While some parents like the surprise element, my wife and I wanted to know. I remember the moment with each of our boys. We headed to the doctor for a regular checkup with a bonus: an ultrasound. But, at 20…
Respecting the lived religion of others
By Molly T. Marshall Religious pluralism is the reality of our time; indeed, the world has always contained persons of widely varied religious experience. Because of differing historical and geographical circumstances, people have found different pathways to express their deepest…
The secret to congregational vitality
By George Bullard The secret is really not a secret. It is well known by many congregational leaders. But they do not accept it because they are looking for a magic act that brings quick vitality without deep commitment and…
Ayn Rand, the reluctant apostle of the Religious Right
How did Ayn Rand become an icon of the Religious Right? It’s not what she would have wanted, Lord knows, and yet, there it is. Ayn Rand despised Jesus, and would have despised him all the more if she had…
19.6 million — and my dad
By John Jay Alvaro Today is Veteran’s Day. Anyone who is a veteran, or who has friends and family who are, doesn’t need to be reminded of the importance of this day. But for those folks with no connection to…
‘Underside’ ministry may redeem Christianity’s reputation
By Marv Knox American culture has turned upside down. What an ironically invigorating development. Validation of cultural upside-downness arrived from unexpected quarters — the Southern Baptist Convention Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission’s recent conference on homosexuality and the future of…
The secret to congregational vitality revealed
The secret is really not a secret. It is well known by many congregational leaders. But, they do not accept it because they are looking for a magic act that brings quick vitality without deep commitment and persistent action. Too…
‘Gone Girl’: Money, marriage, madness and media in Missouri
By David Gushee Follow David: @dpgushee So, what else shall we talk about? How about a tame little movie/book review? Well, perhaps not so tame. My family has recently spent far too many hours watching, reading and talking about Gone…
I can’t just leave
By Helms Jarrell Have you read The Help? I am Mae Mobley. Miss Eva hugged me close as I read to her from my kitty cat book, words she could not read herself. Miss Carolyn cleaned the scrape on my…