The New Feminism: Redefining a Woman’s Place (Mark 7:24-37)

August 31, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By Karyn L. Wiseman. We asked people about gender equality in today’s society. Recently two African American women took to the stage during a Bernie Sanders’ campaign event to protest for #BlackLivesMatter, a movement confronting issues related to racism and police violence in America. They were cheered by some and jeered by others. Their presence made the movement visible in ways that other events—disturbingly—had not. The national press covered the incident and many posts were made on a variety of... Read more

Immigration: Love Without Borders (1 Kings 8)

August 17, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By Roger S. Nam. The 2016 presidential election season has brought increased attention to the topic of immigration in recent weeks. In the coming sixteen months(!), the American public can expect the different presidential candidates to navigate through immigration issues in order to win voters, whether through shocking opening salvos designed for media attention, or strategically guarded statements intended to repel as few voters as possible. A quick look at the language of the candidates’ rhetoric reveals that the... Read more

Ferguson One Year Later: Give Us Wisdom (1 Kings 2:10-12, 3:3-14)

August 10, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By Lisa Sharon Harper. One year since the death of Michael Brown. The plane touched down and the flight attendant came on the speaker to ask us to please keep our seat belts buckled until we had come to a complete stop at the gate, and enjoy our stay in St. Louis. “Enjoy your stay in St. Louis.” That phrase hung in the air. Only minutes away from the Lambert/St. Louis International Airport the sky was falling. Over the eleven... Read more

Can We Keep Our Children Safe? (2 Samuel 18)

August 3, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. The black church plays an important role in supporting education. The Black Church has played a major a role in the struggle for justice in America. They have been haven, passageway, rallying place, center of learning, and a foundation of strength for African American communities dealing with slavery, subjugation hatred and violence for hundreds of years. In the 21st century, the Black Church continues in those traditions. Most especially it surrounds families with support as children... Read more

Theological Trackstanding: A User’s Guide to Unity in Church and Society (Ephesians 4:1-16)

July 27, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By Jacob D. Myers. America’s political divide is growing. Nearly every issue of national concern—from prison to education to tax reform, from healthcare to LGBT rights—has become so polarizing that otherwise civil, intelligent human beings often digress to the level of obdurate toddlers staring down a bowl of broccoli. Even as we jeer at our elected officials who can’t seem to get their acts together, none who have spent any time in a church business meeting should be surprised... Read more

When War Becomes a Way of Life (2 Samuel 11:1-15)

July 22, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By Raj Nadella. Victor is one veteran struggling to support his family. It has been intriguing to watch the mixed reaction to the nuclear accord with Iran that can help the United States avoid another major war. The last major war the U.S. fought—the 2003 Iraq war—cost the taxpayers nearly two trillion dollars and about half a trillion in benefits still owed to veterans. More than 4,500 Americans died fighting that war and tens of thousands of veterans and their... Read more

American Disabled Act: Working Toward Welcome and Dignity for All

July 22, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By Lisa M. Cataldo. L’Arche marks its 50th anniversary bringing the message that all lives matter and all are welcome. “His disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him.” (John 9:2-3). “What’s wrong with her?” the woman asked me as I helped my disabled friend wash her hands in the... Read more

All the Charlestons: We Press On for Justice

July 15, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By Eric D. Barreto. Rev. Dr. James Forbes reflects on racism. Weariness is the constant companion of those who seek justice. A year punctuated with tragedies around racial inequalities culminated in a burst of hateful violence during a Wednesday evening Bible study at the Mother Emanuel church. And as these nine faithful souls have been laid to rest, I have been struck by a refrain that many of my friends have been voicing. I’m tired, they say. I’m growing weary... Read more

We Are Family: Why the Affordable Care Act Matters (2 Samuel 6)

July 6, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By Cari Jackson. We asked people about the importance of health care. The R&B song “We Are Family,” made famous by the Pointer Sisters in 1979, remains one of my favorite songs. If you know the song, you might be bopping your head already, as you remember its body-moving, rhythmic dance beat. I believe that song was so popular, not just because of the beat, but because it is in our human DNA to long for the safety, security and... Read more

Gay Marriage: A Christian Response

June 29, 2015 By Odyssey Networks

By Barbara K. Lundblad. We asked people about the relevancy of marriage. “The court now holds that same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry. No longer may this liberty be denied to them.” With these words, Justice Anthony Kennedy supported the decision of the Supreme Court to legalize same-sex marriage in the United States. Gay and lesbian couples across the country are celebrating this long-awaited decision. Those who are Christians are not only thanking the court but... Read more