Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
Walker Knight: Friend, Mentor and Voice for Peace and Justice
My mentor and friend, Walker Knight, who died Dec. 1, knew faith is often clarified not in the absence of conflict but within and through it. His brave voice spoke out on a variety of justice, peace and human rights commitments.
Advent Calls Us to Pursue ‘Green’ Peace for This Planet
In a global economy that views our planet as a repository of resources to exploit, the theme of peace during Advent calls us to imagine and live an alternative economy of simplicity and generosity. We must seek a ‘green’ peace.
Look Back | Christmas Hymns That Cry Out for Social Justice
A number of our Christmas hymns have messages of social justice and peace, but we often miss those messages in our comfortable celebration of Christmas. These hymns call us to be agents of change for a world in need.
December 6, 2019
He Claimed Temple University Fired Him for Being a Baptist; U.S. Court Doesn’t Buy It (PennLive) Evangelicals – from Boston to Brazil – Worry About Politics Coming to Church (WBUR) Army Threatens to Take Action Against...
Why Biblical Peace Creates Both Divisions and Solidarity
Biblical peace promotes divine justice in an attempt to bring wholeness and egalitarianism to broken systems. Even Jesus, who pursued peace for those abandoned by the elite, acknowledged he came not to bring peace, but a sword.
4 Ways You Can Build Peace with Those of Different Faiths
Rather than vilifying or marginalizing the religious beliefs of others, we must seek out ways to build communities of peace in our multifaith societies. Here are 4 ways to do that in your corner of the planet.
‘Earthkeeping and Character’
Within the field of environmental virtue ethics, few scholars draw explicitly on the Christian tradition. Yet the Bible has more to say on earthkeeping than many people, including many Christians, realize.
December 5, 2019
A Growing Number of US Churches Believe the Economy is Harming Their Churches: LifeWay (Christian Post) Democratic Candidates Tout Spirituality (WBUR) How Bad Theology Makes the Opioid Crisis Worse (Religion and...
Profiles In Goodwill: Jeremy Bell
Jeremy Bell is general secretary of the North American Baptist Fellowship, one of six regional fellowships of the Baptist World Alliance.
Why You Must Pursue the Biblical Call of Peacemaker
Each of us must pursue the biblical call to be a peacemaker, working out the peace of God in our own context and making a positive difference to the social capital and relational health of our communities, nation and world.
When God Invites You to Take a Journey
As you travel through life, God extends an invitation to you to take a journey. A journey to meet the Risen Christ. When you take that journey, you have a plan to resist the darkness and shallowness of our current culture.
December 4, 2019
Ken Burns: The Importance of Bridging Political Divides, the Role of ‘Faith and Values’ (CNN) LDS Church Announces it Still Opposes Equal Rights Amendment as Supporters Rally at Capitol (Salt Lake Tribune) Southern...
Revisiting the 10 Practices of Just Peacemaking Theory
Just Peacemaking Theory, developed by the late Baptist ethicist Glen Stassen, involves practices in civil and international life that reduce and resolve conflicts without violence. Here is a summary of those 10 practices.
Are You Alert to Warning Signs of Those at Risk of Suicide?
While suicide awareness is important, it’s even more vital to develop suicide alertness. As Christians, we should take the lead to learn to recognize the signs and invitations of a person who is at risk for suicide.
Keepers of the Lie Allow Sexual Abuse to Continue Unabated
How and why does sexual abuse continue at epidemic levels? Because some people choose to be dedicated keepers of the lie. The only antidote is truth-telling. It’s never easy to do, but it will set you free.
December 3, 2019
Legal Reckoning: New Abuse Suits Could Cost Roman Catholic Church Over $4 Billion (Associated Press) After Lesbian Judge Denied Communion, Nearby Church Hosts Inclusive Service (NBC News) Looking for Frederick Douglass...
I hate Mitch
By John D. Pierce Mitch Simpson has announced his retirement from the pastorate of University Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, N.C. He’ll wrap things up with a March 1 celebration. I knew about Mitch long before I met...
Gifts that keep giving
By John D. Pierce A gift subscription to Nurturing Faith Journal is not as tasty as a candy cane or a chocolate Santa — but it lasts a lot longer. And it leaves one feeling well informed and inspired rather than in a...
Balancing Idealism and Realism as We Seek Peace on Earth
As we strive to seek peace, the global strife around us can make us apprehensive that peace can ever be attained. How do we balance our idealism and our realism? This Advent, the life of Edward Hicks may give us some direction.
When Our Republic Goes to School
Setting aside the partisan divide over the impeachment inquiry, we must examine a larger question: How is our constitutional framework handling the stress? Is our governmental system breaking down or holding up? Here are 4 lessons.
From the Pews | Will Advent Change Our Selfish Hearts?
As we enter into Advent season, US culture bombards us with consumerism. Our hearts are not with the suffering, the homeless and those in need. They’re aligned with spending more money on more stuff. Can this Advent change us?