“What a Sunday!” Houston First Baptist Church’s social media team celebrates on Facebook. “From worship to fellowship, Pocket Constitutions to patriotic tunes, we’re grateful for a church family that gathers with thankful hearts and points people to Jesus. Happy birthday,…
Trump’s self-aggrandizement results in ‘Code Red’ environment
According to the U.S. Parks Service, 7,000 fireworks are typically used for pyrotechnics displays in our nation’s capital. For the MAGA-aligned “Freedom 250” Independence Day celebration, Trump insisted on 850,000 fireworks — 120 times the normal amount. Ahead of the…
What patriotism is not
The president has spread abroad a kind of patriotism that is foreign to this great nation. His actions have mimicked King George III of England, for whom patriotism was obedience. In the Declaration of Independence, we (mainly white males) claimed…
Christian nationalism is neither Christian nor patriotic
I believe I am an open-hearted person. I don’t debate, nor do I continue trying to explain things as simply as I can to the closed-minded people I may encounter along my way. Throughout my ministry, I have enjoyed many…
Conservative coalition plans patriotic programs for America’s 250th birthday
The U.S. Department of Education has formed an America 250 Civics Education Coalition with 41 conservative groups in preparation for the celebration of the nation’s 250th anniversary next July 4. The coalition “is dedicated to renewing patriotism, strengthening civic knowledge…
On July 4, I will not be celebrating. Here’s why
Political leaders’ amorality and immorality about justice has always been tolerated, if not actively enabled, by religious nationalists in congregations in all regions of the country and in every religious sect.
John the Baptist and religious liberty: getting right what many evangelical preachers get wrong
John the Baptist spoke truth to power, refused to pander to politicians and insisted that no earthly kingdom is coterminous with the Kingdom of God. In other words, John got right what many evangelical preachers get wrong.
Keep the flame of liberty burning bright
The Founding Fathers gave us a bigger challenge than they realized. To work for the common good of all keeps the torch of freedom burning brightly. Nobody has expressed the essence of America more than the artist Norman Rockwell. His…