Edward Simmons

American historians will acknowledge that our constitution supported the rule of elites since its origin two hundred and fifty years ago, but American government was not openly headed for authoritarianism before 2025.

From the beginning, references to equality carried limitations that were assumed rather than expressly acknowledged. The clear formulation of human equality in the Declaration of Independence was assumed at the time to include inferiority of women and African natives and their children, whether slave or free.

Prophets like Isaiah are generally recognized as improving the religion of Israel by defining righteousness as ethical living more than observing temple rituals. Righteousness in the eyes of God became more than purity standards, for it required doing justice, speaking truthfully, and avoiding dishonesty and abuse in human relations.

The value of prophets, whether medical or spiritual, depends on human decisions that follow the diagnosis. The success of Trumpian assaults on the rule of law depends on public actions as well as responsible stands by courts, governors, and legislators.

Anyone who is threatened by evil will struggle with the admonition to appease bullies, even when they are violent and seek to take away everything. Was Jesus really telling us to give in to bullying and violence? Is that the essence of pacifism?

We must acknowledge the bold persistence of Donald Trump that won over nearly 50% of American voters in 2024, despite concerns about his lack of humanity or character and his disrespect for the constitution and the rule of law. The big questions for those of us on the losing side are about how to move forward.

Christmas of 2024 is a time of prayers for peace and justice in the world at a time when international conflicts are highly volatile and American leaders are more concerned about their own wealth and power. There is always room for hope that some of the Scrooges will have Marley insights that lead to conversion—that even evangelical Christians will rediscover Jesus’s message that the best way to show dedication to God is by loving neighbors as ourselves.

November began with the election of a leader blind with hatred and revenge who lacks concern for long-term consequences—and who expects his cabinet, Congress, and base of voters to blindly follow his demands. Therefore, Thanksgiving is a time for grief at what has already been lost and for even greater losses on the horizon; but grief must not over shadow the gratitude we should feel for the blessings from the vision and compassion of President Joe Biden.

One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”

Another way of applying Jesus’ words to the 2024 election is to demand that equivalent standards must be used to judge all candidates.

In honor of Independence Day 2024, we should celebrate the dedication of the deep bench of public employees who serve everyone competently and without partisanship, representing in person the values of human equality and compassion. Without specific religious motivation, these public servants exemplify key principles of the Beloved Community.

The wars in Ukraine and Gaza, along with the suffering of international immigrants, are reflecting a deadly clash of values within Christianity in the United States.

Global warming is the latest proof that we have crossed a boundary into a truly apocalyptic age, for we now live in a period when anthropogenic change is overpowering nature and life itself.

If Jesus had been asked to summarize the Prophets, as Hillel had done for the Torah, his reply would probably have been something like this: “Wake up, open your eyes and ears, repent, and start treating others with compassion and justice!”

Today there are Bethlehems all over the world as families are forced to leave home environments, travel to places unprepared for them, and find a way to survive on their own.

As the Biden administration is grappling with a rising tide of violent threats to democracy and fair elections, Great Britain has demonstrated once again the lesson that George Washington learned and made an essential part of the American heritage.

  Does Christianity need a New Reformation? A great many Protestant groups, including Progressive Christians, are likely to respond with a loud YES.

As passengers and voting crew members on the American ship of state, we must recognize that we are sailing among icebergs more dangerous than those encountered by the Titanic. We must wake up, recognize the extent of the danger, get our values straight, and do our part when it comes time to vote.

Our Current Situation. We live in a time in which the possibilities for evil are multiplying as fast and possibly faster than the good being accomplished by our innovations.

The attack on  the Capitol on January 6, 2021, was a low point in the ongoing struggle against dark forces in the American character. It was also another moment when leaders of Christian churches betrayed the message of Jesus while claiming to uphold Christian principles.

Jesus was best known for healing and exorcising. The crowds that came for medical help got more than they may have expected as they heard him speak about justice for everyone and love for neighbors and enemies. Spreading health and preaching compassion were at the heart of being the Prince of Peace.

In a series of ruminations, Edward G. Simmons brings a lifetime’s experiences, along with biblical and historical insights, to the ethical problems faced by Christians living under the impact of President Trump.

In the face of enormous danger and spreading death that seems pointless, there is a tendency to ask: “Where is God? How could God let this happen?” This is the same spirit that fills up space on cable news channels with critics complaining about all the things that are going wrong.

After a yearlong Covid imprisonment, Americans are celebrating liberation over Memorial Day in 2021. Masks are coming off, signs tell us businesses are hiring, and confidence is growing that the emergency is over. We celebrate because we think liberation is upon us—but the party has started before the victory is secure.