American Hypocrisy about Premeditated War
Wendell Griffen reflects on the hypocrisy of President Joe Biden condemning Russia for a “premeditated war” against Ukraine when the U.S. is engaged in “premeditated” acts of violence on a regular basis.
We Pray for Peace, Can We Pray for War?
In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, John Sianghio tackles some of the tough questions that come with international conflict: Are there situations that merit appeals to the divine to guide the use of force? Can (and should) we pray for war?
Running the Race
Contributing Writer Christopher Dixon reflects on prepping for marathon races as an analogy for the church as we reach the two-year mark of dealing with a ravaging pandemic.
The Parents (Who Used to Come to Your Church) Are Not Okay
Lauren Graeber makes the case that parents of young children are still languishing in 2022 and it’s part of the reason they’re not coming back to church. As positivity rates once again drop and parents don’t rush back, she suspects that the deeper motivation for
Loving Our Neighbor Means Thinking About the People Behind Our Clothes
Lizzy Case – writer, theologian, and founder of Arrayed – argues that the mandate to love our neighbor often stands at stark odds with the current situation of many garment workers. But by consuming less and more mindfully as well as advocating for workers’ rights,
Pandemic Puppies and Houseplant Havens: Spiritual Formation Through Creation Care
Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell examines why in the midst of pandemic uncertainty and disruption so many people choose to take on more responsibility through pet ownership. Something was awakened deep within us that connected us back to earlier times where our care for creation was
The Return of the Calamity Howlers
Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy makes the case that much of what we are seeing in politics today can be traced back to the late 19th century populists known as the calamity howlers. Only this time the chief howler is not a rural farmer but a
Dismantling Gender Barriers to Ministry
Contributing writer Laura Levens writes about challenges facing women called to ministry, noting her own experiences and those of some of her students. She also offers advice to Christians on how to help dismantle the patriarchy in churches.
Will Baptists Have a Permanent Foothold on the Jordan River?
Daoud Kuttab writes that while other churches have built majestic structures at the Baptismal site in Jordan, a wooden structure granted to Baptists is falling apart due to negligence and disregard. It is unclear who is to blame for the lack of progress in setting
Who’s That? The Sacred Act of Naming
Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell reflects on knowing and using names as a spiritual practice. Calling people by name can bond us to each other, create community, acknowledge the worth of each person, and share part of our story.