June (Web-only) 2021

Independence Day Calls Us to the Holy Work of Repair
Independence Day Calls Us to the Holy Work of Repair
Our flag symbolizes the beauty of American ideals and the brokenness of our history.
America’s True Freedom Is Getting to Sing About God, Not Country
America’s True Freedom Is Getting to Sing About God, Not Country
This Fourth of July, worship leaders work to focus devotion “In Christ Alone.”
First Denomination to Condemn Uyghur Muslim Genocide? Southern Baptists
First Denomination to Condemn Uyghur Muslim Genocide? Southern Baptists
Such statements that bridge faiths are rare, based on my two decades working on religious freedom. Christians need to make more.
Meritocracy Is a Betrayal of the Protestant Ethic, not a Fulfillment
Meritocracy Is a Betrayal of the Protestant Ethic, not a Fulfillment
Why the “rhetoric of rising” is incompatible with Christian views of grace and the common good.
The Church Has Ignored the Grief of First Nation Peoples Too Long
The Church Has Ignored the Grief of First Nation Peoples Too Long
Members of my congregation poured out their stories after the recent discoveries at Canada’s residential schools. Here’s why we all should be listening.
The Story of Same-Sex Marriage, as Told by the Victors
The Story of Same-Sex Marriage, as Told by the Victors
Two new books approvingly chart the legal and cultural path to Obergefell v. Hodges. What can the losing side learn about battles lost, and battles still to come?
Imagine More: Recovering a Faithful Vision for Art, Creativity, and Justice
Imagine More: Recovering a Faithful Vision for Art, Creativity, and Justice
A conversation on the redemptive power of the Christian imagination.
Dads: Put Down the Shotguns and Let Your Daughters Go
Dads: Put Down the Shotguns and Let Your Daughters Go
Scripture portrays young women not as their fathers’ pets but as pillars in God’s kingdom.
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Francis Collins: How Christians Can Help Curb COVID-19
Francis Collins: How Christians Can Help Curb COVID-19
A conversation with the director of the National Institutes of Health.
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In the Push for Racial Justice, There’s a Middle Path Between Passivity and Aggression
In the Push for Racial Justice, There’s a Middle Path Between Passivity and Aggression
Real moral suasion is about relationship-building, not browbeating.
Remembering Richard N. Longenecker, Scholar Who Rethought Judaism and the Apostle Paul
Remembering Richard N. Longenecker, Scholar Who Rethought Judaism and the Apostle Paul
He never forgot that when he was studying the New Testament, he was studying Holy Scripture.
Act as if You Are Staying in a Community Forever—Even When You’re Not
Act as if You Are Staying in a Community Forever—Even When You’re Not
In “Uprooted,” Grace Olmstead makes the argument that we should stick around.
The Challenge of Being a Faithful Boss When a Pandemic Nearly Kills Your Industry
The Challenge of Being a Faithful Boss When a Pandemic Nearly Kills Your Industry
A Christian restauranteur relies on God while navigating his first major layoffs, angry customers, closures, and the continued challenges brought on by COVID-19.
Interview: Reopening Muslim Minds to Freedom and Tolerance
Interview: Reopening Muslim Minds to Freedom and Tolerance
Mustafa Akyol explains why his new book explores the history of apostasy laws, the sayings of Muhammad, and the prospects for greater pluralism in the Islamic world.
It’s Never Too Late to Forgive a Flawed Father
It’s Never Too Late to Forgive a Flawed Father—or to Ask How He Got His Scars
What an attention-starved son learned while reconstructing the life of his distant dad.
Bringing Birth Fathers Back into Adoption Narratives
Bringing Birth Fathers Back into Adoption Narratives
This Father's Day, more families are recognizing the God-given dignity of adoptees’ biological dads.
Care About Religious Liberty? Defend Religious Minorities.
Care About Religious Liberty? Defend Religious Minorities.
Why Christians should support the “compelling interest” standard of accommodation.
The Holy Spirit Sets Us Free For Responsibility, Not From It
The Holy Spirit Sets Us Free For Responsibility, Not From It
Pentecostal spirituality calls Christians to the public sphere—to pour our lives out for others.
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Meet the Conservative Evangelicals Practicing ‘Strategic Hibernation’ in the American Northwest
Meet the Conservative Evangelicals Practicing ‘Strategic Hibernation’ in the American Northwest
They might embrace their marginal status, but they don’t plan on staying marginal forever.
The American Church Is a Mess. But I’m Still Hopeful.
The American Church Is a Mess. But I’m Still Hopeful.
Attrition rates and leadership failures are only one part of the story.
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SBC Polity Gives People in the Pews the Power to Stop Corrupt Leaders
SBC Polity Gives People in the Pews the Power to Stop Corrupt Leaders
This week at the Southern Baptist Convention’s annual meeting, attendees will ask for change from the top. But regular members also bear responsibility.
It’s the Summer of Weddings. Here Are Other Milestones We Can Celebrate.
It’s the Summer of Weddings. Here Are Other Milestones We Can Celebrate.
The church has a unique opportunity to recognize markers of spiritual growth in our communities.
Will Christians Teaching Abroad Be Able to Go Back to School?
Will Christians Teaching Abroad Be Able to Go Back to School?
For international schools, the pandemic offered new opportunities for public witness around the world. It also resulted in staff shortages and unpredictable enrollment.
For Popular Twitter Seminarian, Sassiness Is a Spiritual Gift
For Popular Twitter Seminarian, Sassiness Is a Spiritual Gift
Leah Boyd represents a new generation of women in ministry, bringing a sense of humor and hope to theological debates.
Why I Stopped Calling Parts of the Bible ‘Boring’
Why I Stopped Calling Parts of the Bible ‘Boring’
Scripture is a door and a feast if you ask the right questions.
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Jemar Tisby: Three Words Should Guide Our Pursuit of Racial Justice
Jemar Tisby: Three Words Should Guide Our Pursuit of Racial Justice
In his latest book, the “Color of Compromise” author turns from the lessons of history to the proper Christian response.
Youth Pastors and Parents Cross Wires on the Core Purpose of Church
Youth Pastors and Parents Cross Wires on the Core Purpose of Church
Sociologist Christian Smith says most American moms and dads see the Body as nothing more than a resource center for their kids.
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If Your Kid Leaves the Church, Don’t Despair. But Act Quickly.
If Your Kid Leaves the Church, Don’t Despair. But Act Quickly.
There’s a window of opportunity to bring young adults back after they leave organized religion, says sociologist Melinda Lundquist Denton.
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Paul Teamed with Women to Start Churches. So Will We.
Paul Teamed with Women to Start Churches. So Will We.
Why women of color are essential to today’s church-planting movements.
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All Church Buildings Have a Story to Tell—Not Just the Tourist Magnets
All Church Buildings Have a Story to Tell—Not Just the Tourist Magnets
An attempt to examine the church’s history through its architecture suffers from narrow understandings of “church” and “history” alike.
God Was Faithful to These Chinese Families in the American South
God Was Faithful to These Chinese Families in the American South
A new documentary goes deep on a surprising history. Which happens to be mine too.
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After the Pandemic, Are Worship Leaders Gearing Up for Battle or Healing?
After the Pandemic, Are Worship Leaders Gearing Up for Battle or Healing?
At this year’s summer conferences, worship pastors and musicians prepare for a range of emotions as churches sing together again.
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Top Story March 19, 2024

Died: Michael Knott, Christian Alternative Musician Who Helped Launch Tooth & Nail
Died: Michael Knott, Christian Alternative Musician Who Helped Launch Tooth & Nail
Knott wrote rock operas, sang with honesty and conviction, called out hypocrites, and bucked the norms of the Christian music industry.

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