The general sentiment on this college campus after Biden’s victory in the 2020 presidential election has been one of relief and celebration. Soon after major news networks called the election, dance parties and fireworks lit up parts of the city, and yet, on the steps of the Tennessee State Capitol, over a hundred Trump supporters […]
Is God Silent on the Suffering of COVID-19?
Within the Christian tradition, the believer’s petition to God captures a promise: Ask, and it will be given to you. This pattern of call-and-response reverberates across Scripture, one of the basest chords upon which the entire harmony between God and man is built. The enslaved in Egypt, the blind man in the temple, the disciples […]
Are Churches Essential? Weighing Public Health vs. Religious Concerns
Throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic, many church leaders have disagreed with governing authorities and health advisors about mandated lockdown procedures. More than a few pastors have been arrested for resisting lockdown, and many health experts and officials have opposed initiatives to reopen churches. What’s the problem? Numerous church leaders have disagreed with each other and with civic […]
What We Can Learn from Christian Responses to Past Outbreaks
The word “unprecedented” has been thrown around so frequently that it is easy to think the world has never experienced disease before. However, historical outbreaks and the response of contemporary church leaders provide a remarkable precedent for us to follow. From third century plagues of the Roman Empire to the recent Ebola outbreak, spiritual leaders […]
Where is God in the Midst of the Coronavirus?
Like many of you, I was horrified when I saw this headline in The New York Times last week: “When You Die of the Coronavirus, You Die Alone.” Although the newspaper has since changed the headline – it now reads “I’m on the Front Lines. I Have No Plan for This” to undoubtedly soften the […]
The Corporate Sales Funnel: We the Client and God the Firm
Many think Christianity can be reduced to a set of rules – rules which must always be followed. They think about it legalistically. Why not? Every religion of this world operates in this way. The concept is this: “Follow this set of guidelines to perfection and you will reach fulfillment.” In order to end suffering, […]