One of the key differences I’ve noticed between the United Methodist Church and the religion in which I was raised is the focus on now versus later — “later” being heaven, the afterlife, eternity. The theology of the UMC (or…
It’s hard for most Americans to find a progressive church
I hear from progressive Christians all the time who tell me they cannot find a congregation where they fit in and feel comfortable. As one reader said, “I believe we are created to be in relationship, and my spirit desires…
Evangelicals spread conspiracies and ‘disreality,’ says author
Jared Stacy wasn’t surprised by a 2021 Lifeway report: “Half of U.S. Protestant Pastors Hear Conspiracy Theories in their Churches.” Conspiracies about Democratic pedophile rings and other nonsense infested Spotswood Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Va., where he was pastor to…
Letter to the Editor: The third temptation of Jesus
Dear Editor: As I was reflecting on the temptations of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 4:1-10, I began to look at the third temptation with different eyes. At once, the thought came to me how there are so many professing…
Why are evangelicals freaking out over James Talarico?
He’s being called “Pastor Pornhub” and “the living embodiment of Satan on earth” by Christians on the religious and political right. So who is this terrifying figure? Is he a Dallas megachurch pastor who had to step aside for a…
Why Canadian evangelicals don’t like Trump
I must begin by admitting that, yes, some Canadian evangelicals actually do like Donald Trump. There is, for instance, a push in the western province of Alberta (where I was raised) to secede from Canada. The leaders of the secession…
Update: TPUSA event at First Baptist Orlando appears to be canceled
Turning Point USA apparently has canceled First Baptist Church of Orlando as a stop on its “Make Heaven Crowded” tour. BNG reported Tuesday morning that a campus pastor had been placed on administrative leave after questioning the church hosting the…
‘Am I the bad guy?’
During the climactic scene in 1993’s film Falling Down (spoilers ahead), Michael Douglas’ character, William Foster — known as “D-Fens,” after his license plate — asks a haunting question in a mix of disbelief and dawning recognition: “I’m the bad…
As a Pentecostal, I wonder what’s happened to the Christian heart
It is common knowledge that evangelicals in the United States are staunch supporters of the MAGA movement. It’s not a stretch to suggest, had it not been for the evangelical vote, Donald Trump would not have been elected president even…
Where the Evangelicals Are (And Where They Aren’t)
My book The Vanishing Church just released on Tuesday (1/13). I have a couple of events that I wanted to make you aware of regarding its release.
Of course, evangelicals are complaining about Stranger Things
“Being gay is not a superpower,” one person wrote on social media. Immediately, my heart sank. Although I was still catching up on Stranger Things episodes, my gut told me we were on the precipice of yet another conservative panic attack over…
Before you celebrate Maduro’s capture, consider this
Two things can be true at the same time. It is true that Nicolás Maduro is a criminal and a thug and murderer and stole an election. It is also true that Donald Trump is a convicted felon whose actions…