Browse Archives
Check out news and opinion posts across the years
One of the good guys
By John D. Pierce Jack Causey is not only a creative and effective pastor — he is the epitome of a pastor’s pastor. My first recollection of Jack comes from my campus ministry years when he led a workshop (might have...
Why You Must Leave More Civil Society to Your Grandchildren
Acrimony plagues our society. Yet civility will re-emerge when we do all that is within our might not just to post opinions online but to get out alongside someone else and do all we can to make life better for everyone.
‘Parasite’
‘Parasite’ is the story of a poor family who embeds themselves into the lives of a rich family. Writer and director Bong Joon-ho’s film won the top prize at the Cannes Film Festival. That begs the question: Why?
Why the Sky Really Isn’t Falling on US Christianity – Part 2
The number of people who claim no religion is increasing, but that doesn’t mean we’re seeing more atheists and agnostics. Rather, many of these folks, called Nones, reject religious affiliation while still believing in God.
Look Back | The Messy, Difficult Wisdom of Roger Williams
Puritan theologian Roger Williams forcefully declared that Jesus should not be associated with our lust for forced conformity and reliance upon civil government. His writings may be messy and difficult, but they’re worth a read.
November 8, 2019
The Road from Damascus: How an Evangelical Syrian Spoke at Harvard’s Commencement (Christianity Today) Minneapolis Church is Split Over a Tapestry, Made by its Women, that Some Call Insensitive (Star Tribune) Rare...
Health Care: What’s a Christian to Do?
As Christians, rapidly escalating health care costs and the reality that our neighbors cannot afford health care should trouble our souls. The health of God’s creation is central to the good news. Here are 4 ways we can respond.
Music Matters | Music’s Value Manifests in Forming Community
We often overstate the importance of theological content in the lyrics of musical worship. Whether at a concert or in a worship service, music provides a way for people to form communities. We find value in singing with others.
Why the Sky Really Isn’t Falling on US Christianity – Part 1
If you heed the headlines, US Christianity is in free fall with Protestants and Catholics losing population. And while folks claiming no religion, called Nones, are growing, many of them do believe without belonging to a church.
November 7, 2019
North American Baptists Consider Christianity and Culture (Word and Way) Neighborly Faith Urges Evangelicals to Find a ‘Third Way’ to Befriend Muslims (RNS) Indiana Church Paying Off $2.2 Million in Medical Debt for...
Profiles In Goodwill: Gary Burton
Gary Burton is senior pastor of Pintlala Baptist Church in Alabama. He is a former EthicsDaily.com / Baptist Center for Ethics board member.
Do You Love Your Privilege More Than You Love People?
Privilege is a wall protecting the privileged from the inequity in the world. In the parable of the unjust judge, Jesus is the widow who won’t relent and won’t be dissuaded until justice reigns over all the earth. But who are we?
Be a Fashion Influencer: How You Can Shop with a Conscience
Society is addicted to cheap and disposable fashion. In Christian circles, fashion isn’t a popular topic. Many churches sweep fashion aside as materialistic fluff and don’t see how fashion can be a delivery method for justice work.
November 6, 2019
This Church Model Thrives in Post-Christian Contexts (Christianity Today) Across NC, Evangelical Christian Clubs on the Rise in Public Schools (Asheville Citizen-Times) Has Denying Communion Lost its Political Luster?...
3 Lessons from One of Worst Domestic Terrorist Attacks in US
To help learn the lessons from one of America’s worst domestic terrorist attacks, Second Baptist Church of Little Rock, Arkansas, placed 237 crosses on its lawn to remember the 100-year-old Elaine Massacre.
Thriving After Adversity: 6 Steps to Achieve Contentment
Survivors of sustained physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual abuse as children are more likely to deal with physical illnesses, depression and suicide. Few achieve contentment, but it is possible and requires intention.
After Loved One Dies, How You Can Find Peace by Letting Go
No matter who you are or how you defined your relationship with the one in your life who died, sorting through the belongings of a departed loved one doesn’t have to be a tedious task. It can be a spiritual journey.
November 5, 2019
Prominent Faith Leaders Differ on Impeachment (NBC Dallas Fort Worth) White Supremacist Group Filmed in Front of Emmett Till Sign Weeks After it was Made Bullet Proof (CNN) Florida Church Signals Discipline Over Racial...
An invitation to subscribe
Nurturing Faith Journal is a unique contribution to navigating Christian understanding and faithfulness in a fast-changing and, at times, confusing culture. And I don't just say that because I'm the executive editor....
How to Move Forward When Society Exiles Our Values
We seem to be in a metaphorical exile. Forces inconsistent with values we claim as a foundation for our society appear to have taken control of our identity. Don’t give in to helplessness. Here’s what to do until the ‘empire’ falls.
The Power of Ritual to Convey What Mere Words Cannot
Faith traditions have rituals in abundance. They have the capacity to convey meaning that might otherwise have been left unexpressed. And no more expressive ritual exists than a military burial in Arlington National Cemetery.