By David Wilkinson I have rediscovered in the past month an affinity for coughing. I don’t much like it, but I have learned a few things from it. I’ve been coughing since acquiring a nasty upper respiratory infection a few…
Getting to know the ‘nones’
By Bill Leonard As noted earlier in this space, recent polls give evidence of a dramatic increase in the number of Americans who self-identify as having no religious affiliation — with their share of the population up from 7 to…
The will to truly change
By Bob Setzer One week into the New Year, much Jan. 1 resolve is flagging fast. What seemed so easy when greeting the New Year has now turned into the daily grind of fighting temptation. The reservoirs of willpower are…
The seductive, subversive way of Jesus
By Christopher Robertson A recent holiday experience reminded me how I’m starting to pay enough heed to my calling that it’s getting me in trouble. This year, on Christmas day, a bunch of us packed in the car with family…
Teaching virtue at the movies in 2011
By David Gushee It’s 2011, and the real problems of our real world will impinge soon enough. But for this one column I want to linger over four great movies that I experienced in the waning days of 2010 —…
Resolve to read the Bible daily in 2011
By Barry Howard Often I am asked: “What can I do to grow as a Christian?” There are several things that may help you grow in your faith, but one of the most important things is to read the Bible…
Here come the ‘nones’
(Editor’s note: This is a special edition of Bill Leonard’s biweekly column. It will return to its regular publication schedule with another edition next Thursday, Jan. 6.) By Bill Leonard In a new book called American Grace: How Religion Divides…
DREAM dream dream
By Amy Butler This excellent book tells the story of Little Bee, a 16-year-old Nigerian girl who, fleeing the violence in her home village, has stowed away on a British freighter to make her way to the United Kingdom. The…
Looking forward from Christmastide
By R. Kevin Johnson At last, it is here! A month of waiting has passed. We have heard prophetic voices tell of the coming of the Messiah. We have pondered his second coming. We have examined ourselves and considered our…