Is there anything more satisfying than telling someone off online and never physically encountering that person? Well, that’s what many people love about online platforms, where unaccountable remote posting doesn’t force us to come to terms with how we talk and interact with others. Some fascinating studies have found that people are likelier to write … Continue reading
You’ve probably heard the phrase “Family-Friendly” in passing from countless Christian radio stations, publications, websites, podcasts, and now streaming platforms. There is a cottage industry dedicated to telling you what is a “family-friendly Christian worldview.” Take a look at the Focus on the Family website, which has an entire team dedicated to rating and reviewing … Continue reading
One of my favorite accounts to follow on Instagram is “PreachersNSneakers.” The unique social media influencer captures the image of megachurch pastors’ attire and then researches how much was spent on shoes, jackets, or jewelry. Recently, the “PreachersNSneakers” found that Steven Furtick of Elevation Church was preaching in a $600 sweatshirt. Just doing the Lord’s … Continue reading
What’s your theology on human life? Most of us clearly understand the value of our own lives. Still, have we ever thought about the lives of others, especially those that do not fit into our socio-economic-political worldview? Most American Christians have spoon-fed one conversation on life, pro-life or pro-choice. Abortion has long been one of … Continue reading
Exhaustion affects us all differently. For me, it is a building effect, usually displaying itself in an inability to fall asleep at night because my mind is racing with all the worst possible scenarios of how the incidents leading to my stress will play out. What about you? What about when everyone is experiencing a … Continue reading
What’s the intersection of church and race? Most churches are ethnically homogenous. Rarely do you find a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural church, especially in the American South. In the South, this is a product of slavery and segregation. However, it goes much deeper than that, especially since we are over 60 years removed from the Civil … Continue reading
The last couple of years has been collectively challenging for all of us. And, if someone has an inclination towards anxiety and depression, this pandemic experience and socio-political tension have amplified the opportunities for people to spiral into challenging mental and emotional stations. One of the most challenging aspects of the worst parts of the … Continue reading
Do you remember the Stuart Smalley sketch from Saturday Night Live? “Daily Affirmations with Stuart Smalley” was a self-help show in which its host would begin and end by looking in the mirror saying, “I’m Good Enough, I’m Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!” What’s your general anthropology toward yourself? Cognitive social scientists … Continue reading
It’s that time of year again. The stores are stocked. The presents are being purchased. Gifts are being laid under the tree. And 8-pound, 6-ounce newborn infant Jesuses are displayed as inflatables in our yards and nativity sets in our homes. Of course, for most folks outside of the church, the Christmas season is merely … Continue reading
Have you ever noticed these days that someone else is to blame? No, seriously. When was the last time you heard a public figure take responsibility for their actions, sincerely apologize, and then totally change their behavior? Our cultural influence tends to want to justify or reason away the mistakes people make. This is especially … Continue reading
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