Theology
How White Christians turned syncretism into an insult
Early-20th-century European and North American missionaries grew concerned about it—but never in their own churches.
What is a beautiful church building for?
What my bad sermons made bland, our sanctuary made sweet.
Virginia Mollenkott’s Women, Men, and the Bible shaped my life
The lesbian evangelical scholar bravely shared her view of God—in love.
David Tracy and the absolute infinite
Essays spanning four decades offer a fitting entree into the work of a distinguished scholar.
The (toxic) masculinity of Martin Luther
Some readers will find Lyndal Roper’s new book unsettling. That might be a good thing.
Shane McCrae reimagines the life of a wounded angel
Poetry that continues the rich literary tradition of angels and offers a new, illuminating perspective
Emptying the tombs of the city jail
“There’s a group of people outside,” I said through the intercom, “and they’ve raised money for your bail.”
Christian peacemaking and the role of forgiveness
Seeking justice is critical. Is it enough?
May 16, Easter 7B (John 17:6–19)
Jesus’ high priestly prayer is a call to a new kind of knowing and loving.
Hip-hop artists Sho Baraka and Propaganda flip the script
Stanley Hauerwas says good theological writing makes the familiar strange.
Celebrating Easter on the anniversary of MLK’s death
The first Easter was a wrecked scene of dispirited disciples in the shadows of an insurrection.
Holy Saturday in a harrowing time
Christ harrows hell, and nowhere are we beyond the hand that holds that harrow.
Who is sacrificed, and who benefits?
Approaching Holy Week in the wake of a half million COVID-19 deaths
Why I’ve come back around to substitutionary atonement
Sometimes sacrifice is an act of love.
Preaching Holy Week in the middle of a pandemic—again
Usually it takes courage to preach Good Friday. This year, it will take courage to proclaim “He is risen!” on Easter morning.
Sin is like a suitcase abandoned at the baggage claim
Lent beckons us to claim those forgotten things we’d packed away.