The blessing of being single

Most of the time I’m content being single, but sometimes it’s really hard. I celebrated my 35th birthday two weeks ago, and I find myself being more consciously aware of not being in a romantic relationship around this time. It’s awkward because you don’t want to try to casually drop in conversation that your birthday […]

Letter to politically conservative Christians

To politically conservative Christians in America, Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to you in the spirit of St. Paul for two reasons. First, just as Paul appealed to the Philippian church not to put confidence in the flesh by listing his own qualifications for […]

The only reason I remained a Christian

Around the age of 27, I’d finally had it with Christianity. I’d unintentionally sabotaged myself four years previously when I became disillusioned with ministry and the church as I knew it, trying to take my happiness in my own hands because I felt burnt out and underappreciated by God. I’d become bitter with God and […]

The silent depression

Sometimes when you think you’re an expert on a subject, you experience a humbling moment when you realize there’s far more to learn. I’ve fought with severe anxiety and panic attacks since I was a seven-year-old boy. I thought it was safe to assume that if there was one topic I could be considered a master on […]

To my African American brothers and sisters: I’m so sorry

I was incredibly touched by a sermon on forgiveness two weeks ago at my church. It was particularly moving to me because it touched on themes of collective forgiveness that I’d been thinking about for quite a while. The visiting priest who spoke has a special gift in generational healing, which is seeking healing and reconciliation […]

That the Church would be one: why we desperately need each other

The trouble is we’re all wrong while we’re also all right. Jesus is quoted as saying in John 17:20-23 (NIV), regarding those who would be His disciples based on the message the apostles delivered: I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as […]

For those who call themselves Christian

For those who call themselves Christian, your God demands you love everyone radically. It isn’t a suggestion, and it isn’t compartmental: it is a command, and it is all-encompassing. It is how you are to order your life: your personal life, your work life, your political life. “But I tell you who hear me: Love […]