Opinion

Columnist Rodney Kennedy explores the values that are necessary for us to move beyond our current political moment. He asks if we can have a patriotism that rises above petty differences, respects a diversity of opinions, and works for the common good.

Sean Taylor explains his theological support for COVID-19 vaccination and details what happened when he urged his congregation to get vaccinated from the pulpit. He believes that for the church, the issue is not ultimately about safety or government conspiracies. Instead, the question should be “where is Jesus?”

Darron Edwards explores what repentance should look like for America's sin of racism. This means acknowledging the shortcomings of the country instead of hiding behind pride in national symbols. Only then can we live up to our ideals.

Editors Brian Kaylor and Beau Underwood outline the theological reasons for a COVID-19 vaccination outreach effort centered around clergy. Such an act is not only a matter of public health, it is also a witness to what we believe about the Gospel.

Columnist Sarah Blackwell examines why some churches who claim to be focused on resurrecting the model of the early church are some of the least likely to regularly participate in communion. She then discusses some ways we can find new life in the important ritual.

Ryan Burge writes that there’s been a cultural shift that has gone basically unnoticed in small-town America: mainline Protestant churches have become an increasingly endangered species. This poses a problem for people who would still like to be a Christian but can’t be an evangelical.

Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor argues that as the delta variant of COVID-19 fuels a new spike in cases in some parts of the U.S., conservative Christians who refuse vaccination are putting people at risk and undermining the teachings of Jesus.

Columnist Greg Mamula takes us inside the first online Biennial Mission Summit of American Baptist Churches USA. And he explores the benefits of virtual communal gatherings.

Senior Editor Beau Underwood reflects on several pieces written about the 4th of July and Christian Nationalism, which he felt made this year’s observance of the holiday feel different.

In a guest piece for Americans United, Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor writes why on the Fourth of July, which falls on a Sunday this year, he won’t be attending church.