Nation; Professor of Political Science: Christian White Supremacy Rising: The Fascist Connection (and more)
Don’t Have a Cow!
A fundamentalist Christian farmer in Texas shipped five red heifers to Israel. The reason is both straightforward and complex, relying on a particular theological framework and interpretation of the Bible.
The Challenge of Living Faithfully in a “Monetized” World
A collection of parables in Luke’s gospel that focus on the nature and challenges of discipleship have been the focus of recent Lectionary texts. They offer much “food for thought” in our increasingly “monetized” world.
U.S. Majority Sees Worshipping Apart from Church as Valid Option
Most U.S. adults affirm worshipping alone as an alternative to corporate gatherings. This was one of the findings from a new LifeWay Research report, which asked questions about theological and social issues.
September 28, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Republicans are Ready to Declare the United States a Christian Nation; U.S. Bishop’s Report to Vatican Shows a Catholic Church Split by Politics; Religion Aided the Rise of Top Sports Leagues—and Ended Up in Their Shadow (and more)
Paying Attention to the ‘Musts’ of Jesus
What are the things that Jesus said his disciples “must” do? Charles R. Alexander reflects on this question in his book ‘Necessary Christianity,’ offering insight about the true meaning of Christian discipleship.
Seeking Solace and Solitude While Working for Justice
Tears welled up on a recent morning walk, as a song brought to mind the joyful memories of family holidays by a river in east Texas. It was a reminder that we should seek solace, and solitude, as we work for justice.
U.S. Majority Says Health Care Managed Poorly
Most U.S. adults say health care in general in the U.S. is handled poorly, according to a new AP-NORC report. Many want to see a more significant role for the federal government, including expanding Medicare and Medicaid.
September 27, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Report Shows Florida Has the 2nd Highest Number of School-Related Book Bans; Russian Orthodox Church Leader Says Russian Soldiers Dying in Ukraine Will be Cleansed of Sin; Brazil’s Catholic Church Frowns on Proposals to Legalize Homeschooling (and more)
Will the U.S. Affirm That ‘No One Is Above the Law’?
“No one is above the law.” A former president is presenting a significant challenge to this view for the first time in America’s history. Will the nation affirm this longstanding principle?
Commitment to Freedom and Democracy More Important Than Ever
A movement is underway in the U.S. that is seeking to fundamentally alter several key institutions across our nation. From school boards to voting process to nationalizing religion, this movement is toxic and destructive to freedom and democracy.
Lake Institute Resource Helps Congregations Navigate ‘Shifting Ground’
A new resource from the Lake Institute for Faith and Giving aims to help faith leaders navigate the challenges of a changing landscape. It is designed to be used by individuals or small groups of leaders.
September 26, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Terrifying Dragons Have Long Been a Part of Many Religions, and There is a Reason for Their Appeal; Holding Hasidic Schools to Account; Protesters Bring Guns and Insults to Drag Bingo at a Texas Church; The Ancient Remains of Great Zimbabwe (and more)
Sharing the Gospel of Radical Inclusion With Samford University
Over the course of this long and arduous journey, there’s one phrase I continue to hear in numerous variations from Samford University: “We love LGBTQ students, but…” It’s well past time for that to change.
Christian Affiliation Mostly Stable, ‘Nones’ Increase in 2022
A majority of U.S. adults continue to identify as Christian, while the number of religiously unaffiliated and other faith traditions continues to increase, according to a new Pew Research Center report.
Look Back | Christian Nationalism Growing
The wall of separation between church and state is denied by some Christians who have created a false, alternative history of the U.S. These Christian fundamentalists want to place Bible and the Ten Commandments above the U.S. Constitution.
September 23, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Freedmen’s Town Labyrinth Celebrates Legacy of Neighborhood’s Former Church; Professor: The ‘Fathers of the Church’ Died Around 1,500 Years Ago, But These Ancient Leaders Still Influence Christianity Today; Florida Has an Extensive Network of White Supremacists and Other Far-Right Extremists, ADL Report Says (and more)
Contrasting Theologies: Assimilation Versus Wholeness
Lenore Three Stars, an Oglala Lakota leader and advocate for Indigenous causes, spoke as Nevertheless She Preached 2022 in Austin, Texas, this week. Her insights and observations raised questions for me about Christian faith and practice.
How DACA Became ‘La Jaula de Oro,’ The Golden Cage
I have been a beneficiary of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals for eight years. I lived many years feeling ashamed and hiding my status. Once I found a vocal community, I felt inspired and became empowered.
Sex, Human Rights and Biblical Economics
Many can recall sermons on human sexuality, but how many have you heard on economic inequity and unjust interest rates? One might conclude that the former is more frequently discussed in the Bible, but you’d be wrong.
September 22, 2022
In today’s curated news and analysis headlines: Most Republicans Support Declaring the United States a Christian Nation; Lauren Boebert is Part of a Dangerous Religious Movement that Threatens Democracy, Experts Say; South Carolina Sued Over $1.5M Budget Earmark to Seed Establishment of Private Christian School (and more)
‘Cosiendo’ as an Act of Love and Justice
The sound of a sewing machine echoes in my memory. It was a lullaby for me growing up. My grandmother used it to create incredible garments. Her work was an act of love and of justice
An Awful Calculus Facing Parents and Children
My 14-year-old son participated in some awful calculus today. He, along with other children and parents, face this circumstance far too often. The trauma and helplessness remain far after the situation ends.
Saying You’re Sorry Is Essential to Personal, Societal Wellbeing
Self-awareness, introspection and repentance, along with a willingness to voice concern and reproof in love, is essential to any personal belief system. These are also vital elements for societal wellbeing.
Beware When Jesus Is Reduced to a Bit Player and Good Pastors Are Maligned
Is Jesus missing from the so-called ‘biblical worldview’ or ‘Christian worldview’ to which you subscribe? If so, you might need to look more carefully at the life and teachings of Jesus to align yourselves with a ‘Jesus worldview.’
Celebrating Resilience, Condemning Oppression and Changing Symbols
Latinas have too often been seen as something to be consumed or fetishized. Even the name “Hispanic Heritage Month” seems to constrain and control a diverse, rich history. How do we move forward to a more inclusive mindset and future?