I have tattoos — several, in fact. The one on the inside of my left forearm, inked in black and printed in Koine Greek, translated says, “According to Matthew 18:3.” The verse? “Truly I tell you, unless you change and…
The president stands at the gate of heaven and St. Peter says …
Many Americans watched the funeral coverage of Pope Francis with chagrin, noting the bright blue suit of the president of these United States, which stood out sharply from the prescribed black clothing of other dignitaries who had come to mourn…
When Trump is under water in Texas, pay attention
The Houston Chronicle reported May 7 that for the first time, more Texans disapprove of President Donald Trump’s handling of the economy than approve. That says a lot more about Trump than it does about any changes in Texas. Yes,…
Where is hope for our mid-faith crisis?
For Christians all around the world, it feels like Groundhog Day. We wake up to new scandals every day. This kind of betrayal is uniquely suited to creating a mid-faith crisis because it turns saints into cynics almost instantly. When…
Loving is complicated
I love preaching. I love everything about it. I love the prep work — reading the lectionary texts, scouring my spiritual life for some connection, praying my way through the chaos of different threads until a clear picture starts to…
Can an atheist save the American church?
David Brooks once remarked that, when he let it be known he considered himself a religious seeker, he was bombarded with helpful books. He received more than 700 unsolicited volumes from evangelical readers, he says, “and only 500 of them…
A warning: Not just two Americas, two American religions
John Edwards ran for president years ago talking of the “two Americas,” that of the rich and the poor. Now, through the machinations of our current president and his MAGA-oriented church, we are becoming a nation of two religions. One…
Why defunding NPR and PBS hurts every American
Public broadcasting is not just media — it’s a lifeline, especially for millions of Americans who are not wealthy, politically connected or part of elite circles. Right now, that lifeline is under threat. National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting…
In hope of resurrection: The Easter story of Limestone University
Twenty years ago, I was sitting in my dorm room at Limestone College in Gaffney, S.C., skipping classes so I could watch the funeral of Pope John Paul II. As an aspiring church musician from the rural South, I was…
Mr. Trump goes to Rome
Most of the time, when people say, “Just joking,” they’re not joking at all. Often, we use “just joking” as a cover when we’ve trotted out ideas we know will be controversial or hurtful but we want to say them…
Maybe Judge Hannah Dugan followed a higher law
They’ve arrested a judge. Not for corruption. Not for embezzlement. Not for abuse of power. But for what some are calling an act of conscience. On April 25, Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was taken into federal custody by…
Letter to the Editor: Second Baptist Houston should be a caution to all churches
Dear Editor: I read the article about Second Baptist Church of Houston with great interest. I am a longtime member of a Baptist church and a professional registered parliamentarian. I have served various churches and religious organizations as a professional parliamentarian…