Exodus

Yes, there’s violence. But there’s also God’s faithfulness and care.

If it's in the first verse of Romans 5, it must be important to Paul.

Two Israelis, a lawyer and a rabbi, on the complicated relationship between religion and national identity

Exodus 19:2–8a; Psalm 100; Romans 5:1–8; Matthew 9:35–10:8

Instead of glorifying the past, what if we treated the present as precious?

Instead of glorifying the past, what if we treated the present as precious?

James calls Abraham a “friend of God.” In this week’s reading from Exodus, Moses presumes upon a similar divine friendship to offer God advice.

James calls Abraham a “friend of God.” In this week’s reading from Exodus, Moses presumes upon a similar divine friendship to offer God advice.

People assume that silence and peace can be simply harnessed together, silence as Xanax for the soul. But that's not how deserts work.

I have a friend who visits his mother's burial site each year on the anniversary of her death. When the day comes, the mood is always solemn and deeply reflective--and tremendously difficult for other people in his life. What they don't know is that this annual ritual is generative, corrective. It helps anchor my friend for the rest of the year. 

I have another friend who almost never visits his parents' gravesite.

Slaughtering animals, washing feet—I can smell the rooms in both Exodus and John.

The people at Friendship Church make creative use of art. They have also learned to be creative as they form their community and shape their narratives.

First church members reclaimed the corner as a peaceful space. Then, as it got colder, they began talking about expanding their ministry.

Did Moses influence the founding of the United States? This historical question has generated controversy in Texas, where politicians, historians, and educators have recently debated whether Moses should be listed as an American founder in new social studies textbooks. 

It all began in 2010, when the Texas State Board of Education said that students needed to "identify the individuals whose principles of laws and government institutions informed the American founding documents, including those of Moses.”

Once again, the epic drama of slavery and freedom is upon us. No, I’m not referring to Ferguson, although others have written extensively on links there to the nation’s history of bondage, legal violence, and avoidance of justice. While others protest, this weekend millions of moviegoers will behold Exodus: Gods and Kings. “Let my people go” will square off against law and order. The fish will die; so will the first born males. The Red Sea will separate, for a time, and then its crashing waters will destroy an army.

Exodus has been with Americans since the nation’s birth.

"Remember the sabbath" is a costly commandment. Our culture’s assault on it extends far beyond Sunday.