The data post from Ryan Burge caught my eye — as usual. But one of the comments below the post really got my attention. “Let’s be real, non-denoms are basically Baptists,” the commenter said. This was in response to Burge’s...
How many of you remember Phoebe? She was a deacon in the New Testament church at Cenchrea. She’s not one of the Bible’s most famous people, but she was eternally important. Not because she was a deacon but because she…
Democracy often is discussed in the language of elections, institutions, constitutions and public policy. Scripture begins elsewhere. Before it concerns itself with governments, it concerns itself with people. Before it addresses systems, it forms character. That is why Proverbs 4…
As a person who spends a lot of time searching for ways to create spaces for healing light to reside, I have thought about many ways in which the media world can contribute to creating a counter-narrative to the Trump…
I recently discovered the work of the Polish poet Anna Kamienska. Her work titled “Small Things” runs 30 lines, but here is enough to suggest what she is up to. It usually starts taking shape From one word Reveals itself…
A predominantly Black denomination, a faith-based civil rights group and the nation’s largest union have joined forces to fight systemic racism and voter suppression. “We decided we’re stronger and better together and so today we thought it would be appropriate…
The White House is often called “The People’s House.” It is supposed to symbolize public service, sacrifice and stewardship. Yet for many Americans, a troubling question now hangs over Washington: Has the presidency become the most profitable business venture in…
There is a shift that happens in my bones when Bruce Hornsby and the Range begin their hit song, “The Way It Is,” with that beautiful, iconic rolling piano riff. Perhaps it is because this melody is arguably one of…
“All in favor, say ‘Aye.’” “AYE!” the congregation heartily said. “Any opposed?” And with a saccharine smile, the pastor would say, “Of course there’s no opposition,” then turn to the newly approved church members and say, “Welcome. Stand here with…
Dear Editor: Two years ago, a voter guide showed up in mailboxes across St. Johns County, Fla. It looked official. It wasn’t. This month, two sitting county commissioners and a former city mayor will appear in court charged with conspiracy…
Your first interdisciplinary team meeting has finally arrived. Anxiety builds to the verge of panic, as you increasingly feel a step behind. The physician and registered nurses discuss diagnoses. The psychologist outlines treatment goals, and the licensed clinical social worker…
A person close to me who is an ardent follower of Jesus and pretty cynical about church asked me recently, “Can the church practice the virtues it teaches, for example, contentment?” The question set me thinking: Are we ever content…
Roy Cantwell was never seen at a church. Roy carried a wound inflicted by one sentence spoken by a minister when he was 7 years old. Roy Cantwell became my dad. Roy wasn’t the only Cantwell who hated the church….
