The story of Lot and Sodom is relevant and timely, if we see it as a story of radical hospitality.
Daring to enter the black holes of racism to do the cosmic work of racial justice
The Creator’s cosmic design encourages me as a white pastor to lead my church into the terrifying, life-altering work of racial justice.
Indivisible or individual? Where do Americans Christians pledge their allegiance?
Our country and our churches are in desperate need of individuals whose allegiance goes beyond their self-reliance. We need individuals who pledge to be indivisible from neighbors near and far.
The Good News of Christmas calls the Church to embrace the ‘F’ word
As a Baptist pastor I can no longer avoid the “F” word; if anything, I must lean into it, embracing it for the sake of the Gospel.
Bourbon, boobs and bedrooms: Will the Body of Christ choose people over purity?
Purity codes and other forms of Christian cleanliness have excluded people for centuries, keeping out entire communities who did not follow one way of living, one way of interpreting scripture and one way that works for one group of people – namely, those with all the power.
‘Righteous anger’ is the wrong motivation for the work of God’s justice
For many progressive Christians, young and old, righteous anger has become our pièce de résistance. But anger, no matter how righteous, puts our spirit in the wrong position.
The best seminaries are laboratories for the Church of tomorrow
Seminaries should be religious science labs that help prepare leaders for the ever evolving work of the Holy Spirit in congregational life.
Tired of Christians ruining the name of Christ? A Turkish bath with strangers improved my outlook
Today, Christians in America tend to find ourselves in two reactionary camps: those into apologetics and those into apologies. Both sides come from a stance of fear. If we continue reacting from our defensive postures, then we have learned nothing from scripture, tradition, human experience or, God forbid, the Holy Spirit.
CBF’s general assembly: less Baptist baloney, more Baptist babies
The nutritional makeup of these annual gatherings normally consists of 10 percent awkward side hugs, 20 percent irrelevant breakout sessions, 30 percent over-priced, low-value luncheons and 40 percent whitewashed worship services. However, at recent assemblies I’ve noticed a decrease of Baptist baloney and an increase of Baptist babies.
A coffee mug and a heated conversation saved me from my self-righteous view of patriarchy
For thousands of years a lie has been promoted by the powerhouse religions of Judaism, Islam and Christianity, often with the wedding and bedding of religion and state. The lie said, “Patriarchy works for everyone – especially men.” But the truth is patriarchy doesn’t work for everyone – even men.
What if the monsters we love to hate became the people we love to help?
Jesus says “love you enemies,” and I say, “Christ, of course I love my enemies. I love to hate them.” Heroes love to hate monsters, for without a monster to conquer, who would feed our egos?
After a shoot-from-the-hip email, this skeptical pastor sits face to face with CBF’s new CEO
Will there be a place in CBF life for folks like me? Armed for bear, a skeptical pastor sits down for coffee and conversation with the new leader of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Here’s what she discovered.