Latest Articles
Reluctant prophet: Luke 4:14-21; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31a
The opening scene of Jesus’ public ministry left no doubt: a commitment to Jesus involves a commitment to build communities of peace and justice. But first comes the calling.
A 'chosen people'
Without the myths that form its spiritual “glue” the United States would disintegrate, argues historian Richard Hughes....
Everyday Apocalypse: The Sacred Revealed in Radiohead, the Simpsons, and Other Pop Culture Icons
David Dark searches for God in popular culture, considering film, television and ...
Paul Simon (1928-2003) In memoriam: In memoriam
This magazine lost a good friend and strong supporter when former U.S. Senator Paul Simon died on December 9. He was a member of the Century’s board of trustees and he read each issue carefully....
Inquiring minds: The decline of journalism
The American Society of Newspaper Editors is trying to find out what people want in a newspaper....
Blue Christmas: Grieving through the holidays
A few years ago, if I’d had my druthers for Christmas, I would have put a paper bag over my head on December 1, crawled under the bed and hidden out until Christmas was over—perhaps until Christmas...
Military unreadiness: Soldiers with second thoughts
On any given morning, visitors to Fayetteville, North Carolina, can find hearty soldiers in fatigues running in step to a traditional marching ditty....
Order in the court: How judges should think
Americans are locked in an intense conflict over the role of federal courts....
Watch case: Christian hope for the future
Time, like an ever-rolling stream / Bears all its sons away . . .” [or, as alt. would have it, “soon bears us all away”] would be a paralyzing line were it not for the hymn’s opening invocation....
Kingly presence: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Because we know almost nothing about the wise men, our imaginations take wing. If we were brought up in the Christian faith, these characters have ridden across our minds and hearts ever since we were taken to our first Sunday school pageant.
Naming names: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Names are sacred words by which we are individualized. Jesus, in baptism, received a new name. So do his followers. Baptism also sets each of us apart as a particular kind of person—one owned by God. Those who have been baptized are called to live out the meaning of this remarkable reality.
One-way giving: The magi didn't give gifts to each other
If you are like me, you dread one essential part of Christmas celebrations: gift-giving. My problems start with shopping....
Kingly presence: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Because we know almost nothing about the wise men, our imaginations take wing. If we were brought up in the Christian faith, these characters have ridden across our minds and hearts ever since we were taken to our first Sunday school pageant.
One-way giving: The magi didn't give gifts to each other
If you are like me, you dread one essential part of Christmas celebrations: gift-giving. My problems start with shopping....
Naming names: Isaiah 43:1-7; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
Names are sacred words by which we are individualized. Jesus, in baptism, received a new name. So do his followers. Baptism also sets each of us apart as a particular kind of person—one owned by God. Those who have been baptized are called to live out the meaning of this remarkable reality.
Food fight
The Farmer’s Diner in Barre, Vermont, serves the foods you would expect at a diner—ham and eggs, home fries, hamburgers, milkshakes....
