

Since 1900, the Christian Century has published reporting, commentary, poetry, and essays on the role of faith in a pluralistic society.
© 2023 The Christian Century.
499 results found.
My new understanding of mountaintop faith
Together, the Psalms and the Korean concept of han have changed my perspective on the emotional Christianity of my childhood.
June 22, Ordinary 12C (1 Kings 19:1-4, (5-7), 8-15a; Psalm 42 and 43)
Psalms 42 and 43 remind us of the ways a spiritual practice can prepare us for whatever trials we meet in life.
Made in the image of God, we stand in as God’s representatives in creation.
by Martha Spong
In the Bible, gender is not binary
The Bible employs many merisms, in which two contrasting words stand in for a whole spectrum. “Male and female” is one of them.
In the Bible, gender is not binary
The Bible employs many merisms, in which two contrasting words stand in for a whole spectrum. “Male and female” is one of them.
In the Bible, gender is not binary
The Bible employs many merisms, in which two contrasting words stand in for a whole spectrum. “Male and female” is one of them.
Nicene myths
The Athanasians won, so they got to tell the story of Arianism. Arius would barely have recognized it.
Nicene myths
The Athanasians won, so they got to tell the story of Arianism. Arius would barely have recognized it.
In times of fear, I return to Julian of Norwich
The medieval mystic offers challenging words for desperate times.
May 11, Easter 4C (Psalm 23; John 10:22-30)
Jesus is very clear: Snatchers, no snatching!
Perhaps the psalmist is referring to limestone, important to ancient civilizations for construction and also as an agricultural and dietary aid.
Perhaps the psalmist is referring to limestone, important to ancient civilizations for construction and also as an agricultural and dietary aid.
April 13, Passion C (Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 31:9-16; Luke 23:1-49)
What do we do with our powerlessness?
Dreams inhabit untamed psychological, emotional, and spiritual terrain.
American hell
In the last year of his life, Martin Luther King Jr.’s confidence in the politics of progressivism dimmed. Judgment became his refrain.
The prodigal’s return looks more like a strategy than a wholehearted conversion.
James Quentin's Scroll Cross, From His Side, and Black Forest Cross (clockwise from left to right)
James Quentin's Scroll Cross, From His Side, and Black Forest Cross (clockwise from left to right)
For many, repent is a hurt-filled word. That’s a shame, because we need it more than ever.
March 9, Lent 1 (Psalm 91:1–2, 9–16; Romans 10:8b–13; Luke 4:1–13)
God chooses to draw near—and to draw us out of ourselves.