Latest Articles
Pope Francis addresses bishops at major church meeting on families
c. 2015 Religion News Service...
'God weeps,' says pope, calling for accountability on sex abuse crimes
c. 2015 Religion News Service...
Outliers
It is intriguing that the Republican presidential candidate who's leading the polls and the Democratic candidate who's close to tying the front-runner are both outliers.
Bible as common ground
At a moment when the spotlight shines on those who say the most outrageous things, it's worth noting Bernie Sanders's approach at Liberty.
Battle scars
It was probably one of those Internet memes that flits about the ether, and gradually enters the aggregate stream of quotes and pop inspiration that we collectively contribute to and maintain. This one, however, had the ring of truth to it. I don’t know the source, but it was something to this effect:
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.
Vulnerability in the pulpit
I’m not one who has any natural inclination to vulnerability, but the suggestions I read that clergy vulnerability should be exercised in the pulpit of all places really make me cringe. I’ve asked Carol Howard Merritt for her thoughts on vulnerability as an element of clergy self-care.
Episode 3: J. Mary Luti
Matt talks to the retired pastor and professor about Catholic perspectives in Protestant pulpits, moralistic preaching from the left, and what happens when Godzilla shows up in the manger.
Spiritual Companioning, by Angela H. Reed, Richard R. Osmer, and Marcus G. Smucker
The authors of Spiritual Companioning suggest a way forward for those disenchanted with polite, shallow church relationships.
Accidental Saints, by Nadia Bolz-Weber
Readers who found Pastrix to be a long, cool drink will find more refreshment here. Those who have tired of Nadia Bolz-Weber's cranky schtick will tire of it here as well.
Israel’s dreams and nightmares: Author Yossi Klein Halevi
"In the Middle East peace process, the peace was being negotiated by secular elites who lacked the religious language of so many of their people."
Stumbling blocks everywhere
According to Jesus, chances are good that there's not going to be much left of us once we've admitted to just how often stumbling blocks stand in our way. Whether others put them there or we find ways to place them ourselves, they trip us up, keep us from moving forward, get us off track.
What makes you come alive?
“Don’t ask what the world needs,” says Howard Thurman. “Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
This was the guiding quote of a church visioning retreat I led recently.
Fearing evil
It feels to me like evil is hovering over the prison in the form of a government ready to kill a woman who prayed with me when my father was dying of cancer. There isn't a thing I can do about it except pray this psalm and damn if we can't get it right.
Glass Ceilings and Dirt Floors, by Christine Firer Hinze
Hitting a glass ceiling is a metaphor for the experience professional women have of finding subtle obstacles in the way of their advancement....
Pope Francis canonizes, and defends, controversial Spanish missionary
c. 2015 Religion News Service...
Brazil, Peru churches end partnerships with PCUSA over same-sex marriage
Presbyterian churches in Brazil and Peru have broken ties with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as a result of the U.S....