By David Gushee Visiting family last weekend, I experienced a classic “God and country” service at a large SBC church. There was a day when I would have been outraged by such a service on theological grounds. This particular day…
Hearing the full story
By Beth Newman Years ago I saw a foreign film about two brothers and their father. One brother, against his father’s wishes, decides to become an actor and travels far and wide. The other stays close to home, caring for…
America’s moral center says ‘no’ to torture
By David Gushee An unprecedented bipartisan coalition of religious, political, and military leaders recently released a document expressing our shared rejection of torture and prisoner mistreatment by — or in the name of — the United States. The signatories include…
Lawley’s Chapel and the communion of saints
By Beth Newman The oldest, central section of graves are marked by nothing but stones, probably carried up from that creek. Any names that they might have borne are long since gone. The landscape probably remains fairly unchanged, however, since…
The moral influence of a market economy
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…