Power does funny things to people. Lately we’ve seen what can happen when people in positions of power aren’t held accountable. People are hurt. Relationships broken. Trust betrayed. When the Mark Driscolls of this world are faced with criticism (especially from people they’ve hurt), they come up with Proverbs or historical quotes to make them look like the victim or to restore their self-image. They are “God’s man on the planet for such a time as this” and “Who are... Read more
Mitakuyepi (All my relations), Cante waste ya nape ciyu zape ye (I greet you from my heart). My English name is Emma (Trimble) Eagle Heart-White and my Lakota name is Wanbli Wiyaka Win (Eagle Feather Woman). I am from the Lacreek District of the Pine Ridge Reservation home of the Oglala Lakota Nation. I am a baptized and confirmed Episcopalian. I, also, follow traditional Lakota spirituality and ceremonies. My twin sister, Sarah (Trimble) Eagle Heart, and I were raised by... Read more
I am grateful to my people of origin, the Evangelicals. Sure they scared the hell out of me, left me with a dank reservoir of guilt and shame, and gave me an image of God more like an alcoholic father than the author of love and mercy—but I am sure I will get over those things eventually. When I was growing up, we Evangelicals were still afraid of popular culture and condemned everything that wasn’t us—from Lutherans to The Love... Read more
I’m often asked, “Why do you evangelize evolution? What ‘good news’ does science offer?” The following is my typical response… I used to be confused by many aspects of the world, including my inner world. Thanks to an embrace of big history as my creation story, I no longer am. I now have a depth of understanding that saints and sages down through the ages, including the biblical writers themselves, never imagined possible. I used to struggle with temptations and... Read more
in recent news an image of Jesus from the 4th century was found in Spain on a glass plate. This made the headlines not just for it’s age but because Jesus is pictured in Roman style with no beard and in a toga. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-29480874 there are actually similar images in mosaics in Britain in Roman villas converted into early churches. now i think we can be pretty certain that whatever Jesus looked like as a 1st century Palestinian Jew he did... Read more
What can we do to heal ourselves? How can we begin to heal from the sin of racism? Sin keeps us from being in full relationship with our Creator and each other. Circles are strong symbols in many Native cultures. In nature, we see the sun, moon, Earth, and stars as circles. The seasons seem circular from the coldness and quiet of winter, to new growth in the spring and summer, and harvest time during the autumn. Life is a... Read more
Three weeks ago, during Gordon College’s homecoming, I stepped foot on my alma mater’s campus after nearly ten years. Sleuthing for a parking space, my friend Andrew dropped me off at the curb with three traffic cones and an armful of signs that read, “We love LGBTQ students #OneGordon.” I carted the subversive gear across the soccer field, past brick dorms and staring, possibly glaring, parents and alumni. A couple other people affiliated with OneGordon, an LGBTQ and allied organization... Read more
In the Spring of 2010, Transform Network held its first gathering — hosted by Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. We were graced by amazing keynote speakers Kathy Escobar (who has a new book out this month!), Peter Rollins, Anthony Smith, and Brian McLaren. As I reflect on the evolving mission and purpose of Transform, Brian’s words to us on the closing night still resonate with me today. Watch this clip: Five years later, we’re doing it again! We’re going... Read more
I’m reminded that there are times in life when its good to give in, to let go. When sensing the momentum and giving ourselves over to the process is what is most helpful in order for our purpose to be accomplished. Let’s just jump right in and get up close and personal. I’m Riley, pictured above, in labor. A few weeks ago I gave birth to my fourth child. At home. In my bathtub. Yes, on purpose. Its not that... Read more
I was born in Pakistan, completed my medical school there and then moved to the United States for specialized medical training. I also moved to escape the horrid persecution my Islamic sect – the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – faces back home. In America, I could enjoy all the freedoms I was denied under Pakistan’s law, most importantly the freedom of speech. I therefore set out to use social media to raise my voice for freedom of conscience world over –... Read more
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