Latest Articles
Christians and secularists under the same umbrella
Hong Kong's democracy movement is not Christian, but many key activists are.
Answers without questions
Reading Steve and Sharol Hayner's cancer story, I found myself taking on the role of Job's adversary.
What I know about knowing and being known
In a Century cover story, Katherine Willis Pershey mentions that she infuriated a friend with her beliefs about sex before marriage. That friend was me.
On not noticing: White privilege and white blindness
If the law and the prophets could have provided some warning to the rich man, there must more than his wealth that matters in this parable about him and Lazarus.
Wisdom in the first person
Memoir can be self-indulgent. It can also be serious moral reflection.
Race on the ballot—again
In 1900, W.E.B. Du Bois named the color line as the problem of the 20th century. The color line, which still persists, is on trial this presidential election.
While Donald Trump polls low among black voters, these numbers have improved slightly.
The soft skills of teaching
It’s a joy to engage face-to-face again with students in the classroom. But it also brings a constant stream of decisions about how to build a learning community.
October 9, 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
When I read this week's Gospel, I remember two lepers I saw at a train station in India—how alone they were.
On knowing (yes, in the biblical sense)
When I first had sex, it wasn't just teenage hormones. I wanted to know and be known.
Controlling our inner control freak
Judy preached a sermon in which she told a story about herself, a lovely narrative that helped us connect with her on a personal level and supported the scripture lesson well....
The gospel according to the Emmys: A good apology
At Sunday night's Emmys, I was thrilled to see Sarah Paulson win an award for her work in The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story.
Preaching among idolatrous hipsters? Study Paul.
In Athens, the apostle bears witness—and doesn't try to be cool.
Another Brooklyn, by Jacqueline Woodson
Four teenage girls dance their way into friendship and maturity.
The Century invites reader submissions
The Century invites readers to submit first-person narratives (under 1,000 words) on the topics character and wilderness.
Simple message, difficult grace
Some bemoaned yesterday's difficult Gospel passage. As I look at the Gospel lesson for this coming Sunday, however, I think it may be even more difficult but for the opposite reason.
Watermelons, watermelons everywhere
How does the blazing sun produce so much refreshing fruit?
Charleston Syllabus, edited by Chad Williams, Kidada E. Williams, and Keisha N. Blain
When Dylann Roof murdered the Charleston nine at a Bible study in June 2015, his intent was “to start a race war.” He didn’t succeed.
A story without a hero
The Gospels show Jesus as prophet, teacher, and miracle worker. But most intriguingly, they depict him as a storyteller--one who could not only draw a crowd but keep it riveted.
In defense of niceness
You don't want a nice church, or so I am led to understand. You want a church that zealously defends the Truth.