Faith and war
To Whom Should Christians Pledge Allegiance?
The continuing drama circling Goshen College right now has sparked an internal discussion within me. Goshen College, the private Mennonite school, recently reversed its 114 year history of not singing or playing the National Anthem before sporting events. Paying homage to its Christian roots of nonviolence and pacifism, the Mennonite school viewed... »
Christian College Reconsiders National Anthem: Has 114 year history of NOT singing it
Photo Source: http://bvapush.pbworks.com/f/american-flag.jpg Last week in our online Bible Study experience at the church I serve, we explored the topic, “What Makes a Baptist a Baptist?” Based principally on Walter Shurden’s book, The Baptist Identity: Four Fragile Freedoms. Since the start of the year I’ve been trying to re-introduce and explore the foundations... »
When Christian Mission Goes Way Wrong (part 2)
Photo Credit: Telegraph.Co.Uk I have an uneasy feeling when it comes to Christian Missionaries. I know that sounds strange coming from a pastor. But anyone who reviews the history of missionaries from the Western, American context will find a deluge of disheartening examples connecting Christian Mission with subjugation, oppression, and the dehumanizing of... »
More Money for WAR, but not for the POOR
Last Thursday, I was a guest on the Marc Steiner Show (WEAA-Baltimore) talking politics and specifically giving reaction to the President’s first State of the Union Address. Overall, I think the President gave an ok speech, but it’s what I expect from him at this point. What I wasn’t ok with at... »
New Year, Same Struggle: Starting 2010 in Solidarity with Palestinians
Technically, I started the year in corporate worship and fellowship at my church. For those not familiar with the Black Church experience, we observe what we call Watch Night Service on New Year’s Eve every year. It’s a night for us to reflect on the past year’s journey and look forward to... »
I’ve Found Another Sanctuary: Jonah House (Baltimore, MD)
Since becoming a pastor, I’ve realized the value in finding my own sanctuary – a place where I can be refreshed, revived, and held accountable to my own journey in following Jesus. Thankfully, The Most High has guided me to not just one sanctuary, but to many. (and I have a sense... »
Embracing the Spirit of Advent 2009
Last Sunday, I decided to attend an Advent Prayer Service sponsored by Pax Christi Baltimore and other associated groups. I’m doing all I can to ensure that I slow down enough during this time of year to embrace the spirit of Advent. This season moves so fast. (It was just Thanksgiving wasn’t... »
John Allen Muhammad: Gulf War Veteran, D.C. Sniper, & Scapegoat for The State
Through violence you may murder a liar but you can’t establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can’t murder hate. Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that. So goes the phrase by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. who in so few words called out the great deception of... »
President Barack Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize – But will he live up to it?
Photo Credit: LA Progressive.Com After nine months in office as President of the United States, President Barack Obama was awarded the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday, October 9, 2009 by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. The Committee recognized him for “his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.” The award,... »
Remi Kanazi Performs Israel/America: A Rambling Poem
Great poem I caught last week on GRITtv. Pumped me up all the more for the upcoming Friends of Sabeel North America Conference focused on Christian thought and action with Palestinian Christians from October 1 – 3, 2009 at Shiloh Baptist Church in Washington, DC. The theme of the conference is “Pursue... »
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