Dr. Jacqui Lewis is Senior Minister Middle Collegiate Church in the East Village of Manhattan. Middle Church is a dynamic 900-member multiracial, multicultural, inclusive congregation in which everyone is welcome just as they are as they come through the door. Lewis is also the Executive Director of The Middle Project, an institute that prepares ethical leaders for a more just society....
God and Guns
COMMENTARY | Convergence Network
Riverside Church in the City of New York, in partnership with Everytown for Gun Safety, hosts "God and Guns: Faith Leaders Address Gun Violence", an intensive training on gun violence for faith leaders. Interview segments include Rev. Rachel Johnson, Rev. Rob Schenck, Lucy McBath, and Abigail Disney (director of the documentary film "Armor Of Light"). Filmed & edited for Manhattan Neighborhood Network....
Pulpit Fiction Podcast
OTHER RESOURCES | Convergence Network
Pulpit Fiction Podcast: Lectionary Podcast for Preachers, Seekers and Bible Geeks
Robb and Eric met in class at Eden Theological Seminary, got to know each other while playing volleyball on Eden's church league team, and became friends after the games over pizza, wings, beer, and Police Trainer at Smugala's.
Robb and Sarah and Eric and Nina spent almost every weekend together while they were in seminary, and are still able to get together every once in awhile. This picture was taken over Thanksgiving weekend, 2013. They share a common passion for justice, mercy, and an abiding love for Jesus. They also a share a love for good scotch, the Bears (we won't talk about baseball), Anchorman, The Office, and Star Wars.
...
In an era when fewer and fewer people go to church, it is often the song, not the sermon, speech or blog that touches people’s lives in a deep and meaningful way. Houses of faith may embody ethics, morality and good deeds; but the church can learn more of these same things from the street, perhaps as much as the street can learn from the church. This brief essay explores this idea....
Commentary on John 4:5-42
COMMENTARY | Brian McLaren
John 4 represents the founding narrative for the presence of a considerable number of Samaritans in the Johannine community....
Finding True Freedom
SERMONS | This We Affirm
This is a transcript of a sermon preached by Robert Cornwall Fourth of July Weekend (2009). Based on a reading from Galatians 5:1-6, 13-14, the message is that true freedom is not found in nationalism or patriotism, but in Christ. Freedom then is a gift, but freedom involves responsibility. Finally, Freedom leads to community. That is, true freedom is found not in autonomy (libertarianism), but in commitment to the other....
Beautiful artwork by Father Franklin Fong and the Franciscan Friars of Santa Barbara illustrating Matthew 19:26 — "With God all things are possible."...
A beautiful hi-resolution illustration of Philippians 4: 12-14, painted by Father Franklin Fong of the Franciscan Friars of Santa Barbara....
A City Called Heaven by Paul Bellan-Boyer
COMMENTARY | This We Affirm
Mark 1:1-15 Psalm 57 Timothy 4: 6-11,18 Isaiah 52:7-10
City Called Heaven Blog Post
By Paul Bellan-Boyer
The Beginning of the Good News- a message from Mark! ...
Church Health by Butch Odom
Panoramic Views of Faith and Health
Blog on Faith and Health
website now: https://churchhealth.org/church-health-daily-devotionals/
Received original blog from http://www.textweek.com/ ...
Parker Palmer: FIVE HABITS OF THE HEART
COMMENTARY | Parker Palmer
Parker Palmer Five Habits of the Heart
http://www.couragerenewal.org/habitsoftheheart/
...
CELTIC CROSS
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
EASTER CROSS- ART for
...
Philosophy and Worship
http://www.calvin.edu/cicw/resources/Philosophy_Worship.pdf...
Dry BONES by Ken Sehested
http://www.prayerandpolitiks.org/litanies-prayers/2017/03/20/dry-bones.2523038...
WOMEN GATHER
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
A Daily Pause to Ponder
OTHER RESOURCES | Floyd Thompkins
This is a six week daily short devotional series that is intended for use to support a small group going through the second affirmation and/or it could be used as an individual resource for personal spiritual growth ...
This resource is a short analysis on the concept of name in Isa 40-66. It reveals how human beings universally are called by name, given an ultimate narrative and is deemed honorable by sheer existence. Further, it illuminates how human beings are intersubjectively connected and are responsible for each other in our differing proximate contexts....
Holy Week: Betrayal and Denial
OTHER RESOURCES | Occasional Poet
This poem was inspired by the dramatic betrayal by Judas and denial by Peter.
Betrayal
and Denial
Rev. Laurie Blonk Sponaugle
There
is no escaping…
The breath-stealing
bite
of the dual
edged sword.
Close
enough for eyes to lock,
And
wills to soundlessly utter longing
And
lament to stab through even the strongest of spirits.
Witness
soul deep betrayal
as
heartbeats sync with a kiss…
followed
doggedly with fear, varnished in denial.
Before
the verdict is cast in stone
Before the
sentence is carried out beam over beam
before
the cross is weighted down with love.
One,
Two final thrusts
of the razor
sharp blade
gutting
the soul.
As one
beloved, steals away from the sacred table,
another
scurries behind the mob;
both cloaked
in the
shado...
In this short article, Herman Waetjen explores the last moments of Jesus' life on the cross, reflecting on how the cross brings the new creation that is longed for throughout scripture....
In this article, Herman Waetjen explores the connections between resurrection and love of enemy, showing how resurrection, experienced here and now, liberates us from eye for an eye thinking....
In this article, Herman Waetjen looks at the baptism of Jesus, and how it urges us to see ourselves in the same light: “You are my beloved daughter, you are my beloved son, in you I am well pleased.” ...
A brief article about the unique conceptions of God that each person creates and how we must learn to live in theological humility. ...
Nomad: A Spirituality For Traveling Light (Book)
OTHER RESOURCES | BrandanRobertson
A copy of Brandan Robertson's book "Nomad: A Spirituality For Traveling Light" ...
Church Planting Workbook
OTHER RESOURCES | Cameron Trimble
If you are interested in starting a church, check out this workbook on Church Planting and then take the online course at http://www.progressiverenewal.org....
http://www.crosswalknapa.org/blog/2017/4/28/the-worst-resurrection-story
The Resurrection Story can be told in many ways. ...
http://www.crosswalknapa.org/blog/2017/4/23/breathed-to-breathe
You are loved by God, animated by the very breath of God to carry you through, so that you may breathe life into people and situations where death threatens in myriad forms.
...
Jesus and HomoSexuality
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Gen 2:20-25, Romans 1:18-27, 1 Timothy 1:10, Leviticus 18:22 20:13
http://www.crosswalknapa.org/blog/2017/3/11/jesus-and-homosexuality
Think about this statement: Loving, covenanted, same-gender sexual expression can be compatible with being a committed follower of Christ....
http://www.storydivine.com/?p=381
A PODCAST on BRIDGING THE DIVIDE...
The Woman Behind Textweek
WORSHIP | This We Affirm
https://www.faithandleadership.com/woman-behind-textweekcom
Faith of a women that made a difference when her son had Autism
Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans
...
Interdependence Day Independence Day
SERMONS | This We Affirm
Deuteronomy 10:17-21; Psalm 145; Hebrews 11:8-16; Matthew 5:43-48
http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/stw/2013/06/13/independence-day-2013/
Interdependence Day and Independence Day
Independence Day, let’s also think of it as “Interdependence Day”; a day when we celebrate not only being free from unjust rule but also a day when we commit ourselves anew to extending liberty and justice to everyone who seeks it, without partiality.
...
Sustaining Hope in the Face of Climate Change
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/sustaining-hope-face-climate-change
Climate Change Video with three different Protestant Churches...
Blessing When the World is Ending
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
http://paintedprayerbook.com/2016/07/18/blessing-when-the-world-is-ending/
Artwork By Painted Prayers Jan Richardson
Beautiful artwork and creative ideas for ministry...
Blessings For Getting The News ArtWork
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
http://paintedprayerbook.com/2016/07/27/blessing-for-getting-the-news/
Artwork and Poetry "Grace In The Dark"
When we get news from someone, death or other, this artwork touches a sweet place for the heart. Jan Richardson- poem as well. ...
WfYpFuL2.jpg)
https://faithelement.net/nice-france-teaching-guide/
A teaching guide and Resource on violence that had happened in France
Great Questions and How to discuss the Violence. ...
https://faithelement.net/9-03-called-for-a-purpose/
We feel acceptable or unacceptable in God's Eyes... A podcast on perspective regarding who God loves. ...
https://faithelement.net/9-06-salt-and-light/
Podcast
A Hymn After Gun Violence
WORSHIP | This We Affirm
Isaiah 4:2; 1 John 4:18; James 3:1-12; Micah 6:8; Matthew 25:35
A hymn written after the Orlando mass killings, plus other hymns for reflection on gun violence:
To see the complete resource, click here: http://www.carolynshymns.com/to_a_place_of_celebration.html
To a Place of Celebration
To a place of celebration filled with laughter, dancing, joy,
Came such violent devastation — one man's efforts to destroy.
God, we grieve for loved ones taken; we lament, "What can we do?"
Now, we're feeling lost and shaken; heal our nation! Make us new!Weapons kill — and so does silence; hear our prayer as we confess:
We have given in to violence, we have bowed to hopelessness.
God, we've lost our sense of vision of a world where there will be
Plowshares made from violent weapons, justice in society.Give our leade...
Thoughts from the Prairie Table blog
OTHER RESOURCES | Thoughts from the Prairie Table
1 Corinthians 4:1
Thoughts from the Prairie Table blog seeks to provide creative theological understandings of God, and how we live together. There's not much to this...just a simple way to share at the table of our Lord. "Consider us this way,...stewards of God's mysteries." 1 Corinthians 4.1...
On Being — The Equation of Change
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Brian McLaren and Krista Trippett in an On Being conversation on the evolution of Christianity and the meaning of progressive Evangelicalism.
“Let’s go back and look at our faith before it was reduced to a system, before it was reduced to a system of abstractions and beliefs. How can we rediscover our faith as a series of stories and as a series of encounters?” — Brian McLaren
...
Here's a poetic vision for a faith open to a God who is not contained by any particular religious tradition. It's a lyrical, playful, inventive dialog and teases the reader open to the many ways into the heart of the Divine.
Useful as a meditation in worship or a guided meditation in a small group with conversation to follow. ...
After searching for an opening Easter Acclamation that's progressive and cosmic in nature, and finding nothing that went where I'd like to take the congregation on Easter, I decided I'd just have to write one.
So, here's an acclamation/invocation that draws on themes found in the high Christology of Saint Paul (Colossians) and well as the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas; it's also drawn from the medieval mystics Meister Eckhart and Hildegard von Bingen, and the modern evolutionary theologians, Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Berry. I also hope it has some of the poetic flare of that great earth mystic, Saint John (Muir) of the Mountains. ...
Easter for a New Century: A Sermon for a Christianity Come-of-Age
SERMONS | Chris Neufeld-Erdman
Matthew 28.1-10
In this sermon (Easter 2017), I'm trying to honestly make some kind of sense of the Resurrection for real life, here and now. And I don't want to fall into banal cliches, hackneyed phrases, and worn out dogmas that assume we can just repeat "Christ is Risen" and feel in any real way that we've engaged honestly with the ancient religious truth proclaimed at Easter, the modern world as we've come to know it, and a spirituality that helps us flourish in these challenging times. The text that day was Matthew 28.1-10, but it addresses the broad witness of the Resurrection. ...
What An Activist Wishes Pastors Would Do
OTHER RESOURCES | Brian McLaren
A list of ways that pastors can support social justice activism in their communities....
Mental Health Is Physical Health
OTHER RESOURCES | Monica Coleman
Monica Coleman explains that the brain is a part of the body. Taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health....
God Needs Women
OTHER RESOURCES | Rachel Held Evans
Rachel Held Evans gives a short, compelling argument for the importance of women....
Creativity
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
Where does creativity come from? Is everyone creative? How do people become more creative?What role does creativity play in liturgy and sacred art? Michael Gungor, Science Mike, and Lissa Paino discuss creativity through the lenses of science, art, and faith....
The Bible and Homosexuality: Why I Left College and Spent Two Years Finding Out What the Scriptures Really Say
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Matthew Vines discusses his in depth study of the Bible after he accepts that he is gay. Accompanied by a video of him speaking at a church in Wichita....
Parker Palmer on Depression
OTHER RESOURCES | Parker Palmer
Quaker author and educator Parker Palmer talks with Anne Strainchamps about the two different things we mean by the word depression: a downturn in the economy and an illness of the psyche. Palmer's most recent book is "A Hidden Wholeness: The Journey Toward an Undivided Life."...
Rev. Otis Moss III offers rationale for marriage equality on the grounds of justice....
A Standing Meditation for Self-Care
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
A guide to standing meditation for self-love....
http://sacredise.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/giftlife.pdf
Pentecost: God's Gift of Life
Liturgical Scripts to use for Children - a wonderful creative script for a service with kids! ...
http://sacredise.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/NotLikeMe.pdf
Creative ways to Worship with a Monologue
Not Like Me: A one person dialogue ...
http://sacredise.com/articles/articles-title/you-are-what-you-eat/
John van de Laar writes about mindful eating, communion and Ezekiel 3....
http://mcconline.org/series/brian-mclaren/
A Podcast on Interfaith dialogue...
https://joshuaadamscott.com/2017/05/25/why-are-you-gazing-at-the-sky/
Ascension: Gazing at the Sky and finding Jesus...
Advocacy
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
From theliturgists.com:
"How can we engage in effective advocacy that creates change? And how can we do so without losing hope? We talked to two experts in the world of social justice and advocacy to find out.
Christena Cleveland is a social psychologist, public theologian, author and professor. She is the first Associate Professor of the Practice of Reconciliation at Duke University’s Divinity School and the author of Disunity in Christ: Uncovering the Hidden Forces that Keep Us Apart. You can learn more about her at http://www.christenacleveland.com
Micky is a perpetual learner, “justice doula”, consultant, facilitator, mama/sister/friend, nonviolence practitioner and contemplative activist living just south of Nashville, TN. After 10 plus years as a mother-baby specialist, trainer and author, she decided to shift back to earlier interests: theology and community development....
Ableism
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
From theliturgists.com:
"This episode is all about ableism–the conscious and unconcious ways that people tend to discrimnate against disabled people.
Ginny Owens joined us to talk about her experiences as a blind muscian living and working in Nashville. You can learn more about Ginny and her music at ginnyowens.com.Heather Avis told us about her children with Down syndrome, and how people respond to them. Her book, The Lucky Few: Finding God's Best in the Most Unlikely Places, comes out March 21, 2017.
Michele in NYC shared her perspective as a queer, intersectional, disabled activist. She invites you to learn more about ableism (and...
Repenting of 'Colorblindness'
OTHER RESOURCES | Rachel Held Evans
Rachel Held Evans reflects on white privilege and the negative effects of colorblindness in today's culture....
Women
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
From theliturgists.com:
"In this episode, we explore the sexism in the context of culture and the church.
Featuring Austin Channing Brown, Caroline Lee, Christine Chester, Emily Capshaw, Lisa Gungor, and Rev. Sarah Heath."...
The Absurd Legalism of Gender Roles, Exhibit D: 'Biblical' Manipulation
OTHER RESOURCES | Rachel Held Evans
Ephesians 5, Colossians 3 1 Peter 3
Rachel Held Evans reflects on traditional gender roles. She discusses John Piper's new understanding of gender rolls, and offers her insight against female subordination....
From sojourngrace.com:
"In this compelling message, Kate opens up her heart, mind, and life, to show all of us how the Good News can only be good when all women are lifted up, honored, and seen as full bearers of the image of God. Plus, an incredible moment of declaring "Eshet Chayil, Woman of Valor" over the women of Sojourn."...
Racism Runs Deep, Digging Out Takes Time
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Colby Martin reflects on the history of racism and its place in modern American context....
The myth of a post-racial society runs strong. In the fourth installment of our series on Liberation Theology, Colby unpacks what the poets, artists, activists, and theologians of Black Liberation Theology have taught us about the cross. Definitely restoring the “good” in Good News....
Remembering the Poor
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Rev. Barber discusses poverty and cultural treatment of the poor....
Does 1 Corinthians 6:9 condemn gay relationships?
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
1 Corinthians 6:9
Justin Lee discusses the use of the word "arsenokoitai" in 1 Corinthians 6:9 and whether the verse actually condemns committed gay relationships....
This sermon addresses the text in Luke when the Sadducees engage Jesus in a philosophical argument about the existence of an afterlife, using the case study of the childless widow of seven brothers. It addresses what it means for our understanding of heaven in light of what Jesus has to say. This sermon asks the question, "What does it mean to pray 'On Earth as it is in Heaven'? ...
Comparalized: How You Feel About Others
COMMENTARY | This We Affirm
John 21: 18-22, I Peter 4: 12-16,
http://www.crosswalknapa.org/blog/2017/5/14/comparalyzed
Pete Shaw of Crosswalk Church in Napa looks at how easy, and unhelpful, it is to compare ourselves to others....
From abetterstorypodcast.com:
"A short encounter in the desert can revolutionize how we see God, church and others."
Sam Altis discusses the baptism of the Ethiopian eunuch, by Philip, and how it guides us to include those that many have cast out because of their racial or gender identity markers....
LGBTQ
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
From theliturgists.com:
"Donald Miller and J.J. Peterson; Matthew Vines; Melissa Greene, Stan Mitchell, and Tabitha from GracePointe; Preston Sprinkle; and Ed Gungor join Science Mike and Michael Gungor to share their stories and perspectives on LGBTQ persons and the Church."...
Liberate Part IX: Calling
SERMONS | This We Affirm
From sojourngrace.com:
"Wrapping up our series about how Liberation Theology makes the Good News "good," Kate invites us all to consider the ways in which we are Called to be a part of Liberation. Both collectively AND individually. Also featuring spoken word by Catherine Hanna Schrock, and a Faith Formation Story by Wendy Kim. "...
From sojourngrace.com:
"Joined by author and national activist, Brandan Robertson, this week we dive in to how LGBTQ Liberation Theology adds more goodness to the Good News."...
Finding Prayer Again
SERMONS | This We Affirm
From sojourngrace.com:
"For many of us, it is tempting to leave behind ideas, words, and concepts associated with our past religious traditions and experiences. In this powerful message, Kate dares us to consider building a new life of prayer out of the reclaimed parts of our old lives. If you've struggled to find prayer again, you're not alone. And, you should listen to this. "...
Discover Your God-Given Calling
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
From womenleaders.com:
Find your passion and put it into action. A framework for understanding your passions and how they connect to your calling.
...
But it's not about race...right?
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Rachel Held Evans discusses her reflections on race relations in the wake of Michael Brown's death....
Ask a Womanist Biblical Scholar...
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
From rachelheldevans.com:
"The Reverend Wil Gafney, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Hebrew Bible at Brite Divinity School in Fort Worth, Texas and is an Episcopal priest canonically resident in the Diocese of Pennsylvania and licensed in the Diocese of Fort Worth. A scholar of prophets, prophecy and prophetic texts in ancient Israel and surrounding cultures specializing in women prophets, she also specializes in womanist and feminist ways of reading scripture. A particular love is the Hebrew language - reading, teaching, studying - and classical rabbinic (Jewish) biblical scholarship. Dr. Gafney is the author of Daughters of Miriam: Women Prophets in Ancient Israel, and the Peoples’ Bible, which she co-edited, available through Fortress Press."...
4 Steps to Finding Your Calling
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
From relevant.com:
"The Church is full of people who are anxious to hear from God—but hearing God and following through on what He says are two different things. We often pray for God to speak and lead us into the life He has designed for us before we are willing to take those steps forward when He gives the word.
Many of us truly believe God has good plans and purposes for our lives. But how do we discern His purpose? How do we know if where we’re headed is out of selfish ambition, or Kingdom calling? And when we do see the vision He has for our lives, how do we get started?
Stepping into God’s calling for your life is quite a journey, and it all starts with discovering God right where you are."...
Black and White: Racism in America
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Michael Gungor and Science Mike talk with Propaganda and William Matthews about race, racism, white supremacy in America....
Bruce Epperly: God, Freedom, and the Fourth of July
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/God-Freedom-and-the-Fourth-of-July-Bruce-Epper...
Fourth of July and its blessings for the country! ...
An Open Letter From Millenial
COMMENTARY | This We Affirm
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ponderanew/2015/05/13/dear-church-an-open-letter-from-one-of-those-mill...
Thoughts about the Church and Millenials...
Faith and Aging
COMMENTARY | This We Affirm
http://www.patheos.com/Topics/Faith-and-Aging/Turning-the-Wheel-Aline-OBrien
Faith and Aging in the modern world...
Prayer to End Violence
WORSHIP | This We Affirm
http://rev-o-lution.org/2015/10/01/prayer-to-end-violence/
Prayer in a time of turmoil to End Violence...
http://rev-o-lution.org/retreats-and-consulting/
Women’s Retreats, but is also known for Church Vision retreats as well as past Youth retreats....
Pregnancy and Loss
SERMONS | This We Affirm
http://rev-o-lution.org/resources/pregnancy-and-infant-loss-remembrance-day-october-15th/
Pregnancy and Loss
Prayers and suggestions for those that have lost babies.......
Standing Against Islamophobia
SERMONS | This We Affirm
http://bjconline.org/standing-against-islamophobia/
Standing for justice and against violence against Muslims...
Justice Training
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
http://www.ucc.org/justice_justice-training
UCC Justice Training and Ways to Support Justice in Your Community...
Voices in Wartime
COMMENTARY | This We Affirm
http://voicesinwartime.org
Video about Poems for Peace and War...
12 passages that discuss how Christians should treat immigrants, refugees and those in need of help, compiled by Jesse Carey, editor at RELEVANT...
Singing the Refuge: Worship and the Interreligious Family
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Margaret Ellsworth discusses her interreligious family (Christian and Buddhist) and the complexity of navigating both faiths....
From Diversity to Pluralism
COMMENTARY | This We Affirm
"All of America’s diversity, old and new, does not add up to pluralism."
This article, presented by The Pluralism Project at Harvard University, explores the concept of pluralism and why it is important in the United States today....
The False Gospel of Gender Binaries
OTHER RESOURCES | Rachel Held Evans
Rachel Held Evans discusses the evolving understanding of gender and sexuality and what it means for the Gospel....
The Slaveowners and Me: On Nurturing Empathy for Opressors
OTHER RESOURCES | Rachel Held Evans
Rachel Held Evans discusses the church's (specifically the Southern Baptist Church) complicity in oppression throughout history and today....
Practicing Pluralism and Protecting Religious Freedom
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
This Patheos article discusses Rev. Dana Trent and Alicia Chandler's work on pluralism in their lives, and also the affects of pluralism in mission work....
Adapted from Richard Rohr, Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer
A daily meditation on the connection between humility and honesty. ...
Prayer as Surrender
OTHER RESOURCES | Richard Rohr
Adapted from Richard Rohr, Eager to Love: The Alternative Way of Francis of Assisi
A daily meditation on letting go....
The Eternal Way
OTHER RESOURCES | Richard Rohr
The Center for Action and Contemplation discusses Christianity and Hinduism....
Sodom, Gomorrah, and those Transgender People
OTHER RESOURCES | Candice Czubernat
Exodus 23:9 Genesis 19
Candice Czubernat discusses gender identity and how Sodom and Gomorrah isn't actually about sexual or gender identity, but about radical hospitality....
http://www.actforpeace.org.au/www_AFP/media/act-for-peace/get-involved/campaigns/ipd-2014/Praying-fo...
Prayers to Use for Peace and Acting for Peace...
http://sacredise.com/blog/living-on-a-prayer-weeps-luke-1941-44/
Living on Prayer and How Peace makes a difference...
A Sermon on No Time to Rest and Also No Jetpacks
SERMONS | Nadia Bolz-Weber
Matthew 11:28 Matthew 11:29 Matthew 11:30
Nadia Bolz-Weber preaches on the importance of rest....
Compassion: Karen Armstrong and The Middle Way Podcast
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
https://www.charterforcompassion.org/charter/karen-armstrong-2008-ted-prize
Compassion Podcast on Interfaith Dialogue: Karen Armstrong...
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/hippieheretic/2017/05/beautiful-gospel-wheat-not-tulip-daisy-roses.html
The Explanation of Acronyms: Theological Flowers and New Ideas
...
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/ecopreacher/2017/04/welcoming-children-gods-creation/
Ideas on how to engage children in God's Creation: 4 ideas...
Public Faith in Action: Miroslav Volf
OTHER RESOURCES | Miroslav Volf
https://www.pulpitfiction.com/notes/tns4-2
Podcasts: Pulpit Fiction sat down with Miroslav Volf over Skype to talk about Public Faith, Politics, Kingdom of God and his book, Public Faith in Action....
Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
http://www.pathways2promise.org/mental-health-a-guide-for-faith-leaders/
A Guide to Faith Leaders for Mental Health issues that may arise. ...
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/liturgy-ritual-intergenerational-ministry
Family Ministry and Liturgy for Intergenerational Ministry...
The Authority of Apology
SERMONS | Nadia Bolz-Weber
Nadia Bolz-Weber gives the Honors Convocation Address at Iliff School of Theology....
Sermon on Eternal Life and Living Like Liberace with Your Mom and Her Friends Forever
SERMONS | Nadia Bolz-Weber
John 6:47 John 6:48
Nadia Bolz-Weber preached on eternity and how it's just as much about your life before death, as it is about your life after death....
Harm & Healing; the church & the LGBTQ community
OTHER RESOURCES | Candice Czubernat
From candiceczubernat.com:
"We cannot ignore the impact the church has had on those in the LGBTQ community; the harm done has been grievous. In this newest episode of The CanCast I talk about my personal experience of unsuccessfully trying to find a church to attend with my wife and our kids on Easter. But we don’t end there, I then talk with Colby Martin who’s working to make church safe for everyone. He co-pastors a progressive faith community in San Diego (Sojourn Grace Collective) with his wife. They practice a relentless love for the spiritual seeker; and his newest book (UnClobber: Rethinking Our Misuse of the Bible on Homosexuality) invites the LGBTQ community to their rightful place at the Table of God. You can follow him online at www.colby...
4 Things to Ask a Therapist
OTHER RESOURCES | Candice Czubernat
Candice Czubernat discusses preparing to begin therapy, including finding the right therapist and how what questions to ask early on....
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Your Calling is You
SERMONS | This We Affirm
From trinitywallstreet.org:
"We’ve all known them — teachers, lawyers, athletes, community organizers, artists,
who knew what they wanted to do from a very young age, and did just that. What about
those of us who struggle to hear a vocation’s call? In this excerpt from Ray of Darkness: Sermons and Reflections, the Most Rev. Rowan Williams , the archbishop of Canterbury, suggests we retreat from the fray to recharge with a new perspective. Part 1 of 2."...
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4 Black Church Resources That Can Help People Living With Depression
OTHER RESOURCES | Monica Coleman
Monica Coleman discusses how Spirituals, Charismatic Worship, Getting Happy, and Liberation Emphasis can help those with Depression....
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10 Ways You Can Pray for Mental Illness
OTHER RESOURCES | Monica Coleman
Monica Coleman lists 10 tangible ways to support those with mental illness....
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From monicacoleman.com:
"On November 18, 2012, I spoke at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, CA in the Rector’s Forum on “Wrestling with God and Depression.” I referenced the story in the gospel of Mark where Jesus meets the man named Legion and casts out the and casts demons out of him. I talk about what I think that has to do with depression, mental health and living whole lives."...
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Transgender Christians
OTHER RESOURCES | Rachel Held Evans
Rachel Held Evans spotlights 5 transgender Christian leaders....
Every great play has a prologue, a scene that foreshadows what the audience can expect. So, too, with the Bible. "The Earth is God's Temple: a Study of Genesis 1-2" is less about exegesis and word study and other traditional Bible study tools, and more about looking at the big-picture narrative of Scripture foreshadowed in its first two chapters. The study draws heavily from the work of Dr. John Walton, author of The Lost World of Genesis One, who describes the creation stories as ancient temple-building narratives. "The Earth is God's Temple" explores not only the temple/priest theme, but also touches on how we humans can find life by eating of the tree of life, and not from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
A concise guide on reconciling Christian faith and LGBT+ sexuality and gender identity from leading queer activist and theologian Brandan Robertson....
Trump And A Post- Truth World by Ken Wilber
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
The election of Donald Trump is an evolutionary self-correction that has been decades in the making — a backlash against the failure of the leading edge of consciousness (postmodernism and pluralism) to acknowledge the lie underlying the progress they’ve pursued: it’s not equal, it’s not consistent, and it doesn’t make room for everyone. But a new integral force is emerging that can move beyond the narcissism and nihilism of political correctness to offer genuine leadership and move towards a developmental-based wisdom of greater wholeness....
A Return to Heart of Christ Consciousness | Video Curriculum
SMALL GROUPS | This We Affirm
Luke 17:21
If you are concerned about how you are to practice as a Christian given the ethical, moral and financial scandals that some Christian churches are currently experiencing, it can be perplexing. If this dilemma is what has brought you here today, you are not alone. Many of us faced with the prospect of abandoning Christianity all together are looking to a more positive path that is currently emerging. If Christianity or the church seems to be failing you at the moment, try Jesus instead. This video series offers insights into integral Christianity and the religion of tomorrow. ...
A curriculum to help people grow in their communities to care for the earth both personally and socially. These resources are for small group formation.
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Pale Blue Dot
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
From theluturgists.com:
"In this episode Science Mike and Michael Gungor talk about the psychological shift that comes with seeing the Earth from space with Guy Reid and Jacob Marshall. We also spoke with climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe about the science behind climate change, and what we can do to protect life on this planet."...
Spirituality of Letting Go: Week 1 Summary
OTHER RESOURCES | Richard Rohr
The Center for Action and Contemplation offers a meditation on forgiveness....
The Enduring Relevance, Astonishing Power, and Unexpected Brilliance of the Bible
OTHER RESOURCES | Rob Bell
Rob Bell discusses what the Bible is for us in today's world....
Contemplative Prayer and Christian Meditation
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
An in depth look at prayer and meditation, including many ways to practice both....
Religious Art
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
from theliturgists.com:
"What is religious art? Can all art be religious? Science Mike and Michael Gungor talk with a host of creators about the nature of art and how we relate to God."...
ustin Channing Brown discusses the the relationship of fear and punishment....
On Forgiveness and Abuse
OTHER RESOURCES | Rachel Held Evans
Rachel Held Evans discusses what forgiveness and grace mean for those that have suffered abuse....
Homosexuality and Christianity: Justin's View
OTHER RESOURCES | Justin Lee
Justin Lee, from the Gay Christian Network, gives an essay on why he believes committed same-gendered relationships are not sinful....
The Church is Responsible for This
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Candice Czubernat discusses the repercussions of the lack of affirming church institutions on the LGBTQ community....
Finding God in Silence: Centering Prayer in 5 Easy Steps
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Tom Rapsas gives some background on centering or contemplative prayer. He also gives five simple steps to getting started....
Arinna Weismann: Privilege and the Practice of Buddhism
OTHER RESOURCES | Sam Altis
Sam Altis interviews Arinna Weisman. She discusses her family history and what practicing Buddhism means for her....
A Christmas Story of Sorts
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
Lang tells his story. A story of family, acceptance, and forgiveness....
Philosophy and Radical Theology
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
From theliturgists.com:
"Science Mike and Michael Gungor chat with Peter Rollins about the tension between science and philosophy and what that means for our beliefs about God."...
Solidarity
OTHER RESOURCES | Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr discusses what solidarity meant for St. Francis, an early example of working with those in poverty....
Forgiving Victim
OTHER RESOURCES | Richard Rohr
Richard Rohr discusses how Jesus is the ultimate forgiving victim. While he is a victim, he forgives and makes sure that no one else becomes a victim in response to his death....
The Practice of Creativity
SERMONS | This We Affirm
From sojourngrace.org:
"Join Catherine and Peter as they creatively and playfully explore the Spiritual Practice of Creativity. Inspiring us to become co-creators in this messy and beautiful life we live."...
The Practice of Forgiveness
SERMONS | This We Affirm
From sojourngrace.com:
"Anne Lamott says that not forgiving is like drinking rat poison and waiting for the rat to die. It’s hurting someone, just not the rat. In a week like this, what does forgiveness have to offer us? Isn’t forgiveness just another way of letting the aggressor off the hook, and holding the victim responsible for their own pain? Join Jessica Mitchell as she asks the question, Could your soul be asking you to process something so you can let it go?"...
Practicing Prayer
SERMONS | This We Affirm
From sojourngrace.com:
"As long as humans have existed we have sought to connect with our Creator. All faith traditions engage in some sort of practice of prayer, and so this sermon seeks to breathe a fresh word in to this potentially stale Christian Practice. (Featuring a special time of meditative prayer with Mathew B Mitchell)"...
A Sermon in Forgiving
SERMONS | This We Affirm
Brian Rossbert at House For All Sinners and Saints preaches on forgiveness, using the example of the Amish response to a schoolhouse shooting....
"Baptism and Inclusion" is a reflection on the story of Jesus' baptism and upon the sacrament of baptism. The sermon envisions the possibility that baptism can be understood as a commitment by the church to care for people of every religious tradition. ...
"Is Jesus the Only Way" explores the possibility that Christians historically have misused Jesus words John 14:7 ("I am the way the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father buy my me") to answer a question not being asked in the text. The sermon suggests John 14:7 need not stand in the way of the practice of an inclusive faith that honors and respects other religious traditions. ...
The Bible is full of surprises. Among the unexpected bits of scripture is a story from Acts in which Paul quotes prayers to Zeus as while introducing Jesus to the the people of Athens. "The Paganism of St. Paul" reflects on what Paul's use of paganism might mean for Christians today....
From abetterstorypodcast.com:
"We love to construct borders, stand on one side of them, and generalize about the people on the other side. Jesus? Not so much. One short story can realign the way we see borders."...
Calvin's Refugees: Remembering Christ as Fugitive
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
The influx of refugees today is both threat and opportunity, but for Christians in North America in particular, the greater threat is that we forget the context from which we came....
Get Off the Fence: Why "We Welcome Everyone" Isn't Enough
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
In the wake of the 2016 Orlando Pulse shooting, Erin Wathen discusses the importance of quiet affirming churches to fully embrace an open and affirming position....
Rob Bell and the Bible
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
Rob Bell talks with The Liturgists hosts, Michael Gungor and Science Mike, about his book "What is the Bible." They discusses the Bible's relevancy today and what it means to them personally....
The Healing Power of Meditation
OTHER RESOURCES | Richard Rohr
The Center for Action and Contemplation gives a daily meditation on the importance of healing through prayer and meditation with less of a focus on transactional encounters....
God Made Adam, Eve, and Steve
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Leviticus 20:13 1 Corinthians 6:9 1 Timothy 1:10 Romans 1:27
Matthew Distefano, from Unfundamentalist Christians, discusses the importance of reading the Bible in context, to really understand what it says, and doesn't say, about homosexual relationships....
The Ideology of Jesus
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Rich A. Rosendahl calls for us to follow the Christ's example, to love, and not follow the ideologies of those around us....
Christians Must Take Climate Change Seriously
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Shane Pruitt, for Relevant Magazine, discusses how our care for the environment is a pro-life issue and mandates our attention as Christians....
8 Conversation Deflections and Responses
OTHER RESOURCES |
From austinchanning.com:
"Leading conversations about race is not for the faint of heart. After years of facilitating discussions with intimate groups and large classrooms, I have learned a great deal. In this printable you will find common verbiage used by folks who are feeling uncomfortable, and ways you can respond to keep the conversation on track."...
5 Opportunities to Deepen Cross-Racial Friendships
OTHER RESOURCES |
From austinchanning.com:
"Friendship is beautiful. Cross-racial friendships can be complicated. If you are just beginning to intentionally seek out friendships that expand your understanding of the world, here are a few tips."...
Same Sex Love and the Bible
OTHER RESOURCES | Sam Altis
Genesis 19 1 Corinthians 6:9 1 Corinthians 6:10 Romans 1:26 Romans 1:27 1 Timothy 1:10
Sam Altis looks at Scripture and explains that it doesn't call for the exclusion of same sex relationships.
From abetterstorypodcast.com:
"When we look at the stories in scripture, and the way they move, we realize our LGBTQ friends have always belonged. Have questions or comments? Send them to abetterstorypodcast@gmail.com or via Twitter or Facebook. ...
Dr. Ghazala Anwar: Understanding Islam
OTHER RESOURCES | Sam Altis
From abetterstorypodcast.com:
"In a time where misinformation about Islam is running wild, Dr. Ghazala Anwar (Graduate Theological Union) talks about the heart of Muslim faith and what it's like to be Muslim in America today. As always, if you're digging the intro and outro music, give Light Theory's music a listen."...
Finding God's Will
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Father Pablo explains that for us to understand and find the will of God, we have to understand and align our own will....
Studying Islam as a Christian Historian
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Amy Poppinga discusses what it is like to be one the first people to study Islam from a historical perspective and not from missions perspective. She also discusses how studying Islam has affected her own Christian faith....
Refugee Distress: Do We Think We're Immune to Suffering
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Victor Carmona discusses the experience of Hispanic refugees in detainment centers. He explains the Christ-like presence within refugee centers....
The Multiverse
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
From theliturgists.com:
"What is the multiverse? And what can it tell us about God? Michael Gungor and Science Mike talk about the science, faith, and art of multiverse theories."...
Faith and Music with David Bazan
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
From theliturgists.com:
"Michael Gungor sits down with David Bazan to talk about faith and music."...
Worship
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
From theliturgists.com:
"David Gungor (of The Brilliance) joins Science Mike and Michael Gungor to talk about the faith, art, and science of worship."
Find part two here:
http://www.theliturgists.com/podcast/2015/4/20/episode-18-worship-part-2
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Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s advice for Graduates who are Trying to Discern the Will of God
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Tim Suttle from Paperback Theology explains how Bonheoffer tried to understand the will of God. That discerning God's will is an ongoing process that requires a deep and ongoing relationship....
Meditation: The Liturgists
OTHER RESOURCES | The Liturgists
What is meditation and how does it effect our faith? What does it do to our brains? Michael Gungor and Science Mike discuss their experiences with meditation through the lenses of science, art, and faith.
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Rebecca Todd Peters on the To Do Justice blog discusses the importance of white people understanding their racial privilege and what our responsibility is because of it....
Why Don't You Believe Us?
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Grace Sandra shares some thoughts about fear and intersectionality and the validity of both....
A Dissipating Rage Against the Machine
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Andy Gill talks about Anger and what allows him to move past it....
Q & A: Enabling or ???
OTHER RESOURCES | Brian McLaren
Brian McLaren discusses compassion and justice....
An Interview with Composer Mark Miller
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
The Convergence Music Project interviews Mark Miller. They discuss creating new songs and the inclusion of current events in warship music....
A Beloved Former Pastor Retracted His Support of Same-Sex Marriage. It Will Harm LGBTQ People More Than He May Know.
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Matthew Vines discusses the pain that LGBT people may feel in light of a prominent pastor retracting his affirmation of LGBT people....
A Brief Biblical Case for LGBT Inclusion
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
The Reformation Project gives a ten point guide for the inclusion of LGBT people in the Kingdom of God....
Nicole Garcia Keynote Address at The Reformation Project
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Nicole Garcia discusses her worthiness of baptism, as a transgender woman of color....
Ending the Teaching of Contempt against the Church's Sexual Minorities
SERMONS | This We Affirm
Jeremiah 1
Dr. David Gushee preaches about loving and including LGBT people in the Kingdom of God....
Dr. James Brownson, professor of New Testament and author of "Bible, Gender, Sexuality," delivers a guest lecture on Romans 1:24-27. From The Reformation Project's inaugural leadership training conference at Asbury United Methodist Church in Prairie Village, Kansas on September 20, 2013.
Part two found here: https://youtu.be/9kONByDAXko...
Hate Crimes Vs. America
OTHER RESOURCES | Otis Moss III
Rev. Otis Moss III discusses the importance of speaking up against hate crimes....
Do It Yourself
SERMONS | This We Affirm
Rev. Beth Birkholz preaches on The Lord's Prayer....
Joshua Smith preaches on missing prophets because of our cynicism....
Nadia Bolz Weber preaches on grace and being Lutheran....
You're Hurting Me with Your Bible
OTHER RESOURCES | David Gushee
Dr. David Gushee explains his new understanding on the inclusion of LGBT people in the Kingdom of God....
From sojourngrace.com:
"Genesis 16 and 21 record two stories of how the Ishmaelites came to be. But what’s interesting in these stories is how the characters relate to one another. In this message, Pastor Colby draws on insights from Quantum Physics, the Cross, and Wonder Woman to show how we can better learn to love ourselves and love one another."...
From sojourngrace.com:
"If you could reverse engineer some of your most healthy relationships, one of the things you might find is the existence of a non-anxious presence. In this sermon, Colby suggests that Love Looks Like Relaxing. Which is to say, having an open handed and open hearted posture toward the people in your life is one way to help your relationships thrive."...
You Are Loved
SERMONS | This We Affirm
From sojourngrace.com:
"When questions arise about your sense of belonging, or when you're flooded with feelings of emptiness, in this sermon Jessica Mitchell invites us to always come back to this truth: You are Loved, and you have all the Love you need."...
A Conversation with Rachel Held Evans
OTHER RESOURCES | Rachel Held Evans
In this video, Rachel Held Evans, author of "Evolving in Monkey Town", discusses her own journey of harmonizing her faith with evolution....
Shane Claiborne speaks about discipleship at the ELCA Youth Gathering....
Leymah Gbowee speaks at the ELCA Youth Gathering about hope in all the pain in the world....
Increasingly, people are recognizing that the survival of the human race depends upon adherents of the major world religions coexisting peacefully with one another. Yet many Christians wonder how peace is possible apart from conversion to Christianity, particularly in light of Jesus’ statement, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Is it possible to take these words seriously without denying the existence of other paths God may create for humanity? The very future of Christianity and civilization may depend upon our answer. In this series, we will discover how this question is being answered and lived in surprising and hopeful ways.
Episode one of this series is available free to This We Affirm subscribers....
Listen: Episode 1—Finding Your Cave
COMMENTARY | Darkwood Brew
The first episode of Darkwood Brew's Listen series looks at many ways that the voice of God speaks to us, and explores things we can do to strengthen that connection. From meditation and music to study and social action, Listen looks for the voice of the spirit… and finds it active in surprising places....
Are we blessing the Earth or destroying it? Modern science and ancient Celtic Christianity both suggest a better way of being – exercising an ethic of stewardship, not dominion. Watch the first episode of “On Earth As it Is In Heaven,” a provocative seven-week Darkwood Brew series, produced in conjunction with the United Church of Christ’s Mission 4/1 Earth....
Creativity Episode 1: Drawn In
COMMENTARY | Darkwood Brew
Brian McLaren calls Troy Bronsink’s book, Drawn In: A Creative Process for Artists, Activists and Jesus Followers, a “fresh vision of God that draws us into a new way of being.” The first episode of the Creativity series features in-depth conversations between Troy Bronsink and Rev. Eric Elnes, Ph.D.. We explore how God’s rhythms are manifest in creative life that is as sincere, vibrant, and artful as it is faithful to the scriptures, and we present concrete ways to find connection with the Holy. ...
Episode one of a series that looks at the most extreme outcasts in the Gospels in order to explore the question: If Jesus treated “X,Y, and Z persons” this way, then how can we treat “A, B, and C persons” with less respect than Jesus did these others?
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Justice Episode 1: For the Love of God
COMMENTARY | Darkwood Brew
What does the Bible say about God’s love? Who does God love? What is God’s love? How can we love each other because “God first loved us?” This is the first episode in a series that explores the story of God’s love in the Bible, how it relates to how we love each other, especially talking about homosexuality. Darkwood Brew probes this important topic, and this provocative six-session series focuses on God’s love, the Bible, and homosexuality....
Pop quiz: What does an 8th Century Jewish shepherd have to say about the modern economy, the 1%, and politics as usual? Join Darkwood Brew’s Rev. Eric Elnes, Ph.D. for the first episode of an in-depth conversation with Frank Schaeffer as they explore the precarious art of prophecy in Amos’ day, and in our own....
Humility Episode 1: The Great Convergence
COMMENTARY | Darkwood Brew
In the past few decades, a new historical trend has been quietly playing out. Refugees from Christian liberalism and conservatism have been finding each other in a powerful Great Convergence. This convergence isn’t a watered-down attempt to find “middle ground” for the sake of getting along. Instead, it is a dynamic and sometimes chaotic journey through a new wilderness, where those alienated or estranged from their native traditions on the Left and the Right are drawn to find ancient Biblical faith that works in the modern world. The first episode of this eight-part series, lead by Rev. Eric Elnes, Ph.D., finds deep meaning and hope in what this unlikely group of fellow travelers is learning along the way....
Put away your flannel-graphs because this study of Genesis is anything but one-dimensional. This in the first episode in a series that will challenge what you think you know about seemingly familiar stories and includes guests Kevin Miller, Nadia Bolz-Weber, Reinhilde Ruprecht, Terence Fretheim, Chip Bouzard, and Beth Johnson. Spoiler alert: There’s way more grace there than you think....
In partnership with the Adler Planetarium in Chicago as well as with the Clergy Letter Project, this is the first episode in a series that explores how recent scientific theories about the creation and evolution of the universe can help us re-imagine the universe and our place within it....
“Vocatio” refers to a calling into our life’s work. This is the first episode of an eight-part series that features people from a variety of professions reflecting on their sense of “call,” how they responded to it, and what it means both for them and those they interact with and influence. Explore the ways that finding your “sweet spot” – the work in your life that brings you most fully alive – is a deep spiritual practice with ancient Christian roots, and possibly even an accelerant for the work of the Spirit in our world today. Because this series explores vocatio through the lens of each of the seven “Dark Wood gifts” identified in Dr. Elnes’ book, Gifts of the Dark Wood: Seven Blessings for Soulful Skeptics (and Other Wanderers), it is a great follow-up to our” Gifts of the Dark Wood” series, or accompaniment to those reading the book. This series stands great on its own, too....
Darkwood Brew Subscriber Discount
OTHER RESOURCES | Darkwood Brew
Download this resource to access special Darkwood Brew content exclusively for This We Affirm subscribers....
Why Christians Shouldn't Point Fingers
OTHER RESOURCES | Justin Lee
Justin Lee discusses the importance of loving as Christ loves. In the wake of the Pulse shooting, not sympathizing with LGBTQ people and blaming Muslim people at the same time....
God does not change, but our understanding does
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Church leaders discuss the evolution of human understanding of Scripture, particularly around the topic of LGBTQ people and slavery....
Too Many Churches, Not Enough Christians
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Buzz Dixon discusses the need for Christians to return to the Church (capital C) and leave church behind....
Problematizing Biblical Inerrancy
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Matthew Distefano discusses the problematic nature of assuming biblical inerrancy; including Scripture being put ahead of Jesus, problems with sociology and subjectivity, and the multiple versions of the Bible....
A Bird's Eye Look at Rene Girard's Mimetic Theory
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Matthew Distefano discusses the Bible and how it shows cultural growth in not scapegoating, but giving the perspective of the victim....
Darrell Lackey discusses how some traditional/evangelical Christians can harm those they disagree with by making them feel invisible....
Middle Ground Racism
OTHER RESOURCES | Sheri Faye Rosendahl
Sheri Faye Rosendahl discusses racism in American Christianity and the danger of staying quiet for fear of speaking out....
The Truth about what I Think about Individual Conservative Christians
OTHER RESOURCES | Sheri Faye Rosendahl
Sheri Faye Rosendahl discusses how she engages with American Conservative Christians, despite their polarizing differences in theology....
I Don't Want to be an American Christian, I Just Want to Follow Jesus
OTHER RESOURCES | Sheri Faye Rosendahl
Sheri Faye Rosendahl discusses her difficulty identifying with Christianity, while also wanting to follow the ways of Jesus....
Gospels
OTHER RESOURCES | Nadia Bolz-Weber
Nadia Bolz-Weber discusses what the Gospel actually is and our need for it today....
No, We Should Not Stop Speaking Out against the Ideology of Our Brothers and Sisters in Christ
OTHER RESOURCES | Sheri Faye Rosendahl
Sheri Faye Rosendahl discusses the need for Christians to stand up to injustice and oppression....
Why Christians Must Love Muslims
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Jack Wellman discusses how hate is unacceptable for Christians, even towards Muslims....
Kimberley Knight discusses the definition of sin as what "separates us from God."...
Nadia Bolz Weber discusses our wounds, and healing through the Living Water of Christ....
No Offense: Hating Black History Month
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Maria Dixon Hall discusses the American church and their inability to fully engage in the conversation around race....
Pastor Colby Martin discusses the story of Jacob and who it might have been he wrestled with in the night....
Dear Resistance
OTHER RESOURCES | Sheri Faye Rosendahl
Sheri Faye Rosendahl discusses the importance of speaking for and living out Red Letter Love....
Dismantling Toxic Masculinity in Our Boys
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Cindy Brandt discusses the importance of raising boys to not accept damaging power dynamics....
Can You Be Gay and Christian
OTHER RESOURCES | This We Affirm
Matthew Vines, author of God and The Gay Christian, and Dr. Michael Brown, leading evangelical apologist, debate the topic of being gay and a Christian....
Building the Beloved Community
SERMONS | Otis Moss III
Rev. Otis Moss III preaches on race and Christianity and the revolution of creating a community that loves those on the margins....
The Power of Vulnerability
OTHER RESOURCES | Brene Brown
Brené Brown studies human connection -- our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share....
