The influence of the Religious Right may overpower and obscure that of other faith groups, but a veteran religion sociologist says progressive believers promoting peace, justice and social reform have been an active and surprisingly effective force in the 21st…
Stephen Miller must be confused about gender identity
In case you haven’t already figured out what a despicable person Stephen Miller is, hear this: The adviser to President Donald Trump posted on X an attack on Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico that says, “The Democrats made history in…
Don’t miss the faith argument in Talarico v. Paxton
“Talarico v. Paxton is going to be a straight up religious argument between Christianity as a religion of love for neighbor and Christian authoritarianism. There’s not been a public theological contest like this since the Scopes Monkey trial.” That’s the immediate…
Where is the outrage?
In our current era, many people are outraged by the wrong things while remaining indifferent to the genuine injustices happening around them. Outrage is a waste of time if it is not followed by action. Writing letters, making phone calls…
Imprecatory prayers: A theological-political caution
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Pastor Brooks Potteiger and other MAGA evangelicals are using imprecatory prayers asking God to kill their enemies. Should we be alarmed? A few examples of imprecatory prayers here and there don’t portend an outbreak in…
Is James Talarico an Orc?
James Talarico has the Republican Party running scared. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott rarely mentions Gina Hinojosa, his Democratic rival, but he is going after U.S. Senate candidate Talarico with guns blazing. The assault on Talarico isn’t just coming from Texas,…
At Pentagon, Hegseth prays ‘every round find its mark’
Pete Hegseth’s creation of evangelical worship services at the Pentagon already is controversial; now he’s used one of those services to invoke God’s favor on the U.S. attacks on Iran. Speaking to staff gathered for worship at the Pentagon March…
3 Democratic pastors in Iowa are running for Congress, a snapshot of a national trend
In polite company or otherwise, the Rev. Sarah Trone Garriott is very comfortable talking to people about religion and politics.
Let’s move beyond Pee-wee Herman politics
James Talarico has figured prominently in the news and on social media lately, especially so after he defeated Democratic U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the Texas Democratic primary. In the November general election, he will face either incumbent Republican U.S….
Talarico wrongly faulted for beliefs and behavior
James Talarico recently held a rally at the Waco Hippodrome. My wife and I are grateful we attended. We joined a long line of diverse Wacoans, talking excitedly as we waited to clear security and enter the theater. When Talarico…
Fact checking three things James Talarico said
James Talarico was a child when I was on the pastoral staff of his church for a year. We attended the same seminary, Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. I want to look at three of the things he has said that…
How Left and Right misuse Scripture in an age of moral confusion
Editor’s note: It is BNG’s practice, when possible, to present diverse viewpoints in our opinion section. The piece below was written at the editor’s request to represent a conservative viewpoint that will resonate with readers who consider themselves centrists and…