Unsettling Advent 2025, Day 25
In these unsettling times of hatred and violence as rulers rage like Herod, may we stand in the ruins of the empire and lift our voices. For unto us a child is born.
Department of Herod Security’s War on Christmas
The fake ‘war on Christmas’ examples ginned up by culture war talk show hosts in recent years are nothing compared to misusing the birth of Jesus — and Christmas celebrations in general — to justify anti-immigrant policies.
Unsettling Advent 2025, Day 1
For the first entry in our series this year, Word&Way president and editor-in-chief Brian Kaylor reflects on this week’s theme: Advent in a time of religious nationalism.
Make Herod Great Again?
This issue of A Public Witness reconsiders King Herod to move beyond a flat, culture wars depiction of the religious-nationalism-pushing ruler.
Unsettling Advent 2024, Day 6
Reflecting on Advent in a time of rulers clinging to power, Jeremy Fuzy explores the lessons we can learn from a true 20th-century ‘power broker.’
Unsettling Advent 2023, Day 16
Rev. Alex Awad, a retired minister who served as pastor at East Jerusalem Baptist Church and a professor at Bethlehem Bible College, reflects on modern-day Herods and how the Christmas story gives oppressed people around the world hope.
A War with Christmas
Editor-in-Chief Brian Kaylor reflects on Russian pro-war propaganda dressed up like a Christmas decoration, which he calls a sacrilegious assault on celebrations of the birth of the Prince of Peace.
Who Are You Following?
Angela N. Parker uses the lens of Womanist theology to reflect on Epiphany in the shadow of the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. She asserts that the connections between the two reveal implications about the importance of experts and leadership that actually shepherds without causing obsequious
Which King Do You Choose?
John Sianghio uses the lens of religious ethics to reflect on Epiphany in the shadow of the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection. He argues that the connections between the two reveal a fundamental choice between two kings, different philosophies of leadership, and — most importantly —
Bruce Chilton on the Herods
In episode 30 of Dangerous Dogma, Bruce Chilton, professor of religion at Bard College, talks about his new book The Herods: Murder, Politics, and the Art of Succession. He also discusses the political issues at play in New Testament stories like the birth, teachings, and death
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