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…
This is a three-alarm fire for freedom of speech
Of all the shocking things the Trump administration has done in less than three months, please pay attention to this: Today, the administration said it has the power to deport a student simply because of that student’s beliefs. Not because…
The American church’s fear of persecution versus the words of Jesus
There’s a disconnect between the American church’s fear of persecution and the words of Jesus. In a nation where Christians still hold significant cultural influence, privilege and legal protections, a fear of persecution seems almost exaggerated. Too many in the…
Pastoral workaholism: The struggle is real
Let me give pastors some advice: Run away as fast as possible from anyone trying to convince you that burning out or upholding unhealthy expectations (your own or from others) is a rite of passage. It is not. I agree…
Robert Jones: We need a vital, independent free press
Robert P. Jones was the keynote speaker at an April 8 conference sponsored by the Texas Tribune and Religion News Service on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The theme of the day was how journalists tell stories…
How to use social media to join the resistance by God’s people
Each day we are bombarded with multiple news reports of government dismantling, people being abducted by unmarked officers, orders by judges ignored, criminals pardoned, war plans texted on apps, job loss, Social Security at risk, tariff wars starting a Trumpcession,…