Is this “a Bonhoeffer moment” in American political, cultural and spiritual life? A lot of people, across the theological spectrum, seem to think as much, or at least find the question worth pursuing.
Following Jesus is about what you do, not what you believe
All the judgment parables in Matthew (as well as all the judgment texts in Mark and Luke) have to do with fruits — the consequences of our faith, rather than the content of our faith. Does that scare you? It shouldn’t.
#MeToo! Our culture of sexual predation
Many clergywomen have voiced their experiences of violation, often perpetrated by friends in seminary, senior pastors and judicatory leaders — many of whom were publicly affirming of women in ministry.
Time for me to say, #MeToo
Me too, for noticing the silence of men during this campaign and refusing to hold them, and me, accountable for embracing muteness.
Hiding behind the flag
Shocking as it is, we must be confronted with the humanity of the crises around us. We cannot cover Jesus on the cross any more than we can drape our war dead in American flags in hopes that it will all seem more respectable.
We can find common ground, but only if we try
Common ground could happen in our world. But we have to be the ones to make it happen.
Spending money brings happiness. But what kind of spending?
Let’s start with a little perspective: we write and read this column from the vantage point of being the most insanely wealthy people in the history of the human race.
Hope is present but elusive. Look harder.
When the world is hard, we have to look harder. We are detectives searching for clues. Hope does not shout, but if we listen carefully we hear whispers. Hopeful things are happening, but we have to pay attention.
Patriotism or nationalism?
God’s Word seems abundantly clear. Any nation that is above critique is beyond God’s help. So, take a breath, fellow citizens. Not everyone who disagrees with you is unpatriotic. And beware, lest you become guilty of thoughtless allegiance to immoral and unjust policies.
Naming darkness, claiming hope
Struggling to find the right balance between naming darkness and preaching hope is the substance of our work in this moment: as leaders, as people of faith, as participants in the work of healing the world.
When fear appears in the congregation, choose love
We live in a world that is ripe with fear. And fear is such an easy response and reaction. And fear might very well be valid. But what if we choose love?
You don’t have to live like a refugee
You can read David Gushee’s “Still Christian: Following Jesus Out of American Evangelicalism” in an evening or afternoon. You can and you should.