One morning in my eighth grade social studies class, the teacher said, “The world is one-third Christian, twenty percent Muslim, and thirteen percent Hindu.” We thought that was the goofiest thing we had ever heard. Where I grew up in Mississippi, there were four religions—Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, and heathen.
Formations 11.27.2022: Tamar, Seeker of Justice
November 20, 2022 by
While the past few decades have brought revolutions in the treatment and perception of women—especially in industrialized nations—there is still so far to go.
Connections 02.20.2022: Mercy and Justice
February 13, 2022 by
In this passage from Luke, Jesus urges us to display humility and mercy in our interactions with other people, seemingly turning justice upside down.
Formations 02.16.2020: What God Thinks of Injustice
February 9, 2020 by
Some of us have had our fill of biblical stories in which God uses divine power to punish humans.
Formations 11.17.2019: Crying Out for Justice
November 10, 2019 by
I’ll have to confess that the ongoing college admissions scandal hits a little close to home. My own daughter is about to finish her first semester of college, and now is as good a time as any to admit that I paid an awful lot of money to get her there: it’s called tuition!
Formations 03.20.2016: Justice, Mercy, and the Crucifixion
March 13, 2016 by
It wasn’t until I found myself reading a book about mercy and hoping for a person to be punished that I realized I’ve been way too comfortable with the story of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Formations 12.06.2015: The Cost of Poverty
November 29, 2015 by
About forty workshop participants recently learned valuable lessons about the realities of poverty by taking part in a simulation called The Cost of Poverty (or COPE). In the simulation, participants are matched together at random and given roles based on real-life poverty scenarios.
Uniform 06.07.2015: Fairness and Justice
May 31, 2015 by
Today marks the start of three units about God’s justice. Are you ready for the ride? As we begin, it might be helpful to define justice. What does it mean to you?
Uniform 03.08.2015: Being an Advocate
March 1, 2015 by
We talk about people being advocates for healthcare reform, advocates for diversity, advocates for the rights of immigrants, advocates for equal pay, and the list goes on.
Holiday Interrupted
December 4, 2014 by
I’ve been busy with the holidays since last week. When the grand jury’s decision in Ferguson was announced, I was picking up extended family from the airport. When a local action took place in my city the next day, I was gathered at my church for our annual Thanksgiving meal and service.
A Prayer for Ferguson
August 20, 2014 by
O God, We don’t have to tell you that the city of Ferguson, Missouri is coming apart at the seams. Please give the people there peace with justice and justice with peace.