Ask most people about the “civil rights” movement and you’re likely to eventually hear the names of men woven into their response. Without proper perspective, one could grow up in this country believing that the fight for “civil rights” was led, organized, and executed solely by men. Deeper study, however, will reveal that in...
This past Sunday in my sermon I couldn’t resist raising for my congregation’s consideration, the public “resignation” of Anne Rice from Christianity. The best-selling author of many vampire tales announced on her Facebook page last week that she was done with the Faith. She said: “Today I quit being a Christian. I’m out. I...
Those of you who know me or have been reading my blog for a little while know that I have a heart for “Simple Living” – an alternative Way of life that juts against the grain of popular, consumeristic culture. This affinity for alternative living has engendered in me a deep appreciation for the...
Casual study of some of the major state-sponsored atrocities of history will reveal that oftentimes there was religious representation somewhere in the mix that attempted to provide theological sanction for the vicious brutality being enacted on others. Somebody who claimed to speak in the name of God, provided “permission” or spiritual cover that would...
In C. Eric Lincoln and Lawrence Mamiya’s classic work on the Black Church, they rightly describe the character and nature of the “Black sacred cosmos.” Much more than just casual weekend activity or flippant denominational recognition; Christianity for practicing African Americans is so interwoven into personal and social identity that it’s hard just to...
This past Monday was a phenomenal day. I usually have about two of these types of days per week and I’m always blown away as to how God orchestrates them. Monday is usually my day of rest. After preaching, praying, visiting the sick, and generally trying to encourage people during a long Sunday; Mondays...
One of the first things that I was told when it was known that I would become a pastor was to read the church bylaws. Second to scripture (and in some churches more importantly than the Holy Scriptures) the church bylaws provide information as to how a particular community of Faith chooses to organize...
What the Arizona Public School System’s ban of ethnic studies does is expose crucial questions about authority and autonomy as it relates to the public education system. The crucial question is: Who should control the educational direction, content, and implementation of education? Who should be trusted to mold the minds of today’s students? That...
I watched this CNN interview and exchange last night between Tom Horne, Arizone Superintendent of Public Instruction and Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, professor and social critic. The issue was Arizona’s new ban on ethnic studies. Apparently, Arizona’s public school system was worried about non-white children being taught their history. According to Mr. Horne, as...
I wasn’t in my door 1 hour before gunshots rang out in my neighborhood. Fresh back in town from a short family vacation to celebrate my milestone birthday, I was hoping to ease back into city life. At least looking forward to a lazy, uneventful Saturday afternoon/evening before the bells of Sunday morning started...
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