ON Scripture: Dr. Matt Skinner on Matt. 22: The Heavy Cost of Paying "The Emperor"
It couldn’t hurt for Jesus to show up and weigh in on America’s current economic and political challenges. It might be helpful if he issued a declaration about who should pay taxes, and how much. Then again, this would likely get him killed all over again.
Leadership as "Space Making"
The church continues to have conversations about the importance of leadership to Christian communities. Although we are tempted as leaders to often give answers I wonder if a more important practice is for the leader to provide space for questions.
Dr. Peter Marty: Climbing Down: What Zacchaeus Can Teach Us
Jesus ordered Zacchaeus down from both the tree and his "high horse." This is what Jesus does best. He goes after people and doesn't wait for their initiative. He bids us with an urgency to come and follow.
Odyssey Networks Interviews Nobel Winner Leymah Gbowee
Liberian Lutheran Peace Activist Leymah Gbowee discusses her feelings on receiving the Nobel Peace Prize and the role faith played in her struggle to help end the war in Liberia. Watch Odyssey Networks exclusive interview with 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Leymah Gbowee.
Dr. Jamie Jenkins: Living in an "As-Is" World
As followers of Jesus we are called to live in an “as if” world. We recognize our reality but believe that Jesus came to “reconcile all things unto himself.” The lyrics of one of Chris Tomlin’s songs say that Jesus “takes the pieces and turns them to praises.”
Dr. Brett Younger: Up in the Air
I now know all about flying between Atlanta and Wilmington, North Carolina, thanks to the gracious people at First Baptist Church, where I am serving as the interim preacher. This column is just a small percentage of what I know.
Bishop Will Willimon: Fred Shuttlesworth: The Passing of a Preacher
Fred Shuttlesworth, who passed away this week, was not known as widely as some Civil Rights activists, mainly because he never stopped being a pastor who daily cared for an active congregation.
Dr. Scott Black Johnston: The Kardashians Go To Church
Last week, a producer of the reality television show, “Kourtney & Kim Take New York” called the church. Really! Here's what happened.
Liturgy and the Internet: Remembering Steve Jobs
Social Media went into overdrive upon the death of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple. Joshua Case and Michael Sullivan explore how the virtual world is finding its voice and challenging the church for the 21st Century.
The Rev. J. C. Austin: Is the Good Samaritan a Criminal in Alabama?
According to the Alabama State Legislature, both Jesus and the Good Samaritan got it wrong: the Samaritan should have checked the ID of the guy in the road before helping him, because if the guy in the road was an undocumented resident, the Samaritan should have passed by on the other side, too.
Dr. Thomas Lane Butts: Help Someone Today
Before his retirement from First United Methodist Church in Santa Monica, Ca., my friend and colleague, the Rev Dr. Donald Shelby, told a story that has stuck in my mind like a cocklebur. Perhaps it will stick in your mind also. It represents a lifestyle to which I have been committed all my life.
Are You Avoiding Someone or Something at Church?
Church leadership means dealing with challenging people and situations almost every day. How do we respond?
ON Scripture: Stephanie Crowder on Matt. 22, A Biblical Case of Class Warfare
Much in this country’s political landscape from Populist ideology to New Deal praxis has centered on equal access and opportunity for all. Yet, almost two thousand years earlier than these movements, first century C.E. New Testament literature points to similar struggles.
The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori on Israeli-Palestinian Peace
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued a Pastoral Letter on Israeli-Palestinian Peace. Read it here.
Dr. Jamie Jenkins: God Is Making Everything New
The Old Testament Preacher hinted at the meaninglessness and futility of life when he said, “There is nothing new under the sun.” He suggests that whatever will be has already been (Ecclesiastes 1). There is something to be learned from his comments. However, his pessimism is not the only truth.
No Rearview Mirrors
A short essay on giving up the past and focusing on the gifts of the road ahead.
Greg Garrett: Drive, Ryan Gosling, and the Violent Jesus
The new movie "Drive" illuminates America in the here and now in ways that are alternately horrifying and hopeful.
conformity and the ten commandments
can we perceive the ten commandments to be more than doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong?
Dr. Thomas Lane Butts: The Power of Attitude
There are many things in life over which we have little (or no) control, but we do have the power to control our attitude toward what happens to us. Your attitude can make you miserable even in relatively fortunate circumstances, or it can bring you a sense of contentment in the most unfortunate circumstances.
ON Scripture: Eric Barreto on Exodus 20: 10 Commandments--Rules and Regulations?
How many of the Ten Commandments can you name? If you are like most Americans, the number is far below the full ten. A 2007 survey reported that most Americans could rattle off the ingredients of a Big Mac more readily than the Ten Commandments