Recent Articles
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?
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.