We Need Just Mercy
Why should a person be punished because our lawmakers were slow to recognize their error? If a sentence is wrong, then it is wrong. We shouldn’t measure truth or justice by a calendar.
Can Inhibition Do What Prohibition Couldn’t?
One hundred years ago on January 17, 1920, the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution went into effect. That amendment established the prohibition of “intoxicating liquors” in the nation—and initiated thirteen years of national turmoil.
Prophets Are Social Critics, Not Fortunetellers
For many preachers, it can be a challenge to preach each Sunday from the Common Lectionary rather than simply use their favorite passages of the Bible. I had to wonder what conservative preachers did with last Sunday’s reading from the Prophet Isaiah.
Refusing the King’s Food
Daniel knew the danger of refusing an order from the king. But Daniel knew he must do what's right, regardless of the social pressures or the political consequences.
Faith in an Age of Elmer Gantrys
On a recent road trip, I listened to Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis. I’d heard the lead character, Elmer Gantry, used as an insult about fraudulent clergy, Soon I heard something that almost caused me to swerve off the highway.
God Is Sovereign
One of the challenges followers of God experience is that, although God is sovereign, God sometimes allows things to occur that we do not understand, and life may not go the way we envisioned. But even amid those realities, God is still in control.
The Acquittal
The leader stood condemned. He had acted unlawfully. He had tried to undermine the government. He had been caught. The testimony was clear, the evidence overwhelming. The only thing left was to offer punishment. But the politician bringing the verdict at the trial couldn’t do
An Unexpected Spiritual Balm
Psalm 11 reminds us that even when it seems that the unrighteous are getting away with their wicked ways, we can rest knowing that God is in control, for he will bring order and justice when he best seems fitting.
When Our Churches Resemble the Iowa Caucuses
Next week, “voting” will finally begin in the 2020 presidential election. I put voting in quote marks because it’s hard to call what happens in Iowa a vote. And having observed in person such, uh, let’s call it “candidate picking,” I also wonder if serves
The Trees of Auschwitz
During a visit in September to Auschwitz, the beauty of the place haunted me. Rows of trees popped up between the brick buildings. It looked so quaint. So normal. So not grotesque. So not evil.