All four Gospels share a version of the story of a tradition that had arisen during the Festival of Passover when the Roman governor, Pilate, would release a prisoner of the crowd’s choosing. Barabbas was an insurrectionist and a murderer,…
A Holy Week choice between two parades
Some years ago, I led an adult formation (Baptists, read “Sunday school”) series for the good people of Calvary Episcopal in Bastrop, Texas, on The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus’s Final Days in Jerusalem, a book…
From Facebook to churches: The dangers of NDAs
Like many folks, I recently read the explosive memoir Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams. Her title is borrowed from a line in The Great Gatsby where Tom and Daisy are called careless people who let others clean up the messes…
It’s time to name and prosecute Trump’s minions
Even though the U.S. Supreme Court has — wrongly and dangerously — granted President Donald Trump broad immunity for illegal acts he commits as president, it has not afforded the same luxury to the many minions who do his bidding….
A Holy Week plea: Do not let Kilmar Abrego Garcia be crucified
It is Holy Week. Jesus has entered Jerusalem, and these are to be his final days. Meanwhile, the likes of us pastors bustle to place the finishing touches on our services and sermons, preparing for the coming of the “C&E”…
Justice for Victor: A world where difference is not punished with violence
This April, a month meant to honor and uplift the voices of autistic individuals, the community in Pocatello, Idaho, finds itself grieving the tragic and preventable death of 17-year-old Victor Perez. Victor, a nonverbal autistic teen with cerebral palsy, was…
‘Not of this world’: Jesus, Caesar and Holy Week
In Luke’s Gospel, the Jesus story begins with these words: “And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed.” The Gospel of John describes a…
In a week celebrating resurrection, Trump makes the living appear dead
In this week where Christians the world over celebrate Jesus as “the resurrection and the life,” the Trump administration is trying to make people who are alive appear dead. Is there any end to the lengths the Trump administration will…
Another view on Israel and colonization
Editor’s note: It is BNG’s mission, when possible, to present diverse viewpoints on key issues of the day. We do not expect anyone to agree with everything we publish. Although the majority of our recent opinion and analysis content has…
20 reasons a military parade for Trump’s birthday is a bad idea
A proposed military parade on June 14 tied to President Donald Trump’s 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army has sparked real backlash. While Trump allies frame it as a patriotic celebration, critics from across the political…
‘I hate dumbness’
My mother, Mary Jim Patton Currie, was born on March 27, 1917. She died Dec. 20, 2011, at the age of 94. It’s amazing how much I still talk to her and how much she still talks to me through…
Metanoia and your spiritual journey
April traditionally arrives with images of rebirth — an empty tomb, the sight of unfolding lilies, reading familiar words of promise. The vision of hope springs up, bringing encouragement to our weary souls. This year between frantic breaking news, waving…