May (Web-only) 2016

Confessions of a Media-Protective Parent
What I’ve learned from trying to keep my kids safe—but not too safe.

How to Address America’s Foster Care Crisis? It Takes a Village
The next wave of the evangelical adoption movement will rely on the church's support.

How Urban Christians Failed President Obama
The transgender bathroom directive is the latest sign that we shouldn't have given him a pass.

Meet the New Apocalypse (Same As the Old One)
"X-Men: Apocalypse" is probably more religious than even its director realizes.

There's Never Enough Time
What I’ve learned as a working mother about the limits of time management.

Just a Vessel: Actor Malachi Kirby on ‘Roots,’ Kunta Kinte, and God
The star of the History Channel's "Roots" talks about his faith, his strange route toward his iconic role, and what he learned from playing Kunta Kinte.

Building a Celluloid Bridge
How a church and a film festival are spanning the sacred-secular chasm.

Why Adult Coloring Works for Christians
I mocked the coloring book trend, until I discovered it for myself.

The 5 Stages of Realizing You're a Nursery Worker
Those Dixie cups won't fill themselves with Cheerios on their own, you know.

Does the Road to Character Run Through Silicon Valley?
The HBO show draws us in with deeper questions about power and morals.

How Is This Even True?
Is the O.J. Simpson trial really worth another 18 hours of TV? It sure is - now more than ever.

Curtains Up: It’s Our New Entertainment Newsletter!
Introducing your new must-read cheat sheet.


Charles Finney Was Not a Fan of Babies (or Dogs) in Church
The revival preacher had no patience for distractions. But was he right?

The Gift of Disillusionment
Why being disappointed by your church may actually be a good thing.

Blue-Collar Contentment
A parent's lesson from where providence meets the American dream.

InterVarsity Names a Historic New President
Tom Lin’s appointment is the second significant position in mission leadership gained by Asian Americans this spring.

The Ministry of the All-You-Can-Eat Buffet
Grace, like brownies, seems never-ending here.

Public Displays of Christian Affection
Why we shouldn’t be turned off by healthy touch.

Parenting and the Marriage Mess
How to keep your relationship strong through the struggles of child-rearing

Terence Davies Talks About Making Movies That Speak the Truth
An interview with the legendary British filmmaker, whose movies exude a deep sense of spiritual longing.

Christian Counseling in Limbo
Allegations against Mercy Multiplied reveal the range of faith-based approaches to mental health.

The Year in Liturgical Cinema: Pentecost
"Crash," "Birdman," and "Three Colors" hint at an invisible interconnected reality made possible by the presence of the Spirit.

Lawmaker: Adoption Doesn't Have to Be This Expensive
Congressman Diane Black's experience and faith motivates her to advocate for change.

What It's Like to Live On Less Than Two Dollars a Day
Sociologist Kathryn Edin talks about what she learned from spending time with families that live on less than the price of a gallon of milk.

I Want People to Like Me. Is That So Bad?
Caring what other people think isn’t the same as being kind.

How the American Bible Society Became Evangelical
A look back at a major turning point in the 200-year history of the storied organization.

Why the Local Church Is Trending Up
We needn't be afraid about the future of our congregations.

Seven Freedom of Speech Films That Are Better Than 'God’s Not Dead 2'
Public conversations about freedom are important, nuanced, difficult things that demand art.

Missionary Donn Ketcham Abused 18 Children. Here’s Why He Wasn’t Stopped.
(UPDATED) After Bangladesh MKs speak out, ABWE releases final report on past problems and future protections.

Innovative Church Practices, Inspired by Stock Photos: The Abandoned Guitar
Drop that guitbox, broheim.

Why Childhood Shame Is So Hard to Get Rid Of
Christine Caine: Hurt people hurt people, but helped people help people.

5 Surprising Spiritual Benefits of Owning Less Stuff
Minimalism was meant to help our finances. Here’s how it helped our faith.

The Enduring Appeal of a 'Churchy' Church
Beauty is worth my 20-minute commute.

The Kasich Conundrum
How one of America's most Christian candidates became the most offensive.

5 Committees Your Church Needs, Like, Right Now
Because nothing says "spiritual health" like a smorgasbord of service.

The Universal Call to ‘Mothering Like Christ’
Childbirth illustrates the life-giving sacrifice of body, mind, and soul that applies to us all.

Showing Hospitality to Strangers and Spring Breakers
Housekeeper Dave Collins finds purpose in treating hotel guests like friends.

Don’t Call Me the Best Mom Ever
Why it's time for Mother's Day to retreat from the extremes.

I Forgave My Teen Daughter’s Killer
The gospel taught me that forgiveness is not a pardon.

Can People of Color Really Make Themselves at Home?
There's a big difference between being a guest in a largely white organization and being able to "move the furniture."

When Your Marriage Doesn't Measure Up
Comparing your husband to others may be killing your relationship.