Opinion

David P. Gushee reflects on the recent report outlining twenty years of Southern Baptist leaders mishandling sexual abuse allegations in SBC churches. He argues that a denomination that does not want to face the reality of systemic evil in society must now face the reality of its own systemic evil.

Christina Ray Stanton explores the life of Broadway music director, conductor of world-class orchestras, and award-winning composer and arranger Laura Bergquist. Through it all, Laura has never lost sight of what motivates her: a desire to create beautiful music that tells wonderful stories, a profound love for her family, and a deep devotion to God.

Contributing writer Greg Mamula offers the latest entry in a six-part series on the future of the church. In this second article, he focuses on how we should learn to listen and respond well to our communities.

Darron LaMonte Edwards laments that he hasn't heard anything from potential white allies regarding the racially-motivated shooting targeting Black people in Buffalo, New York. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr reminds us that we will long forget the words of our enemies, but we will always remember the silence of our friends.

Contributing writer Rodney Kennedy uses the metaphor of fast food to better understand our current political moment. The allure of junk food matches the allure of our politics – simple, cheap, fast, superficial, but somewhat tasty.

Darron LaMonte Edwards makes the case that abortion did not begin to be a difficult issue with Roe v. Wade. Before Roe, during Roe, and after Roe abortion has been and will be a reality – and any good faith conversation should reflect that.

Lauren Graeber uses a chocolate chip cookie recipe to explore theology and the traditions we pass down to our children. Because we are creatures who hunger, we will be fumbling in real and metaphorical kitchens all of our lives.

Kristel Clayville reframes the student loan forgiveness conversation around reconciliation. Except she thinks that the proverbial tables should be flipped: the government should be asking essential workers for forgiveness.

Contributing writer Sarah Blackwell reflects on why our kids need church in ways that extend far beyond Bible stories and learning to be nice. There is no doubt our teens are being overcome by waves of anxiety, loneliness, and self-doubt – so how can the local church help without being just “one more thing” that teens have to keep up with or feel obligated to?

Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor responds to comments by Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler, who attacked Americans United for Separation of Church and State while he advocated for government prayers in public schools.