The dirty river in Jesus' neighborhood and the one in mine
The Christmas truce of 1914—100 years ago this Christmas Eve—gave the world a glimpse of peace in a horrific time.
For black Americans, the abuse of power by police is not an aberration. It’s a familiar pattern.
In the 12th century, a Benedictine nun had a vision of Jesus’ humanity. It couldn’t have happened on a better night.
Historically, the region from the Danube to the Euphrates and from Belgrade to Baghdad is religiously complex. Our modern map is a product of decades of violence and ethnic cleansing.
Leaving guyland
Pop culture often reduces men to testosterone, with little room to acknowledge themselves as God’s image bearers. But there are glimmers of hope.
The Magi's alien exoticism is an intrinsic part of Matthew's story.
Luke’s first two chapters are a metaphorical retirement home for elders who are “looking forward to the consolation of Israel.”
Doing Christian Ethics from the Margins, by Miguel A. De La Torre
At such ideologically charged times, it is hard to discern what a life of Christian faithfulness looks like. Miguel De La Torre offers a good resource.
The Bible’s Yes to Same-Sex Marriage, by Mark Achtemeier
Mark Achtemeier and I once faced off at General Assembly over gay ordination. Sixteen years later, he preached at my ordination.
The Deconstructed Church, by Gerardo Marti and Gladys Ganiel
In The Deconstructed Church, Gerardo Marti and Gladys Ganiel give us a comprehensive and revealing ethnographic study of the worldwide phenomenon known as the emerging Christian movement.
Words and wilderness
When I go backpacking, I pack light—no laptop, no phone, and especially no books. But reading Belden Lane, I’m tempted to begin toting a tome or two.