Latest Articles
Grandmother’s communion: Lessons on the one true church
Her tiny cabin was part of an old Methodist campground, a fact that delighted her to no end. When it came to other religions, she had a sharp and amused tongue.
The Vietnam Memorial: A parable for leadership
The other day I heard Maya Lin talk about her design for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washin...
"Lectionary mods" from the Open Source Lectionary
Of the four projects I focused on in my article on alternate lectionaries, Eric Lemonholm's Open Source Lectionary arguably got the least attention—the fewest words, the fourth slot of four. But that's not because I found it to be the least interesting or significant.
Tuesday digest
New today from the Century: Brian Doyle's grandmother's thoughts on Protestants, MaryAnn McKibben Dana on the Vietnam Memorial and pastoral leadership, more.
Fifty years later, C.S. Lewis’ legacy shines in US, not his homeland
c. 2013 Religion News Service...
Is yoga religious? An Indian court mulls mandatory school exercises
c. 2013 Religion News Service...
How to disagree
In a recent public conversation, I was touched by Richard Mouw's kindness and civility. It gave me hope for my church.
Pulled home
While Gravity doesn't pass the Bechdel test, it does feature a female lead in a story that isn't about romance or sex. But is it her story or Everyman's?
Blessings alongside woes
Some years ago, on the day before All Saints’ Day, the country’s best distance runners met in Central Park. These included two old friends, Ryan Hall and Ryan Shay.
All Hallows Eve hospitality
There’s a trend in the trick-or-treat business that I find a little sad....
Monday digest
New today from the Century: The Century media columnists discuss Gravity, John Buchanan on disagreeing civilly with Richard Mouw, more.
Lusophone evangelism
Portugal no longer sends out missionaries on any scale, but Brazil has taken up that mantle. Worldwide, one in 11 Christians speak Portuguese.
Brought here to love others
I like to read the mission notes in our UCC/DOC Global Ministries e-mailings, and I always give special attention to those written by my seminary classmate Jeff Mensendeik, who does mission wo...
Friday digest
New today from the Century: Phil Jenkins on Lusophone evangelism, Gail Irwin on being brought here to love others, more.
Other people saying things
"Although we don’t test our graduating seniors on whether a carrot is healthier than a Cheeto, many of us would still like to be sure they ...
Blame Obama for Obamacare's issues. Don't blame "government health insurance."
It's true: the rollout of the Obamacare federal exchange has been a mess. And while the problems began with technical issues, they're threatening to become a whole lot more.
This week's Capitol Hill circus was all about who's to blame. Is it the feds' fault or the contractors'? To those of us who, whatever our political sympathies, don't have an immediate dog in the blame game, the answer seems obvious: regardless of where the specific problems originated, it was the Obama administration's job to get this thing done. And the administration failed.
Pastor as pope
Pope Francis understands that people are rarely argued into the church, but they are often loved into it.