

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.
Some suggest the tragedy in Charleston would have been averted if Pastor Clementa Pinckney had been carrying a gun. The victims' families showed us another way.
When Jeanne Bishop learned of her sister's murder, she found herself saying aloud, "I don't want to hate anybody."
reviewed by Heidi Haverkamp
Two recent books testify to the difficult but hopeful work of forgiving in the most trying circumstances.
Using powerful stories, Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu equip us to address deep questions about forgiveness, wholeness, and new life.
reviewed by Arianne Braithwaite Lehn
For Andrew Elphinstone, human selfishness and violence are not evidence of a world gone wrong. They show a person ripe for transformation.
It’s been seven years, and I cannot access Jesus' word of peace. The tears still sting and slosh over my pail of remorse.
For Sharon Baker, theological consistency is essential, because “our perception of God influences how we behave.”
reviewed by Deanna A. Thompson
The theme of James Alison’s video Bible study is the main theme he sees in scripture: that the creation of scapegoats must end.
In the Bible, forgiveness involves repayment of what is owed. One way to pay down the debt is through charity to the poor.
American culture focuses on the law. But Naboth's vineyard reminds us that a healthy society is about relationships first and rules second.
by Samuel Wells
I, Brian, a sinner, a most simple suburbanite, a generally decent sort but subject to fits of selfishness, do here wish to confess and be shriven.
by Brian Doyle
Like Jacob and Esau, my mother and my aunt met each other one day after 20 years of estrangement.