By David Gushee I have to admit that I don’t remember the make or model of the car. But I do remember that it promised 15 whole miles per gallon in the city, and 23 on the highway. What I…
Obama’s historic breakthrough
By David Gushee The Democratic primaries are finally over, as Barack Obama has barely edged out Hillary Clinton for the nomination. This is an upset of epic proportions. It was unimaginable 18 months ago. The Illinois senator’s victory over his…
Politics and the power of the Cross
By Beth Newman Sen. Barack Obama’s recent resignation of his membership in Trinity United Church of Christ was probably inevitable, but it is a melancholy occasion nonetheless. Since I cannot know the likely Democratic presidential nominee’s heart, I don’t know…
Christians’ attention to foreign policy long overdue
By David Gushee One of the great weaknesses of contemporary Christian public engagement is in the area of U.S. foreign policy. We live in what for now remains the most powerful nation on earth, and there are a goodly number…
How are Christians accountable to each other?
By David Gushee One of the most vexing issues in Christian life is the question of accountability. At every level of Christian community, the question arises. We know that Christians are accountable to God for their lives and will one…
How real is the Resurrection?
A young woman who had been visiting in the United Methodist congregation my husband serves came to him to inquire about membership. He was, of course, happy to answer her questions, but wondered about the “problems” she said that she…
The mystery of the call
The Baptist world is divided between two camps—the clergy and the laity. Baptist thought usually admits that both camps are expected to be Christian servants. But one of the mysteries to the laity is the matter of “the call” to…
ANOTHER VIEW: Making evangelism good news again
It's amazing the evangelism lessons you can learn from one day in the airport. Try it the next time you have a long day of travel. Ask the Lord to use the day to teach you more about his love…
ANOTHER VIEW: What would Jesus direct?
There is a lot of buzz these days in both religious and Hollywood circles that a new relationship is being forged between faith and film. Is it for real? Or is it just a lot of hype? Michael Flaherty, president…
RIGHT OR WRONG
A member of our church consistently becomes rowdy—talking too much and loudly—during our business meetings. His behavior is extremely distracting, and some members have quit attending because they know he'll be there. Something needs to change, but how? The issue…
Who is the enemy?
I enjoyed your editorial on bumper sticker wars (June 15), but I was dismayed to see those who display the fish with legs referred to as “the enemy.” Does this mean that Christians who believe in evolution are “the enemy?”…
The sacred in us all
Singer's statement brings into sharp focus two very distinct world views. The view held by Christians is that God created humans as spiritual beings living for a time within a physical body. Theologians have called this foundational concept the “Imago…