by Bob Allen | Mar 17, 2009 | News
Two years ago Rami Shapiro, a former congregational rabbi for 20 years in Miami who now directs an educational center called One River Foundation, was invited to a Passover seder service at a church in Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he now lives. While impressed by the...
by Mike Smith | Feb 15, 2009 | Opinion
What matters most? Recently, I endured a bit of “down time” as I recovered from surgery. My normal routine seldom provides much in the way of down time. I can’t say I enjoyed the experience, but it did have an up side: With time on my hands, I began...
by Mike Smith | Nov 7, 2008 | Opinion
Three older pastors took me aside to offer some well-intentioned advice. In summary, they told me I wouldn’t get far in ministry if I challenged racism. They defended their racist humor, insisting they meant no harm, declaring it was simply part of culture....
by Mike Smith | Oct 17, 2008 | Opinion
A strange thing happened while I was standing in line on the first day of early voting: Civility broke out among us.I took my place in line. An older white man, a young black woman and an elderly white woman stood just in front of me. Behind me, a middle-aged black...
by Mike Smith | Sep 17, 2008 | Opinion
Once upon a time (say as late as 1948), the terms “liberal” and “conservative” actually held clearly defined meaning. Conservatives generally regarded change or experimentation via government to be dangerous. They, therefore, sought to slow the...
