Despite the stampede of corporations running away from any identification with diversity, equity and inclusion work, the gospel has not changed. Jesus is still woke. In the Second Coming of Donald Trump, we’re seeing a flood of headlines declaring the…
Circular firing squads are an inevitable pitfall in extremist movements
After spending a better part of the last decade investigating extremism, I have learned one thing is consistent within every movement: circular firing squads. Although the group embraces a common disdain for an external enemy, in-fighting somehow always manages to…
Harsh times offer progressives an opportunity to restore Christianity’s good name
Through deeds of kindness and love, progressive Christians will have a chance to redeem the good name “Christian” during the harsh era to come. This restoration is needed as never before in our lifetimes. But it is not unprecedented. Early…
As long as MAGA evangelicals are in power, sexual ethics will be in exile, but that’s not the end of the story
During Thanksgiving week, I watched two movies: Wicked and Gladiator II. Both movies reminded me of evangelicals up to their television satellites and steeples in secular politics. I watched the citizens of Oz pour into the streets, singing, “The wicked…
Tucker Carlson is a danger to American families
Just when you think the lies and threats from MAGA world can’t get any scarier, Tucker Carlson shows up. The fired Fox News personality spoke at a Trump rally in Georgia Oct. 23 sponsored by Turning Point Action, an evangelicals-for-Trump…
Trump supporters’ silence about his threat for vengeance
In the 1990s, my friends on the far left were upset that I favored impeaching and convicting President Bill Clinton for lying under oath. When Democrats on social media were lauding Garth Brooks’ singing of “Amazing Grace” at President Joe…
Jesus at the MAGA rally
Several weeks ago, I had a strange and troubling dream. In my dream, I attended a massive rally. Thousands of people flocked to the stadium to hear their hero speak. As throngs of people entered the stadium, Jesus quietly entered…
Bullshit
In 1916, a 26-year-old Darley Hiden Ramsey submitted a motto for the newly commissioned town seal of Asheville, N.C. His choice, levavi oculos meos in montes, “I lift my eyes to the hills” was taken from Psalm 121. Scholars consider…
Putting Christian political participation in proper place
“Christian nationalist” (or its synonym “MAGA Christians”) has, at times, been applied to any Christian who expresses a political opinion or votes Republican. Yet not every Christian who votes or is otherwise involved in politics is a Christian nationalist. Such…