Surely I am not the only person in the land of the free and the home of the classified documents who keeps wishing, even hoping, that the innumerable issues, actions and ideas that divide us as a people have finally…
My two phone calls to Frederick Buechner
In 1978, someone gave me a copy of Frederick Buechner’s Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC. I read the first entry — “Agnostic: Some people all of the time and all people some of the time,” and we were off and running. By the time…
Hymn stories: ‘The Church’s One Foundation’
I believe in the holy catholic church, the communion of the saints. Hymn writers frequently relate varied inspirations for their texts. Great hymns of the church may be borne out of personal life events, societal or world events, or, as…
The fantastical world of climate change denial: Slouching toward annihilation
Climate change presents the greatest existential threat to human existence in history. The alleged worldwide flood of Noah pales in comparison. A group of politicians and preachers who should know better, and perhaps do, have responded as if they were…
Remembering a sign for the times: The serpent and the seminary
By nature, I’m something of a skeptic, perhaps by this point in my life even a cynic, and I’ve never been a person who puts much stock in seeking signs from God. My rational disposition, as well as my training…
No, Dan Patrick, God did not write the U.S. Constitution
“We were a nation founded upon, not the words of our founders, but the words of God because he wrote the Constitution.” So said Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick at the second Conservative Political Action Conference held this year with the theme “Awake, Not…
Black religion and reparation questions
How many times have you heard Black religious leaders preach, teach and advocate about reparation for racial injustice? I have pondered that question a lot, especially since the murder of George Floyd. I have wondered why Black religious leaders are…
What happened to American conservatism? Engaging Matthew Continetti’s The Right
It is always valuable to engage the other side. Especially when one finds the other side utterly bewildering. The other side I am trying to engage is American political conservatism. My guide today is Matthew Continetti, a brilliant conservative policy…
Skepticism holds seeds of hope: The SBC and clergy sex abuse
People speak of hope as if it is this delicate, ephemeral thing made of whispers and spider’s webs. It’s not. Hope has dirt on her face, blood on her knuckles, the grit of the cobblestones in her hair, and just…
Here’s what I’m learning in therapy
I’m not a person who lives with classic depression, but there have been several times in the last few years where I truly didn’t care whether I lived or died. The most recent episode lasted nearly two years. I chalked…
Letter to the Editor: I also stand with Brittney Griner and kneel for the Anthem
Letter to the Editor August 12, 2022 Dear Editor: I am voicing my agreement with Rodney Kennedy in speaking out to bring Brittney Griner home. She is an American. She has accomplished more than most in her WNBA career, bringing…
A thoughtful question at Bubba-Doo’s
Before I arrive at my favorite country store, I can know instinctively who I might see once I get there. All I’ve got to do is glance at my watch. Based on what time it is, I’ll have a decent…