Latest Articles
Catholics and Jews discuss Zionism
This provocative book wrestles with a big question: What, if anything, is the theological significance of the emergence of the state of Israel in 1948?
My queer, infertile fatherhood
Last Lent, I found myself reckoning with the concept of failure—and beginning to understand the power of standing in suffering with God.
Four things mainline churches should know about exvangelicals
An Episcopal congregation served as my gateway out of evangelicalism—but I did experience some culture shock.
An unconventional devotional for our times
This slim volume by theologian Hanna Reichel is a first aid kit for people who are trying to reckon with an imperial presidency.
Reconstructing in the pews
Some exvangelicals are looking for a new church home. Will they find it in a mainline congregation?
March 1, Lent 2A (John 3:1–17)
Nicodemus comes to Jesus at night because all new life begins in the dark.
Giving silence a seat at the virtual table
It’s one aspect of Christian life that can translate well to digital space.
The mischief of oppression
In The Secret Agent, Kleber Mendonça Filho shows how political corruption and violence create an atmosphere of dread—along with situations so confusing they are almost funny.
When ecumenism foments hate
Udi Greenberg’s history of the ecumenical movement locates the errors—such as colonialism—that underlaid the project from the start.
When the Lunar New Year, Lent, and Ramadan converge
The February moon is capacious enough for carnival, lion dances, and taraweeh prayers; for dumplings, dates, and king cake.
The racial dynamics of ICE violence
White people are not ICE’s targets. But allies who stand in solidarity often lose their privilege in the process.
Jesus and the wilderness of trans identity
I am struck by how Christ’s desert experience relies on inner convictions resisting an external voice.
Abstinence and agency
I grew up in evangelical purity culture. Melissa Febos’s decision to abstain from sex was quite different.
Marked with each other’s deaths (Joel 2:1-2, 12-17; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21)
We each have to face mortality alone—but also together.
Stories that hurt, stories that heal (Genesis 2:15-17, 3:1-7; Romans 5:12-19)
While there is much in the Fall story that might be healing, its primary legacy has been . . . well, “hurtful” seems far too weak a word.
February 22, Lent 1A (Matthew 4:1–11)
This is Jesus’ story, after all, and not ours. Unless it is.
Danced religion at halftime
The stage was set for a direct confrontation at the Super Bowl. Instead, Bad Bunny created a liturgy for belonging.