Growing up in West Texas in the home of a silent Marine, I have spent a lifetime wondering about the nature of courage. My ruminations eventually led me to speak out on behalf of my sons in middle school, forcing…
Why Christians need to stop invoking Romans 13
Like a moth to a flame, I return to social media platforms to view postings about current immigration policy, enforcement and protests. Despite how disheartening it is, I cannot help but be drawn into these debates — particularly the sometimes bitter exchanges between my fellow Christians. As someone who teaches ministers and…
In conversation with Leila Green Little
In the last five years, conservative politicians and activists on the local, state and national levels have ramped up attacks against books about race, diversity, LGTBQ identity and American history. One of the most visible battles took place in the…
Confronting Islamophobia is a needed resource
When Anna Piela and Michael Woolf’s Confronting Islamophobia in the Church crossed my desk, I placed it on the stack of books I need to read. Judson Press released the book as a new resource for equipping Christian communities to…
Springtime for war crimes
There is a song in Mel Brooks’ musical The Producers called “Springtime for Hitler.” In the show, two producers intentionally create the most offensive Broadway musical imaginable. They assume no audience would tolerate a Broadway number glorifying Adolf Hitler. The…
Here’s what’s wrong with Baylor hosting a TPUSA event
Let’s be crystal clear about the double standard at work at Baylor University. University regents and administrators are still running scared of LGBTQ inclusion but they’re perfectly fine with hosting the bigotry of Turning Point USA on campus. In case…
A white Golden Calf in Arkansas
In the second book of the Bible, the story of the Golden Calf is a warning about what happens when people replace truth with idols of their own making. In Exodus 32:4, the Israelites fashioned a golden calf and proclaimed,…
Talarico wrongly faulted for beliefs and behavior
James Talarico recently held a rally at the Waco Hippodrome. My wife and I are grateful we attended. We joined a long line of diverse Wacoans, talking excitedly as we waited to clear security and enter the theater. When Talarico…
Fact checking three things James Talarico said
James Talarico was a child when I was on the pastoral staff of his church for a year. We attended the same seminary, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I want to look at three of the things he has said that…
Letter to the Editor: Bad democracy and bad religion
On March 9, U.S. Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee posted on X that “Muslims don’t belong in American Society.” I find that statement offensive on many levels. I’ll mention two. First, the statement is a violation of the United States…
The difference between instinct and intention
This summer, the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team will be celebrated in Las Vegas, hosted by none other than American rapper Flavor Flav. The event promises music, spotlight and unmistakable enthusiasm. What stands out most is not the celebrity factor,…
Letter to the Editor: The third temptation of Jesus
Dear Editor: As I was reflecting on the temptations of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 4:1-10, I began to look at the third temptation with different eyes. At once, the thought came to me how there are so many professing…