Members of my (white) generation continue to recognize the pernicious stain of racism in our politics, economics and community relations. It seems we cannot ever fully repent as we learn how systemic racism is and how it has shaped the Christian imagination.
Being ‘barely Christian’ as a way of being authentically Christian
My friend describes herself as “barely Christian.” It was what happened at church, as folk poured out judgment on persons she loved, that made her question what it meant to be a Christian.
Declaring America’s real ‘national emergency’ – and hearing and heeding the prophets among us
America’s real ‘national emergency’ is a call to action among people of faith. We must hear and heed those prophets among us whose insights lean toward justice and offer us a way forward.
Baptists among Benedictines: spending the first week of the new year at the Abbey
The first week of a new year, a group of Baptist seminary students and I will join the Benedictines at the Abbey for worship, contemplation and learning from Benedictine spirituality.
Be Baptist, but build bridges with all God’s people – Christian or not
The days of viewing our faith as the remaking of the world into our image are long past, thanks be to God. Our call is to find ways to work for the common good with the values Jesus instituted in the inbreaking Reign of God.
The dim hope of Advent
We do our best to illumine this time of year with both artificial and spiritual means. Thankfully, God provides the latter.
Practicing gratitude
Gratitude is an essential practice that positions us to receive life’s blessings and burdens with openness and trust. Giving thanks with a grateful heart is transformative.
Now, what shall we talk about at Thanksgiving dinner?
Post midterms, polarization prevails. Yet there is much legislative work to do for the common good. How might that happen?
Communion of the saints: remembering those souls, past and present, who light our way
Remembering those who have shaped our lives is an instructive spiritual discipline. We tend to think that those who have died have disappeared utterly from this world, no longer accessible. Yet, our imagination can bridge heaven and earth, and we can continue to receive the impact of their lives.