Latest Articles
Why I find The Handmaid's Tale surprisingly comforting
Resistance might not achieve its outer aims. Nevertheless, its inner life persists.
How Karl Barth preached the gospel in a time of crisis
The headlines spoke of nationalism and war. Barth proclaimed a living God who calls for repentance.
Moral Mondays leader launches campaign in spirit of Martin Luther King
William Barber II has left the North Carolina NAACP to lead a new Poor People's Campaign.
The pope who prioritizes
Francis hasn't just adopted a different style from Benedict. He has put first things first.
July 2, Ordinary 13A (Matthew 10:40–42)
Matthew 25 is not the only way that Christ appears in our world.
Why Chile has Pentecostal bishops
When a revival took root among Methodists, U.S. church authorities demanded that local leaders disavow it. They refused.
Strengthened for holiness (Psalm 104:24-34, 35b)
I've experienced Pentecost as sweet, serious, or neither.
Prolific ecumenical storyteller and poet dies at age 60
“Stories are food,” Brian Doyle said. Without them, talk is “all sales pitches and lies.”
When the financial market is god, who pays?
Most religions acknowledge the contingencies and paradoxes of human life. Not this one.
Improvising the music of daily life
Robert Bresson’s films are adventurous, brooding, and deeply religious.
How St. Patrick evangelized a violent culture
It is hard to imagine a time or place more opposed to the gospel than fifth-century Ireland.
Everybody counts. Even the Lollards.
A counting book that retells Jesus’ parables and a Reformation-themed alphabet book are among my favorite new children’s books.
The Till family’s agony
Carolyn Bryant changed her story. Does this change the meaning of Emmett Till’s death?
Brian Doyle’s ferocious attention
Doyle’s exuberant writing praised particular things in rich detail. It cut to the pulsing heart of life.
June 25, Ordinary 12A (Matthew 10:24–39)
We have value because we are creatures, like sparrows.
An oracle of the word of the Lord?
In the late 70s, two friends of mine housesat for the poet James Merrill—and got out his Ouija board.
God's care for the grieving (1 Peter 4:12-14; 5:6-11)
At the airport, waiting to put her on the plane, we cast our shared anxiety on God.
Surprise: Essays by readers
We gave our readers a one-word writing prompt: “surprise.”