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April 6, 2022

Volume 139, Issue #7
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Features

The mystical significance of Jesus’ resurrection

We don’t need to debate the possibility of a reanimated corpse. We need to reimagine our whole understanding of the material world.

by Ross M. Allen

First Person

The wonderful ordinariness of congregational life

Sometimes it’s boring. Sometimes it’s thrilling. Sometimes it makes me cry.

by Sheryl Fullerton

First Person

This is my blood, donated for you

When my arm is stretched out and blood is trickling out of me, I find myself thinking of Jesus.

by Heidi Haverkamp

First Person

Bleeding in the pulpit

The Sunday I decided to tell the truth about my miscarriage.

by Katie Murchison Ross

Interviews

Common threads among five prophetic voices of the 20th century

“We turn to Thurman, Bonhoeffer, Day, Heschel, and Niebuhr because they never let us forget the important questions.”

Cornelius Swart interviews Martin Doblmeier

Books

What does the cross mean for people with disabilities?

David McLachlan proposes a participatory atonement in which God engages creation’s contingency and vulnerability.

by Aaron Klink

Miriam, Esther, and other biblical non-mothers

Lisa Wilson Davison showcases women who thrive despite—and perhaps because of—their childfree state.

by Elizabeth Felicetti

Why was the apostle Paul in prison so often?

Perhaps for the same reasons people are today.

by Sarah Jobe

American GIs and the chaplains who served them

Kurt Piehler reconstructs the lived religious experience of the World War II battlefield.

by MM Gibson

Departments

The resurrection of St. George in England

Behind the resurgence of festivals and flags is a story of cultural change—and resistance to it.

by Philip Jenkins

Faith Matters

A path back together through reading contemplative classics

My students and I are finding our way into the world again with Evagrius, Teresa of Ávila, and Howard Thurman.

by Stephanie Paulsell

On Art

Pietà, by Khrystyna Yatsyniak

The image of Mary cradling the body of the crucified Jesus known as Pietà (“pity” in Italian) is one of the most powerful motifs in sacred art....

art selection and comment by John Kohan

From the Editors

Guantánamo and the wages of imperialism

What happens when one country believes it has the right to send troops into another country, impose its will, and abuse the rule of law?
First Words

Florida’s “Stop WOKE Act” is about White people’s comfort

When did comfort become our highest aspiration?

by Peter W. Marty

News

People

Canadian pastor Bruxy Cavey resigns following abuse investigation

The pastor of one of Canada’s largest churches was forced to resign after an independent investigation found evidence of his sexual misconduct....

by Yonat Shimron

Questions, anger follow UMC conference delay

United Methodists reacted to their general conference’s third postponement—this time to 2024—with emotions ranging from outrage to relief....

by Heather Hahn

Russian patriarch responds to WCC general secretary’s plea for peace

Patriarch Kirill of Mos­cow, head of the Russian Orthodox Church, has responded to a plea from Ioan Sauca, acting general secretary for the World Council of Churches, that he use his influence to stop the war in Ukraine....

by Dawn Araujo-Hawkins

AME Church suspends pension payments after finding irregularities

One of the nation’s largest Black Protestant denominations has stopped making payments to retired ministers on its pension plan, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal....

by Bob Smietana

Episcopal Church releases Jesus in America study, data shows wide-ranging views

Most Americans see Jesus as an important spiritual figure. More than 30 percent have decreased their participation in religious activities during the COVID-19 pandemic....

by David Paulsen

Nigerian Christians condemn separatist group’s sit-at-home order

Many Nigerian Christian leaders have condemned a weekly sit-at-home order in the southeastern region of the country that is being enforced by the Indigenous People of Biafra, a group agitating for the creation of a separate state for Nigeria’s 40 ...

by Ekpali Saint

In two years, the UCC has paid off $100 million in Americans’ medical debt

The United Church of Christ has now paid off more than $100 million in medical debt for people across the United States....

by Emily McFarlan Miller

People

SBC president Ed Litton won't seek second term

Saying he wants to spend his time focusing on racial reconciliation, Southern Baptist Convention president Ed Litton announced via video on March 1 that he would not seek a second term in office....

by Bob Smietana

People

Cheyenne peace chief Lawrence Homer Hart dies at 89

Cheyenne peace chief and Menno­nite pastor Lawrence Homer Hart died on March 6 at age 89....

by Dawn Araujo-Hawkins

Lectionary

April 24, Easter 2C (Revelation 1:4-8; John 20:19-31

Thomas might be the patron saint of a secular age.

by Katherine Willis Pershey

April 17, Easter Day C (John 20:1-18)

Mary has no hand to clutch or shoulder to lean on.

by Katherine Willis Pershey

April 15, Good Friday (John 18:1-19:42)

Diving into the disciples’ grief invites us to be honest about our own.

by Michael Fick

April 14, Maundy Thursday (John 13:1-17, 31b-35)

In a pandemic, the practices associated with Maundy Thursday feel nearly transgressive.

by Michael Fick

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