Reclaiming ways of talking collectively about the great harm our culture demands we do to one another in order to survive – without turning ourselves and other people into the problem (into sinners) – is the whole purpose of atonement: to scapegoat the scapegoat and not one another.
Why a film about torture was oddly inspiring for this Christian ethicist
We shouldn’t have to learn the truth about the CIA’s program of torture from a film. American citizens – especially those who are persons of faith – should not only demand access to all the facts but also declare our clear moral repudiation of torture.
Indivisible or individual? Where do Americans Christians pledge their allegiance?
Our country and our churches are in desperate need of individuals whose allegiance goes beyond their self-reliance. We need individuals who pledge to be indivisible from neighbors near and far.
Never again? Remembering Auschwitz amid enduring anti-Semitism and increasing acts of hatred
Two irreconcilable statements must be heard as one: Auschwitz was liberated 75 years ago. Yet, anti-Semitism endures, now unleashed with new vigor in the American public square.
Live by the clock or the compass? Clergy and churches must wrestle with this question
Jesus knew that if his followers were going to make any difference in the world, they would need a laser-like focus on a compass, not on a clock. Sadly, congregations and clergy often abandon this truth.
‘Salvation’ is a good and godly word that needs rehabilitating; and progressive Christians can help
Many definitions of salvation today would have us deny our humanity rather than trust it as the source and center of Christian faith. Progressive Christians can offer a deeper, more biblical understanding of what God’s saving grace means.
We need to talk about oppression, not just privilege
A friend quoted from memory lines from Langston Hughes’ poem, “Mother to Son.” I was reminded that it is the very definition of white privilege to think we can just sit down on the stairs because the work of racial justice is hard.
Moving from ‘knowing’ to ‘unknowing’: leadership during a liminal time for the church
Good leaders never make it to the promised land, a former colleague and model of effective leadership, once remarked. Good leaders always know there is more to do, more to learn and more pilgrimage to make.
Kenneth Starr is doing it again
By hitching his wagon to Trump’s neon star, Starr is making the same old mistake for the same old reason.
Doing battle with atheism
My beef is not with atheists but with simplistic arguments like: “The Church is bad, therefore there is no God.”
Trump’s impeachment: A trial of biblical proportions
No strategy has been more politically contrived than the adoption of biblical typologies to legitimate the Big Apple businessman and reality TV personality occupying the White House. This should concern all Americans who claim to revere the Bible and desire to live into its vision.
Supreme Court should protect religious liberty by guarding against government funding of religion
The principle that government should not fund religious activities or interfere in religious doctrine is deeply rooted in our country’s religious liberty tradition.