It seems progressive Christians are often being attacked by other Christians for our “tolerance.” I don’t know about my fellow clergy, but I don’t recall that I have ever used the word tolerant in a sermon. I haven’t applauded tolerance…
Backward priorities: Athletics first, church last
By Aileen Lawrimore My kids rarely ask because they know what I’ll say: “Yes, you have to go to church.” In truth, there are exceptions, but my kids know that skipping church is never a given. OK, wait. Hear me:…
How do we balance religious liberty and rule of law?
If you could collect a dime every time U.S. media mention “religious liberty” between now and Election Day 2016, you could fund your own Super-PAC — or maybe even bankroll your own run for the White House. We’re going to…
The consequences of a worldview
It seems like each new school year lately brings another scandalous story of something stupid a college fraternity has done. In my home state of Virginia, Old Dominion University’s Sigma Nu fraternity is this year’s culprit. As parents were arriving…
The spiritual practice of putting down roots
By Jayne Hugo Davis “In whatever place you find yourself, do not easily leave it.” — Abba Antony I love finding tiny volunteer maple saplings around my yard. They spring up between the bushes in the landscaping bed or behind…
Love already won
My grandmother, Eva Mae Thomas, was my first catechizer and theologian. At the age of 12, she put a pen and notepad in my hand and asked me to “write down all the Scriptures that the preacher says.” There were…
Religious freedom and human rights
By Molly T. Marshall Baptists claim religious liberty and soul competence among their fragile freedoms, yet some draw the line when these freedoms are claimed in the service of sexual orientation and gender identity. While many wish these issues would…
Kim Davis: Blinded by belief
So, Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who refused to sign marriage licenses for same sex couples, went to jail. And many political conservatives and religious fundamentalists praised her faith — as if she’s the first person ever jailed for following…
Confessions of a middle-aged pastor
Thirty seven years ago this past month I was called to my first church staff position at the age of 18. Thinking about those early beginnings has led me to reminisce about the peculiarity of my calling and my pastoral…
Gandhi and the Baptist preacher
By Doyle Sager While attending the Baptist World Congress in Durban, South Africa, this summer, some friends and I took advantage of our free afternoon and enlisted a guide for a tour of some local history. Two surprises greeted me….
What has the United Nations done for me lately?
What has the U.N. done for me? Presuming you live in the west, the United States specifically, I suspect your answer is, “not much.” This august and yet cumbersome, very serious and yet mock-worthy, institution exists in the minds of…
Why I have pity for Kentucky clerk Kim Davis
I have to admit I have looked at defiant Rowan County clerk Kim Davis with some degree of disdain. I thought, “Here is just another example of religious bigotry and hypocrisy to showcase to the world.” Then on Monday of…