‘Blues and Lamentations’

On the insert of Kate Campbell’s new album, Blues and Lamentations, the lyrics and other written information are arranged in a pattern that reminds me of a labyrinth, or at least half of one. Labyrinths became tools for spiritual exploration in the Christian...

Dude! Where Do You Like to Surf?

Today, surfing is something all of us do, even if we don’t look good in a swim suit. No sandy blond hair, no surfboard, no sand, no coral to dodge as the wave throws us like a rag doll … we’re surfing the Net! Surfing is what we all do when we hit...

Theologians for Hitler: Could It Happen Again?

Two notes were sounded about Christianity in Nazi Germany at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, when I attended the school in the late 1970s. One note was played softly, easily missed. A passing reference was made to Gerhard Kittel, founding editor of the...

Recipe for a Perfect Storm

The recipe for a perfect storm is when an economic policy that is devastating to the poor is mixed together by an administrative kitchen of incompetency. If our response to New Orleans is another demonstration of “compassionate conservatism,” then maybe...

After Crises: Things Your Church Can Do

Churches and faith-based organizations are usually among the first and most generous to respond to communities and individuals who are in crisis. After storms, earthquakes and even tsunamis churches have responded by sending money, volunteers and supplies. However,...

Join Me in the Labor Movement

This is one Labor Day article that isn’t going to start by moaning about what lousy shape the American labor movement is in. You’ll read that in the mainstream press on Monday, mark my words. They’ll drone on about ” the old gray labor...