By Luke Smith The word “open” is increasingly used as a metaphor for a more measured, relaxed and polite, engagement with our world. In contrast, the term “closed” is a metaphor for all that is bigoted, unfairly exclusionary or simply…
No marriage at all? Why Oklahoma lawmakers are onto something
In a recent interview with News 9 in Oklahoma City, state representative Mike Turner said, “[My constituents are] willing to have that discussion about whether marriage needs to be regulated by the state at all.” When I heard that quote…
Breaking the me-addiction
By Bill Wilson I recently visited an impressive coffee shop in a southern city and noticed a sign above the counter that said simply, “We appreciate your addiction.” From the length of the line I waited in to get my…
True Beliebers
By Brett Younger When Justin Bieber was arrested in January for drinking, driving and drag racing it was front-page news and a goldmine for late-night comics. Jay Leno opened with an announcement from President Obama: “America’s number one domestic terrorist…
Reflections on the rising student debt: A Latina Christian perspective
Recently I was reminded through different conversations about the issue of student debt. The first two conversations were related to ministerial students (bachelor’s and master’s levels) who are acquiring significant debt to obtain an education. The concern relates to the…
Romans 13, Michael Dunn and gun-toting citizen vigilantes
David Gushee Follow David on twitter: @dpgushee Once again a white civilian has used a gun to kill a black civilian in Florida. Once again a jury has failed to convict the white man of any crime against the now-dead…
Big data hiring trends
By John Chandler Xerox Services operates 150 call centers with over 45,000 employees. In a recent article on big data by Don Peck, “They’re Watching You at Work,” Teri Morse, Xerox’s vice president for recruiting, describes the company’s change in…
Should CVS Caremark be praised or confronted?
CVS is my pharmacy of choice. I am in their store a couple of times per month. I have always been aware they sell tobacco products. Yet I hardly notice them since I have no interest. Recently they announced that…
It’s not simply about denying service
A recent article from the RNS describes the efforts in Oregon to craft the bill that would legalize gay marriage in such away as to allow conscience protections for business owners. The conscience protections being debated would allow private business…