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
Would you know the subtle signs of abuse if it was right in front of you? Unfortunately, most of us cannot recognize the subtle signs but maybe the more overt ones. There is a good chance that someone is experiencing this kind of trauma in our congregations. But how might we be prepared to see … 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
It’s been a while since I was a teenager. So I’ll spare you the years and my embarrassment. Nevertheless, things have changed since my day of awkward pubescents. Teenagers face challenges today that I never faced. One thing hasn’t changed, though, the questions we wrestle with about our identity, belonging, and the Divine. “Life is … 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
During our childhood and journey into adolescence, not only are our bodies experiencing all sorts of physiological changes but so does our psyche. In this state, identity formation, commitment to intimacy with another person, and generativity take place. At the same time, this is also a critical time in which people of faith are being … 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
Deep breaths, everyone; the election cycle is over. The mind-numbing television ads are done. The yard signs are becoming scarce. And yet, we all know that the vitriol and division remain. This kind of politics just seems to be sticking around. As followers of Jesus in America, the relationship between faith and politics has especially … 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
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