By Molly T. Marshall The world is reeling once again at the violence between Israelis and Palestinians. Events in the Middle East seem to draw more attention than the ongoing violence in our own land, supported in a structural way…
Treasuring and transcending culture
By Molly T. Marshall “Where are you from?” is one of the most frequent questions posed when getting to know another. Recently, leaders of a local Korean congregation invited me to dinner, a lovely affair that did not require my…
Come, Holy Spirit
By Molly T. Marshall Looking almost combustible, the red and gold paraments, banners and streamers swirled through our sanctuaries as we celebrated Pentecost once again. I am grateful that Baptist churches have grown more engaged in this liturgical season, which…
Is feminist a Baptist word?
By Molly T. Marshall An online firestorm has erupted following the Isla Vista killings. This past Friday night a 22-year-old man enacted his “Day of Retribution” by killing six and leaving seven injured. He intentionally targeted women. His express reason…
Deepening prayer
By Molly T. Marshall Christians know that we are supposed to pray. From earliest childhood, that is our instruction, often getting more practice in Sunday school than at home. Families who pray together are an endangered species these days; spiritual…
Deepening the Spirit
By Molly T. Marshall Eastertide is the season in the life of the church when we struggle to make sense of the Easter appearances, the dialectic of presence and absence, and the new awareness of the Spirit of God. The…
Killing Jews
By Molly T. Marshall This past Sunday in Overland Park, Kan., a rabid anti-Semite, gun-wielding white supremacist drove into the parking lot at the Jewish Community Center with the intent to kill. And he succeeded. He shot a grandfather and…
Preaching Easter
By Molly T. Marshall It is the perennial problem of the preacher in this season: how do I proclaim the raising of Jesus of Nazareth in a fresh and compelling way? What might I add to the storied articulation of…
Bleeding for justice
By Molly T. Marshall When in Myanmar, I have the opportunity to read local newspapers, at least those in English. These papers are not without political bias, but neither are ours. Established in 2013, Myanma Freedom offers a cautionary note…