Franklin Graham is out of his mind. And so are the tens of thousands of people who agree with him. In response to the shootings at Chattanooga military recruitment offices, Graham suggested “we are under attack by Muslims at home and abroad. We should stop all immigration of Muslims to the U.S. until this threat with Islam has been settled.” Matthew Paul Turner, a better Christian than I, suggests that goodhearted Christians contact Graham and: “Tell him that he’s a... Read more
Have you heard about this: Pastors Eye a Move From God’s House to the Statehouse When considering pastors running for public office in the United States, you might imagine them wanting to improve the lives and conditions of others. You would expect them to hope to improve poor people’s access to medicine, affordable housing, and affordable healthcare. Perhaps they are concerned about God’s good Earth and ensuring the safety of food and water quality? You could imagine pastors advocating prison... Read more
Their religion no longer sustains them. The society of their youth has vanished. Their simple theology is nearly worthless in a complex and changing world. They are afraid. In their fear they lash out at “others.” Liberals, immigrants, judges who share their views much of the time, women, government, gays, fellow Christians, other religions, the educated, media. Others. Everyone who isn’t them. Their fear is fanned by pandering politicians and poisonous preachers peddling panic and paranoia. They adopt an attitude... Read more
In September, 2001, I was living in a hotel, going through a divorce, drinking and smoking too much. A week after 9-11, when so many of us were grappling with such an example of pure evil in the world, I found myself outside in the woods for work as the sun rose. The sunlight played across a spider web with beads of dew on it — the web was both incredibly delicate and unbelievably strong to hold all the dew.... Read more
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