In the post-apocalyptic themed movie The Book of Eli, Denzil Washington plays Eli, a nomadic, perhaps divinely appointed prophet and guardian of the last remaining copy of the Bible. His mission is to protect and transport it to a place…
Trump calls immigrants ‘garbage’ but evangelicals see dignity and humanity
Last Friday, Donald Trump visited Austin, Texas, and promised, “Immediately upon taking office I will launch the largest deportation program in American history.” “January 20 … will be liberation day in America,” he said in front of a background that read…
I’m not laughing about Puerto Rico
I like to laugh. I like telling stories of funny real-life situations and laughing with others. I especially like making my wife and children laugh, although the Dad jokes primarily elicit rolled eyes and pained expressions. Sometimes, I make myself…
The survey findings keeping me up at night
Like every other high-quality survey, the topline results of PRRI’s American Values Survey shows the presidential election — both at the national level and in the battleground states — as a toss-up. Moreover, the PRRI data generally confirm earlier Pew…
3 things I learned from discussing politics in the church
I have heard many Christians say, “I don’t want to hear politics in the church!” Churchgoers who make such a statement might not want to hear partisan politics in the church. Partisan politics is political activity that advocates for or…
Today, it’s Puerto Ricans; tomorrow it will be you
In a world increasingly divided by hate and prejudice, the recent remarks by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe at a Trump rally in New York City remind us of the urgency with which we must confront racist ideologies. His comments, describing Puerto…
Why is Texas Gov. Greg Abbott violating Article VI of the U.S. Constitution?
Article VI of the U.S. Constitution states, in part: “No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” Yet, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is violating this article of the…
The political pulpit
Last Sunday, on my way to a neighboring church, I was struck by the sea of political signs lining the road — billboards and bumper stickers promoting candidates for every conceivable office. It’s that time of year again — campaign…
The Trickster
The trickster stirred the pot and knew what was about to happen. Esau was hangry (hunger that makes you angry). Maybe it was merely his unsuccessful hunt for food. Maybe he was upset by the high cost of groceries. Who…
Significance, God and politics
On Oct. 5, I attended the memorial service for my friend of 46 years, Floyd Craig, in Nashville, Tenn. The memorial service was led by our mutual friend, David Sapp. All three of us met in 1978 when I started…
From King to Trump
Watching Donald Trump take over the American political church months ago in Iowa on the holiday that celebrates Martin Luther King, it became clear how far the church has fallen from the teachings of Jesus Christ. In King, the American…
May your search for truth land on these sacred words: ‘I am enough’
My life, like so many others, is a journey of seemingly unrelated worlds merging in joyous, messy, difficult, lovely ways that defy easy explanations. My experience in the arena of professional clergy intersects with the domestic sphere as a wife…