First Words
Peter W. Marty reflects on signs of grace and explores Christian witness
Upside-down medicine
Jim O’Connell’s practice is built not on profit but on giving his patients—the unhoused of Boston—whatever time they need.
Masks hide us—and shape us
When extremists don disguises and terrorize others, they also do grave moral damage to themselves.
All we may become
We’re constantly in the process of growing into something more than we are today.
Rhythms of life
An awareness of rhythm is central to our existence—biologically, socially, and spiritually.
What we live for
Writing our own obituary can help us get our spiritual house in order—at any phase of life.
I’m mourning the end of the Voting Rights Act
Why shred this law when Congress is still disproportionately White and segregation is still endemic?
Eight guidelines for preaching in partisan times
Disengagement from politics is not an option. But I’m convinced that the problem for some hearers is more about method than content.
Public health’s humble giant
Bill Foege, who oversaw the eradication of smallpox, was soft-spoken, self-effacing, and focused on other people’s achievements more than his own.
Blot out our offenses
Ash Wednesday offers a counterpoint to every tendency that aims to hide facets of our life from God.
Morality requires other people
When we substitute personal interest for the public good, trust begins to disappear in our society.
Playing to lose
I witnessed the sports betting empire ruin one man’s life. It’s coming for millions more.
I’m dreaming of a disarmed faith
In the Bethlehem cattle stall, no coercion is in the air. No imposition of will.
Art that stretches us
I’ve been thinking about different ways visual art can challenge our perceptions and assumptions.
What is religious freedom for?
The church’s calling is far more exciting and urgent than endorsing political candidates.
Ride on
It’s tempting to flee the monotony of daily life. But there’s value in staying committed.
The apology deficit
Ours is an era of cultivated transgressiveness, in which leaders vice signal their lack of interest in apologizing when they’re wrong.