Vignettes of Christmas 2023

Column by Dr. Carl Krieg on January, 25 2024

The situation is complicated. Churches are not supposed to endorse candidates. Indeed, many churches have members who support Trump. Some members place more faith in Trump than they do in Jesus. Yes, literally.

Time To Take A Stand

Column by Rev. Jim Burklo on November, 3 2022

The Big Lie has settled the question of whether or not politics belongs in the pulpits of progressive churches in America.  We’ve got no choice but to speak out and take a stand for the Democrats because the Republican Party has devolved into a cabal that is undermining the institutions upon which our religious freedom depends. 

Thanks, Presiding Bishop Curry

Column by Brian McLaren on August, 11 2022

In his speech, Bishop Curry twice emphasized the need to find a voice that is non-partisan (“this is not partisan,” “not a partisan voice”). We all know why he needed to say this.

SYRIA, POISON GAS, MISSILE STRIKES AND PEACE?

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on September, 19 2013

It has been both an emotional and a political roller-coaster. The television newscasters and the print media informed us that a political debate was underway as to whether or …

The Need for the Christian to Journey Beyond Scripture, Creed and Church

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on August, 22 2013

Theology is a rational, deeply human, attempt to explain our experience with God. Theology is, therefore, never primary; it is always secondary to experience. Theological explanations can thus never …

The Presidential Campaign and the Book of Judges

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on October, 11 2012

A major debate in this year’s presidential election eliciting great emotion and spirited rhetoric relates to “the size and role of the federal government.”  A study of American …

The Contraception Debate: Is Misogyny on the Rise?

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on March, 8 2012

Here is some of the evidence.

In Virginia, the State Legislature was poised to pass and Republican Governor Bob McDonnell to sign a bill requiring a vaginally-invasive medical procedure …

An Open Letter to a Political Leader Newt Gingrich and to a Religious Leader Pat Robertson

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on December, 29 2011

A note to my readers:  This column ran first in the fall of 2010 or about 15 months ago in this exact form.  It was not regarded as controversial.  The …

The Super Committee Fails – Disgust is Rampant!

Column by Bishop John Shelby Spong on November, 24 2011

There was a sense of disgust, followed by feelings of despair when the super committee formed to deal with the budget deficit failed to accomplish anything.  This committee had …