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The author of this blog reflection acknowledges that the wars and conflicts in the Middle East in general and in Palestine in particular are complicated, often nuanced, with varying interpretations within both the Jewish Israeli and Arab Palestinian communities. This reflection offers a perspective that is often neglected or unheard of by Americans and AmericanRead more

I can still remember those raw emotions that came to the surface the first time I watched the unnerving video footage of George Floyd’s murder. It wasn’t just the fact that another black man had been killed by a police officer; it was that he was murdered in broad daylight in front of innocent bystanders–someRead more

The Secret What if Jesus and his message are far better than we currently realize? And what if so much of what gets passed on as the truth about Jesus and his message is actually a watered down version of it (at best) or a complete perversion of it (at worst)? And what if oneRead more

EARLY SUNDAY MORNING On that first Easter Sunday morning, the disciples were not themselves. What they once believed about Jesus, what they had once hoped Jesus would do for their people, was now in question. Sadness, shock, disappointment, outrage, and fear, all of the emotions they were likely feeling between Friday and Sunday morning. Most ofRead more

Before the “sinner’s prayer,” before Christian atonement theology, before crosses became the symbol of Christianity, and before Good Friday was ever part of the Christian calender, the Friday before Easter was an incredibly sad and tragic day for early followers of Jesus. Because on that day, Jesus had died.   BEFORE GOOD FRIDAY In theRead more

Ever since the first century, when the early Christian movement began, there has been a preoccupation among Christians about who is on the “inside” and who is on the “outside” of the faith. It has often shown up in conversations discussing who are believers and unbelievers, righteous and unrighteous, saved and unsaved, Christians and non-Christians.Read more

In the last blog, we looked at The Big Lie about widespread voter fraud that President Trump continued to push in the months leading up to the election and in the following weeks after it. We considered how this lie was successful enough to persuade 72% of Republican voters even after the election. We alsoRead more

November 3rd Presidential Election It was one of the most controversial elections in American history. It was also one of the most anticipated days of 2020. By casting their vote, Americans across the country hoped to draw a line in the sand over what kind of America they wanted to move forward and hand toRead more

In light of the violent riot at the US Capital on January 6, 2021 and those who lost their lives, I offer this prayer.   Pray with me: God of creation, Our nation is in crisis. We are more polarized than ever. Neighbor is suspicious of neighbor. Hatred, aggression and violence have escalated. Even thoseRead more

With an ongoing global pandemic and a deeply polarizing political climate, things can feel a bit overwhelming at times. The US political climate is particularly toxic right now. I know this first-hand. Over the last two years, I have become increasingly outspoken against President Trump and those who enable him, especially on social media but also inRead more