Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
As You Feel Life’s Seismic Shifts, Embrace the Transitions
While it’s important to remember the past and appreciate what it can teach us, none of us can hold onto the past. As the events of our lives shift around us, we must embrace the transitions and allow God to transform us.
She Wanted to Join Our Church but Nearly Ruined Dinner
Folks have different reasons for wanting to join a church: give them the love they deserve, be a place of support, find new friends, offer programs for their children. But one woman’s reason for joining nearly burned my gravy.
October 14, 2019
Trump’s Syria Decision Divides White Evangelicals as Impeachment Pressure Builds (NBC News) Trump Talks Religious Freedom, Kavanaugh, Impeachment at Evangelical Values Voter Summit (Christian Post) ‘My Walk with...
SPECIAL OFFER!
By John D. Pierce Advent is coming and the start of a new year. Whether reading for one’s own spiritual benefit or preparing to preach, there is a new resource available for a limited time, exclusively from Nurturing...
When You’re Forgiven, Take Responsibility to Repent
Offering forgiveness is commendable. However, those who receive forgiveness must begin to accept responsibility for their behavior. At some point, the guardians of systemic racism, of unjust systems, of white supremacy have to repent.
‘Joker’
‘Joker’ may be a well-acted movie but its realistic violence makes it difficult to watch. Director Todd Phillips’ film is not for everyone. Its attempt to be a parable of our times ultimately fails to achieve its purpose.
Trump’s Rhetoric of Tyranny Undermines Our Democracy
Can a democracy, a free country, slide down into dictatorship and tyranny? If we continue to allow the rhetoric of tyranny to rain down unchallenged, it will undermine our freedom and liberty of speech. It’s happened before.
Look Back | Don’t Twist Bible to Protect Domestic Abusers
Domestic violence occurs in all socioeconomic, ethnic and religious communities, but it’s particularly heinous when Christian communities claiming a high view of the Bible misuse Scripture to promote rather than prevent abuse.
October 11, 2019
Christian Leaders Say Turkish Invasion of Syria Raises Risk of ‘Genocide’ (NPR) Some of Trump’s Most Vocal Evangelical Supporters are Breaking With Him Over His Syria Pullout (Raw Story) 28 Percent of White...
Be Kind
Former President George W. Bush and Ellen DeGeneres showed us that political disagreement doesn’t mean disregarding each other’s humanity. If we follow their example, this world can be a kinder and more peaceful place to live.
Giving People What They Crave Isn’t Always a Good Thing
When people are so focused on their own desires or needs to the point they can imagine nothing else, they will invariably worship the one who claims to be able to assuage their hunger, opening a door to exploitation and oppression.
Most US Teens See Examples of Religious Faith in Public Schools
More than two-thirds of teenagers see at least one expression of religious faith at their public schools, a report said. The most common expression they witness is wearing clothing or jewelry with religious symbols.
October 10, 2019
The Famously Secluded Amish are a Target of a Republican Campaign to Drum up Pa. Votes for Trump (Philadelphia Inquirer) Congressmen Accuse Liberty University of Restricting Free Speech (RNS) Developers Plan Condos...
For those who dare to choose truth over comfort
By John D. Pierce Indeed, truth can be unsettling. That’s why so many ignore it in favor of false but more comfortable narratives. For those who dare to face uncomfortable truth — since Jesus said such is the key to...
Profiles in Goodwill: Bruce Gourley
Bruce T. Gourley is the author of eight books, founding editor of Yellowstone History Journal, contributing editor of Nurturing Faith Journal, lifelong learning instructor at Montana State University and photographer.
When You’re Genuinely Humble, Others Can Smell It
To be humble is to have one’s feet firmly planted on the ground, to carry the smell of the earth. Humble folks know they’re not the center of the earth but also know they aren’t second-rate pieces of dirt either.
FBI: Human Trafficking Cases Rose in 2018 to Nearly 1,400
Continuing a multiyear trend of increases, the number of reported human trafficking offenses in the United States increased in 2018 to nearly 1,400 offenses, according to an annual FBI report.
October 9, 2019
Search for Mass Graves from 1921 Race Massacre Monday Begins in Tulsa (KJRH) Liberal Christian Leaders Call for Day of Prayer in Support of Impeachment Inquiry (RNS) Trump to Headline Evangelical ‘Values Voters’ Summit...
2nd Short Doc on Female Baptist Pastors to Release in November
Tonya Easterly Vickery, co-pastor of Cullowhee Baptist Church in Cullowhee, North Carolina, is the subject of the second short film in a series focusing on female Baptist pastors. It premieres online Nov. 9.
Tuesdays with Jeremiah: Rush-To-War Parallels, Then and Now
The prophet Jeremiah urged King Zedekiah to seek a solution to the Babylonian threat short of open conflict. The king chose the counsel of his hard-line advisers to pursue militant resistance. The similarities to today are striking.
Your Child’s Behavior Changes May Signal Sexual Abuse
Every Saturday night, the Walsh families gathered for dinner, music and cousin time. There were nine children, ranging in age from 4 to 15. It was boisterously good fun. Kids catapulted across the lawn playing games,...