Latest Articles
What if Jesus came back as a college sophomore?
I posed this question to the students in my sexual ethics class.
Jerusalem homeowners distressed by Greek Orthodox Church’s land sales
The financially strapped church sold property to private investors in a way that critics see as secretive.
A Jesus who can be hard to like (Luke 4:21-30)
What’s up with Luke’s assertive Jesus?
The moral authority of Congolese churches
Amid a chaotic political situation in the DRC, churches are fighting for human rights.
U.S. groups look to Canada to resettle refugees
Canada’s private sponsorship program allows churches, community organizations, and individuals to apply for resettlement for refugees. U.S. partners can help.
It’s time to rethink our assumptions about where theological education happens
Until 1565, the local church was also the seminary.
Sheltered by God
The psalmist takes cover in God like a stranded hiker seeking refuge beneath an overturned tree.
Muslim civil rights group sues Maryland over ban related to Israel boycott
Twenty-six states currently have some form of a ban on supporting the the boycott, divestment, and sanctions movement.
Coming of age during the rise of Hitler
A history of the 20th century told by ordinary Germans.
Writing poetry as a step toward common ground
“My workshops are not designed to create poets. I am using poetry as a catalyst.”
Philippine church bombing causes fears of derailed peace process
Dozens were killed or wounded during mass Sunday at a cathedral in the majority Muslim part of the country, where most voters approved expanding an autonomous region to make peace.
March 6, Ash Wednesday (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)
Often our spiritual practices are one more way we refuse to see that all is grace.
The time my psychiatrist sent me on retreat
He leaned back and sighed. “I think what you need is a spiritual experience.”
Privileged illusions
It’s easy to overestimate the credit we deserve for our own success.
Teaching children about racism
Anyone who cries “it’s not fair!” is old enough to learn about racial inequality.
Loving the creed, loving God
Ben Myers is a great teacher. His book left me fascinated not with him but with God.
Grading Jesus’ first sermon (Luke 4:14-21)
As a homiletics professor, I would be inclined to give Jesus a passing grade, and not just because he is Jesus.
Remembering Mary Oliver and her prose
The poet’s essays are winsome and articulate, wide-ranging and intellectually rigorous.
Working within neighborhoods to end mass incarceration
"By building social capacity, communities can respond to their own issues rather than rely on responses from the criminal justice system."
Talking with my children about sex without shame
I wanted to give them better than what I had. It wasn't easy.