Something is happening in the religious and spiritual universe. Many people, if they care about religion at all, have noticed the changing face of religion and spirituality in the United States and throughout the world. Most Americans consider themselves spiritual,…
Giving birth in prison: The grief of separation, the grace of presence
Conversations are happening across the nation. Stories are being told and voices are crying out for compassionate and competent health care for women who need abortions. But do we really know much about these women? What will become of them?…
Independence Day: Not to celebrate but to reflect
What do we call the American holiday coming up soon? The Fourth of July? Or Independence Day? A long-time friend answered that question for me in a dialogue we had two years ago. “It’s just the Fourth of July,” she…
After the Guidepost report: Dwelling with evil while living into hope
Like many Southern Baptists, former or current, I have read much of the abominable report released by Guidepost Solutions. It documents the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee’s response to numerous sexual abuse allegations and includes an audit of the Credentials…
Gun control? Sure! Bullet control? Never heard of it!
Greta Adams (not her real name) lives in Philadelphia, the city in which her son was murdered. Most people may not care so much, but Greta cares about the stark, ugly truth that the city of Philadelphia is experiencing an…
Why I still consider myself an evangelical
Have you noticed that some Christians behave as if they are against Christianity? I wonder if the people around us see our brand of Christianity as something they don’t need or want in their lives. For example, in 2018 and…
The road to equity for all is still too long, but here’s a hero we need to remember
People always stand at particular points in history, sometimes fully aware of where they stand, but sometimes giving little or no notice. Today we stand at a juncture worth noting — Black History Month behind us, and in the first…
‘Once America decided killing children was bearable, it was over’
Can activism be an expression of faith? Can the practice of my faith, as an activist against violence and all the evils related to it, fulfill the Great Commandment? What might happen if people of faith intentionally examined the nature…
Lament should be the order of the day
Lament should be the order of the day. Yesterday, we began Black History Month with bomb threats made against at least 13 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) throughout the country. Unfortunately, that these threats coincide with the beginning of…