“One prayer gets the cameras. The other gets the handcuffs. One is praised. The other is prosecuted. And both say they follow Jesus.” This week in America, we saw two very public acts of prayer. One took place at the White House. The other in the Capitol Rotunda. Both claimed to be Christian. But only one looked like Jesus. Scene One: The White House Prayer Circle At the White House, a group of high-profile evangelical leaders—including Pastor Robert Jeffress—stood in... Read more
The Death of Empathy There was a time when we could disagree and still hold space for each other’s humanity. A time when conversations could be passionate, yet civil. A time when, even in the midst of our differences, we could recognize the heart in another person. But today, we are witnessing the erosion of something sacred—our ability to see, to feel, and to stand in the shoes of another. And when empathy disappears, the most vulnerable among us pay... Read more
There was a time when truth mattered. When a fact was a fact, when reality wasn’t up for debate. But somewhere along the way, truth lost its footing. Now, truth seems to bend and shift depending on who’s speaking, and facts are dismissed if they don’t serve an agenda. We are living in a time when deception isn’t just tolerated—it’s expected. People lie, rewrite history, manipulate, and gaslight, all while claiming to hold the moral high ground. And it’s exhausting,... Read more
Today, we are outraged. As parents of LGBTQ+ children and leaders of a supportive community of tens of thousands, we have witnessed firsthand the pain caused by the church’s anti-gay false teachings, beliefs and actions, and the escalating legislative attacks on our transgender loved ones. It is time to stand up, speak out, and unconditionally love and support our LGBTQ+ loved ones. Let us not lose hope for a future where love triumphs over hate. For centuries, the church has... Read more
“There used to be no conversation. Now people are talking about LGBT issues all the time, and the university can’t pretend that there aren’t gay people who attend the school… Although many of these colleges explicitly ban “homosexual behavior,” they are now home to dozens of LGBT-friendly student groups.” – Philip Francis and Mark Longhurst in The Atlantic I have talked to them, students at Wheaton, Biola, Liberty, Patrick Henry and other campuses where homosexuality is strictly forbidden, where administrators... Read more
As we are just a month away from a truly critical, historic election, I’m struck by a deep, swirling feeling. Is it incredible excitement or is it overwhelming fear. Why are these two emotions so intertwined as we gaze ahead? On one hand, we hold this wonderful hope — that maybe we’ll see the arc of justice bend a bit more. Maybe this election will be the one where love wins over hate, inclusion over division, and we finally begin... Read more
You know, I used to think elections were a time for us to come together as a society, to discuss what matters most, and to seek the common good. But lately, it feels like every election is a battleground. It brings out the very worst in us, doesn’t it? Instead of connection, we’re divided. Instead of listening, we’re shouting. Social media, a tool with such potential to bridge our differences, has become a megaphone for our ugliest instincts. Let’s be... Read more
In the heart of America, Christian nationalism is eroding the very essence of our values. Masquerading as faith, it poses a significant danger by distorting the beliefs and teachings of Jesus. As the co-founder of FreedHearts, I’ve been a witness to the insidious effects of Christian nationalism. It is a movement that intertwines religious identity with political power, elevating the interests of a chosen few above the welfare of all, including the welfare of the LGBTQ+ community, especially youth, especially... Read more
The Bible is a collection of stories, poems, letters, and teachings that have evolved over centuries. The idea that it is a literal, inerrant text is not only historically inaccurate but also overlooks the rich, diverse, and beautiful history of these writings. The inerrancy of the Bible is a myth that does a disservice to the depth of the texts and of God. A History of Edits and Changes The Bible wasn’t handed down from heaven in a complete form.... Read more
Life is full of challenges that test our resilience, from personal losses and financial hardships to global crises and political turmoil. These moments can leave us feeling defeated, but hope is an essential, life-sustaining force that can carry us through. Let’s talk about how we can nurture hope when everything seems bleak. The Power of Hope Hope is more than wishful thinking; it’s a crucial psychological tool. It boosts our mental health, strengthens our immune system, and helps us recover... Read more
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