First Words
People don't "pass away"
Imagine talking about birth the way we talk about death.
No one is anonymous
When we baptize, we baptize individual people who have names.
The military doesn't own the American flag
The controversy over athletes kneeling during the national anthem reveals America's unholy trinity of patriotism, militarism, and sports.
A religious test from Dianne Feinstein?
The senator's questioning of a Catholic judicial nominee misrepresented the nature of faith—and overstepped the spirit, at least, of the Constitution.
Don’t be bored, read the Century
Our staff operates under the premise that life is never dull.
The slow creep of injustice
When toxicity grows gradually, we get used to it. But we don't have to.
Conscience means "knowing together"
In worship, our moral compass is recalibrated—with the help of others.
On being white
I used to think racism could be surgically removed. But it's not that easy.
What makes for an undivided life?
True character is only formed over long periods of time.
The difference between wishing and hoping
Wishes are about what we want. Hope is about what God wants.
Us, them, and the pronouns we use
Small words can say a lot about how we see our place in the world.
Does God cause our suffering?
God works in mysterious ways, not sadistic ones.
An executive order churches didn't need
Trump says pastors are bullied and silenced. That comes as a surprise to me.
Another “Ask the Pastor” session with the confirmation class
Why are there only 12 disciples? Will we be with our families in heaven? Does God think pineapple should go on pizza?
Living the truth, not just believing it
Well-aligned spokes make a bicycle wheel true. Truthful living gives a person credibility.
I need poetry more than ever
These are not poetic times. We live and breathe prose.
Prayer without answers
The main purpose of prayer is to enjoy God.
When Ruby Bridges prayed for her enemies
In the face of mob violence, a six-year-old responded with love.
A refugee’s gift
In offering another refugee his citizenship, Chuong Nguyen is not submitting a transactional sort of sacrifice. He is giving a gift of selfless love.
A roominess within the soul
In the Bible, freedom is always more than a simple choice or the absence of coercion.