Latest Articles
June 18, 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Exodus 19:2–8a; Psalm 100; Romans 5:1–8; Matthew 9:35–10:8
What have the Romans ever done for us?
The aqueduct. The roads. An enforced peace to allow a young faith to spread.
A storyteller who respects his audience (Acts 17:22-31)
Paul's approach in Athens is refreshing.
Pastors need to see 13 Reasons Why
The Netflix series is troubling and difficult to watch. Watch it anyway.
Another “Ask the Pastor” session with the confirmation class
Why are there only 12 disciples? Will we be with our families in heaven? Does God think pineapple should go on pizza?
Flesh and bones in an Acts commentary
Willie James Jennings writes about tangible things—bodies, incarceration, healing—with graceful language that’s hard to pin down.
Justification by faith for fragile and broken souls
Ted Peters translates theological concepts into a folksy manual for pastoral care.
A chat with the refiner’s fire
“You’ve talked about a lot of things,” says your refiner’s fire. “Which is the one that really matters?”
A chat with the refiner’s fire
“You’ve talked about a lot of things,” says your refiner’s fire. “Which is the one that really matters?”
Liberty University, your roots are showing
On Saturday, Donald Trump gave his first commencement address—at Liberty University. How could the Moral Majority and a famously immoral president form this alliance?
The fall of a Niebuhrian
James Comey's story illustrates Niebuhr’s conviction that historical events tend to refute our illusions.
Kierkegaard and his gifts for the church
Stephen Backhouse’s accessible biography reveals a man who worked hard to conceal himself.
June 11, Trinity Sunday
2 Corinthians 13:11–13; Genesis 1:1–2:4a; Matthew 28:16–20
Red-state noir, blue-state noir
In both S-Town and Big Little Lies, there’s human depravity everywhere.
What if you’re not Stephen? (Acts 7:55-60)
When we read biblical narratives, we tend to imagine ourselves as the protagonist.
Yay singing
Our small church doesn't have praise teams or a chorus with dozens of members. But we have something precious.
Is racism reasonable? Americans seem to think so.
Apparently people think it's okay to treat black people the way Alton Sterling was treated.