From historian Randall Balmer I learned the medical/moral matter of abortion became a late-date toss-in to the cynical Southern strategy of GOP thinkers in the 1970s. It gave them a new wedge to use in dividing the Bible Belt: Elevate…
A church shopper’s guide to finding the right church for you
If I were trying to find a church in which to invest myself I would be a very careful shopper. Sure, I would pay some attention to the name on the sign (Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, etc.), but not too much….
Weaponizing America: Every neighbor a threat
Something clicked within me recently while half-listening to a news report. The report concerned yet another police killing of a citizen and, as I recall, the reporter’s words went something like this: “Police chased the man on foot for two…
I’ve seen this movie before
If you live long enough, you can tell when the re-runs are playing. Now eyeing 80, I find some of the re-runs are no better now than the first performance. For instance: When the Southern Baptist wars began in 1979,…
After 9/11: Three Jesuses and one bright hope
When Manhattan’s towers fell on Sept. 11, 2001, many sensed that “this changes everything,” although we couldn’t imagine how extensive “everything” would prove to be. Twenty years later, it is clearer. Our once-proud nation is now a broken nation. Our…
Your gospel is too small
September 11, 2001. Although post-graduate theological diplomas decorated my book-stuffed office and 40 years of pastoral ministry were under my belt, I was speechless that Tuesday morning when hijacked airplanes demolished more than national icons. What was I to say…
In this election year, we need a ‘come to Moses’ meeting
We are in for an ugly ride on our way to Nov. 3, 2020. All the talking heads agree: this election season may be the nastiest in American history. Weighting its nastiness will be the God-factor. Both parties, speaking from different…
Delegate up, deflect away and deny: lessons from Nazi Germany about responses to atrocities today
It’s easy to condemn the moral evasion of a past generation and people. The challenge is to see ourselves in them – and to do today the just deeds that will bring no regrets tomorrow.