Critical Essay
How Kathryn Tanner’s theology bridges doctrine and social action
Lots of theologians want to challenge economic injustice. Not many draw their arguments from Anselm and Aquinas.
Remembering Luther’s 95 Theses without forgetting the cross
Or, to paraphrase Thesis 17: Purgatory now!
How St. Patrick evangelized a violent culture
It is hard to imagine a time or place more opposed to the gospel than fifth-century Ireland.
Brian Doyle’s ferocious attention
Doyle’s exuberant writing praised particular things in rich detail. It cut to the pulsing heart of life.
The poor we will always have with us?
Jesus isn’t pitting himself against poor people. He’s one of them.
Why we need Mary Oliver’s poems
When arguments fail us, we turn to words of wonder.
The plain, difficult sense of scripture
Calvin argued for the self-evident clarity of the Bible—the same Bible he wrote thousands of pages about.
Who decides what my body means?
The next Reformation is about interpretation, but not of a book.
Is the Reformation over? Yes and no.
Until Christians can all share the Lord’s Supper, the rift continues. But there is no denying how massively the ground has shifted.
What kind of freedom does a republic promise?
American liberty has been corrupted, and it’s up to us to restore it.
How I teach theology to undergrads
Being religious is not about following rules. It's more like dancing.
What we can learn from an Orthodox nun
She died resisting the Nazis. Her critique of Christians in society still resonates today.
Why the world needs Sarah Coakley
Coakley's kind of theology requires more than claims. It needs prayer.
What endures in Wittenberg
For a long time, Luther's hometown lay forgotten.
The blinding horror of Abraham’s faith
It’s dangerous to trust God in the face of suffering. It’s more dangerous not to.
Preaching among idolatrous hipsters? Study Paul.
In Athens, the apostle bears witness—and doesn't try to be cool.
What Mary saw at Cana: The indispensability of others
At Cana, Jesus asks Mary, "What is this to me and to you?" It is very important that the church hear this question.
Drones unlimited? Just war rules demand accountability
Does the use of drones meet just war criteria? That depends on how you define your terms.
Seeing whiteness: Exercises in understanding race
I used to lead activities like the "Privilege Walk" and "Cross the Line." I couldn't shake the feeling that they were not taking us very far.
Healing from the ground up: The church as field hospital
The church I dream of goes out onto the field of battle—not to kill and maim on either side's behalf, but to bind up wounds.