In one of the most astonishing political transformations in the history of democracy, Hitler set about destroying a constitutional republic through constitutional means.

Christianity, at its core, is about love of neighbor. But really, what does that mean? In our increasingly divisive country, that can feel challenging, if not downright impossible.

Nowadays, the most obvious current flashpoints are the Israeli/Palestinian and Russia/Ukrainian conflicts. Turf wars by either dreams of empire, or religiously inspired claims of a so-called “promised land,” are nothing new. Just peruse the history books or biblical scriptures.

This year it is most important to learn from the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The crisis the country is facing is summed up well in the title of his last book, “Where do we go from here:  chaos or community?” I suggest that communities of faith and goodwill plan two types of events for that day, one educational and the other worshipful.

For years, the celebration of Black History Month, especially among white conservatives, has always brought up their ire around "identity politics" and "special rights. 

This Valentine’s Day my focus is on black love.  African American life in the U.S. is primarily depicted as a struggle devoid of romantic love rather than a radical act of living, liberation, and loving families. Under the tyranny of colonization, slavery, Jim Crow, and simple everyday life, how do we have time for love? 

I seriously doubt that the great majority of Americans want to treat immigrants and refugees with the callous disregard currently aimed at them by the Trump administration. 

A spiritual warrior takes care of his or her body and soul in order to be strong.  And a spiritual warrior knows what he or she stands for, refines it, and finds allies for the resistance.

We must not forget the fighting spirit of Governors Newsom, Pritzker, Hochul and many others. All of this, I say, is a sign for hope. Although we may often feel alone and discouraged with what appears on the horizon, a new era may now be opening.

An important part of the work of ProgressiveChristianity.Org is to make sense of the teachings of Jesus for the modern world.  We present a vision of the Christian faith that is radically inclusive, with a focus on economic and social justice, as well as a commitment to resolve conflict with nonviolent means. That is our work—to present these values to the members of our churches and to anyone outside them willing to listen.

The story of Christmas has yet to end, and continues in the goodness and goodwill of our everyday lives. It may be that there are others such as he in different times and places, in distant galaxies or on the other side of earth, but for us, right here and right now, we are given a light, and a hope-certainty that loving-kindness is our truth and our destiny.

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.

I spent yesterday morning (November 6th) trying to understand the tragic loss of Kamala Harris’ bid for the Presidency. After a few hours and finding no one expressing my real concerns, I decided to write this article instead.

Acclaimed by leaders, teachers, and grassroots justice-seekers from multiple faith traditions, Justice-Love invites us to probe our own thoughts and emotions on the way to more loving and healing connections with others.

People keep telling me that I’m “just disappointed about the election.” I’m not just disappointed. I’m something else…something taught by Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King.

Borderlands is the story of the courageous people who risk everything for the safety and well-being of themselves and their families, and the people of El Paso who accompany them. While the media saturate the news with antagonism and images of violence, the volunteers at Annunciation House and other organizations provide hospitality and care for those who leave their homes behind at great personal cost. Rather than seeing the stranger as enemy, they meet their guests as relatable, complex human beings like themselves.

Women are center-stage in this election, but we seem to forget they’ve been center-stage throughout history, including the foundations of Christian history. It’s true the Bible is filled with patriarchy and in ancient times, women were often seen as not much more than possessions.

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?”

Too many political candidates and their collaborators, including fellow faith leaders, want American voters to believe they are devout Christians, but they adhere to a conflation of Christianity and American politics called Christian Nationalism. And Christian Nationalism is not Christian.

The anti-LGBT mindset in the U.S. is, unfortunately, rooted in Christianity. It’s also not the easiest topic to dig into. But it’s darn fascinating. And context is key.

We Christians are good at a lot of things. Potluck dinners. Taking care of church members. Dressing up on Sundays. Weddings. Funerals. Worship. Quoting scripture. And we’re persistently exceptional at misinterpreting that scripture, then running amuck in the world because of it.

Christians have an obligation to talk about the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v Wade. Not because this decision was not based on best practice and law. Not because it was not based on scientific or medical consensus. But because it was based on Christian misinterpretations of biblical text.

As a man, I recognize that eliminates me from being a fully authoritative voice on the question of abortion. However, when I look at restrictive abortion laws which now make it more difficult to get an abortion in the U.S. in the year 2024, than in the year 1650, I think as ministers, even male ministers, we have to address the matter publicly.

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

Best Selling Theologian Matthew Fox Challenges Trump & MAGA with his new book: "Trump & The MAGA Movement as Anti-Christ: A Handbook for the 2024 Election"

Donald Trump promised, “In four more years, you won’t have to vote anymore, my beautiful Christians.” His words are starkly anti-democratic and—from a candidate who incited a mob to attempt a deadly coup—deeply disturbing.

There is the rather staid term used to describe a form of worship in the Christian faith tradition, known as ‘liturgy.’ It comes from two Greek words, translated as the “work” of the “people.” For decades, I used to remind a flock of worshippers that an hour spent on a Sunday morning was only a rehearsal for what they were called to practice and live out the rest of the week. 

When I watched—repeatedly—the news report of the assassination attempt against Donald Trump, my heart time-travelled. To Robert Kennedy shot dead. To Martin King and Malcolm X, shot dead. To John Kennedy, shot dead. To Gabby Gifford, Ronald Reagan and George Wallace. To the people acting very surprised at this violent act, I say, “Why are you surprised? This is a shoot-em-up nation.

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.

This July Fourth, for the 248th time, America celebrates independence from British rule. But after President Joe Biden signed into law Juneteenth as a federal holiday, Americans are also forced to take a closer look at what this July Fourth represents.