From the formlessness of these midnight hours in America, out of the void of oppression and injustice, something is being born that will create a new song for all God’s people to sing. But the revolution, when it comes, will be improvised.
To my ‘future self’: instead of resolutions, recycle mistakes and regrets into something redemptive
I took up the New Year’s challenge of writing a letter to my future self. In the process, I discovered the importance of recycling today’s mistakes and regrets into tomorrow’s opportunities.
Rethinking that mission trip to Guatemala: advocating for justice, especially in light of U.S. complicity
Most well-meaning mission efforts in Guatemala at best address the symptoms and not the causes of Mayan suffering. In fact, these efforts may even contribute to the perpetuation of the systems of oppression that harm the Maya.
Falwell and Luther: a theology of glory versus a theology of the cross
Jerry Falwell Jr. and other evangelical leaders espouse what Martin Luther called a “theology of glory.” Falwell has a lot of company. Christian history is full of examples of people finding God on their side when articulating their theology, even, and especially when, their theology concretely harms people.
Consider birthday goals rather than New Year’s resolutions. Here are 8 of mine
Here are 8 of my birthday goals for the coming year, some more serious and challenging than others, offered in the hope that they might inspire a few ideas of your own.
A politician cursed. But the selective outrage of many Christians was also obscene
If you expended more energy in your outrage towards Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s use of a curse word than your outrage over tens of thousands of children dying of starvation, malnutrition and disease – and a host of other social injustice obscenities – perhaps it’s time to weigh carefully what you truly value in God’s world.
Responding to immigrants as ‘refugees from Bethlehem’: on the road with the Holy Family(s)
Whatever else the Jesus Story may mean, it must involve our response to “every stranger” as if they were “refugees from Bethlehem,” holy families in our midst.
Letters to the Editor for 01.09.19
Jimmy Allen: gracious and prophetic
From Wendell Griffen, Little Rock, Arkansas
Letter to the Editor – Jimmy Allen: gracious and prophetic
Jimmy Allen: gracious and prophetic
From Wendell Griffen, Little Rock, Arkansas
Why have evangelicals sold out their professed core values – and why now?
I don’t know where to begin. In truth, I keep not knowing where to begin. The non- presidential tweets from the president and the non-pastoral proclamations from big-name pastors and other evangelical leaders continue to stagger the imagination. Last year…
‘Amy Poehler is ruining my birthday!’ Checking our secret desire to be famous
Letting go of our desire to be famous could lead to better birthdays. Admiring people who do things worthy of our admiration – hard workers, loving parents, good listeners, caring teachers – could help us understand that anonymity is okay.
Does God call the minister – or does the church, a committee or a few well-placed influencers?
One of the occupational hazards of getting paid to pray is that a minister’s clear sense of calling, those moments of clarity and lucidity about one’s life trajectory, can get commodified into a discussion about one’s fitness for a particular ministerial position.