

Since 1900, the Christian Century has published reporting, commentary, poetry, and essays on the role of faith in a pluralistic society.
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The wilderness of a rural ministry circuit
I’m now a half-time “missional coach” to a six-church parish. I have many questions.
May 9, Ascension (Luke 24:44–53)
In his final moments on earth, Jesus delivers a last lecture—with footnotes.
Where are the children in liberation theologies?
Child advocate R. L. Stollar seeks to help people read the Bible in ways that protect and honor children.
April 28, Easter 5B (John 15:1–8; 1 John 4:7–21)
In biblical Greek, the word we translate as “abide” is active rather than passive.
April 28, Easter 5B (John 15:1–8; 1 John 4:7–21)
In biblical Greek, the word we translate as “abide” is active rather than passive.
April 14, Easter 3B (Luke 24:36b–48)
Why doesn’t Jesus just remind the disciples of a story or an inside joke they shared before he died?
What comes after clergy self-care?
I didn’t need more candles or journaling. I needed solidarity with others.
Ministry and other difficult jobs
Pastors face intense challenges—though not necessarily unique ones.
Ministry and other difficult jobs
Pastors face intense challenges—though not necessarily unique ones.
Holy attachments
During the pandemic, I went six months without touching another human being. I felt starved.
February 11, Transfiguration B (Mark 9:2–9)
What Peter, James, and John see on the mountain cannot be neatly packaged for resale.
False prophets and their dog whistles
Jesus warned of them and the fruit they bear.
The hymns of Mary, Zechariah, and Simeon reflect the worship material of early Christians.
December 31, Christmas 1B (Isaiah 61:10–62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4–7; Luke 2:22–40)
Simeon and Anna echo the worship material of ancient Israel.
Mary and Joseph must have felt dejected and homeless.
The annunciation is a story about a woman bearing forth the better things from the baser.
by Katie Kirk
December 24/25, Nativity of the Lord (Isaiah 9:2–7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11–14; Luke 2:1–20)
The God of exiles, refugees, and migrants still shines light amid today’s present darkness.
December 24/25, Nativity of the Lord (Isaiah 9:2–7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11–14; Luke 2:1–20)
The God of exiles, refugees, and migrants still shines light amid today’s present darkness.
December 24/25, Nativity of the Lord (Isaiah 9:2–7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11–14; Luke 2:1–20)
The God of exiles, refugees, and migrants still shines light amid today’s present darkness.