Let the Mutant Church Arise
Columnist Sarah Blackwell writes about “beneficial mutations” that allow organisms to thrive in a new or changing environment. She proposes two areas where churches need to embrace such mutations.
So, Why Am I a Christian?
Beau Underwood writes that he likes asking people “what makes you believe in and follow Jesus?” But he also reflects on that question in his own life since he has the responsibility to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling.
A Ceasefire Won’t Bring Peace to Gaza. Only Justice Will.
Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor reflects on recent violence between Israel and Hamas to argue that a ceasefire will not actually bring peace and justice to the people living in Gaza. Kaylor adds insights learned from Arab and Palestinian Christians.
Pentecost Sunday Brings ‘Fresh Hope for New Beginnings’ as Pandemic Eases
As this year’s Pentecost celebration approaches for congregations, the Spirit arrives as a yearlong pandemic hopefully draws towards an end. But emerging from the pandemic can be even more complicated and controversial for churches than their first responses to it.
The Debate Over Women Pastors is a Southern Baptist Smoke Screen
Laura Levens writes that the fiery arguments over women’s ordination, women as pastors, and women’s callings distract from constructive conversations about entrenched racism, Christian Nationalism, and sexual abuse.
Your Work is Holy
Columnist Greg Mamula writes about the holiness of vocation through a letter he penned to his hair stylist after she seemed surprised when he told her “your work is holy.”
You’re Right, Al Mohler, a Downpour is Coming
Beth Allison Barr, author of The Making of Biblical Womanhood, responds to a metaphor by Al Mohler of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary that compared the ordination of women to a growing rainstorm.
The State Shouldn’t Pick Winners & Losers in Religion
Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor reflects on legislation pushing the teaching of the Bible in public schools. He explores significant church-state problems that would arise from such efforts.
Executing Justice
Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor reflects on news that DNA evidence tested FOUR years after the execution of a Black man in Arkansas suggests the state killed an innocent man. Kaylor also highlights the Baptist prophet who tried to stop the execution.
Politicizing Biden’s Faith is Pastoral Malpractice
John Gehring writes that politicizing a sacrament is pastoral malpractice, whether directed against Republicans or Democrats. The pope has said that Communion is “not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.”