Theo is a “prescriptive” character, the author explains, who “gives us a way to use our days well, and that is to fill them with little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love, and just to keep doing the same…
Proof that I was worth the trouble: A story of my mother
Sitting in the car with my mother, I kept quiet. I’d already said enough. It was Thursday. My project on the state of North Carolina was due Monday. My fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Ballard, had made that clear months ago….
In new book, Oord makes theology about God’s love
When I hear the words “systematic theology,” I can’t help but think of Wayne Grudem — an altogether unpleasant association. Maybe a different systematic theology book comes to mind for you, but Iʼd bet it has the same driving force:…
Why Christians need to stop invoking Romans 13
Like a moth to a flame, I return to social media platforms to view postings about current immigration policy, enforcement and protests. Despite how disheartening it is, I cannot help but be drawn into these debates — particularly the sometimes bitter exchanges between my fellow Christians. As someone who teaches ministers and…
Our love for Black children must speak louder than headlines
When I saw the recent headlines of 5-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos being reunited with his father after being held in a Texas detention facility for more than a week, I softened at the sight of the blue bunny hat. And…
‘I see you, I grieve with you, I stand with you’
My heart retches within me. I grieve for the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. Good was murdered while she attempted to drive away from an ICE agent, shot at least twice through her window after the ICE agent…
A new year of being light and love
The message of stars — so far away, or are they? Stars draw us to the light in dark days, especially now. Exchanging letters, cards and words of hope means more than ever. I’d like to share some creative thoughts…
Upside Down Advent: Unloved versus loved
Editor’s note: This column includes strong language near the end that may be offensive to some readers. Of all the four themes of Advent, love is the one that seemingly ties a bow around the others — both positively…
When hate masquerades as love
Hate fills the air as “Christian” America fights over values, social issues, race and sex. An increased rage punctuates our communication. Hate crime and hate speech are mutually charged to MAGA and the Democrats. Both sides tear through news reels…
What if it’s just Jesus?
If I live another few weeks, I will soon turn 70 years old. Like anyone who has lived that long, I have seen many things come and go and change, one of the most bewildering of which is the degree…
Jesus, the Holy Spirit and ‘more of the same’
For the past 30 years, I have made it a practice to read the four Gospels all the way through, every word, about three or four times a year; all of which must add up to somewhere around a hundred…
Concerning diversity, equity and inclusion
“Love casts out fear,” says 1 John 4:18, concerning which the late John Claypool once observed, “As surely as love casts out fear, fear casts out love.” Fear casting out love may help explain the current national obsession with dismantling…