October (Web-only) 2016

The Challenge of Defending the Faith in the Inner City
Traditional apologetics has struggled to address the theological issues of my urban community.

In Albania, the Church Is Overturning Down Syndrome's Stigma
How the country's Christians are bringing long-needed support to disabled children.

How a Farm-to-Table Restaurant Evolved into a Homegrown Church
Bi-vocational ministers are common—but what's it like to have a bi-vocational congregation?

Ministry in a Multi-faith Society Means Confrontation
Learning from Paul at the Areopagus, the epicenter of evangelism

Beth Moore: I Found God in ‘Deep Valleys and Difficulties’
The best-selling author and speaker talks about her past and her first-ever work of fiction.

November, Bring It On
NaNoWriMo, Gilmore Girls, and American thankfulness.

'A Man for All Seasons' is a Movie for Our Time
The stirring portrait of Sir Thomas More shows the costly importance of faithfulness.

The Unique FOMO of Motherhood
Living in the tension between my dreams and my family’s needs.

The Illegal Cookout That Sparked the Swiss Reformation
Who would have thought that an unassuming plate of sausages could ignite a revolution?

‘The Good Place’ Imagines an Eternity of Ethics Lessons
The NBC comedy serves up an unusual take on the afterlife with a side of fro-yo, hold the religion.

Ten Reasons Why Theology Matters
Most Christians agree theology is important, but can't articulate why. These reasons can help.

The Best Ways to Help the Poor
A new book, building on three classics, fills out the picture.

Tampons Are a Justice Issue
While reporting in sub-Saharan Africa, I discovered the 'period problem' and why solutions are tough to come by.

Welcome (Back) to the Welcome Wagon
With a new album on the way, this pastor-and-wife hymn-singing duo continues to sing of the simple joys—and struggles—of church ministry.

Let's Kiss Dating Hello
A sociologist reveals her research about 'ring by spring' culture on a Christian college campus.

Before You Vote, Watch ‘Vertigo’
What Hitchcock's thriller can teach us about sexism, nostalgia, and the gospel's call to justice.

I Saw Myself in ‘This Is Us’
The popular new dramedy puts viewers in the messy middle.

A Well-Designed Journal Can Change Your Life
Mica May hopes her products make us more joyful, more inspired, and more grateful.

Most College Students Are Leaving the Church. Here's How This Congregation Is Bucking the Trend
What helped a tiny campus church plant become the fastest-growing flock in Tallahassee?

How the Ten Commandments Stop Us from Cheating
Dishonesty is nearly universal—unless you use this one weird trick.

Are Religious Kids Meaner or Nicer?
A Christian sociologist responds to two contradictory studies and what they tell us about science.

The Bogus Scandal That Nearly Ruined the Father of Trinitarian Orthodoxy
At least no one brings severed hands to church anymore—right?

Misogyny Has Its Moment
Things we’re reading and discussing this week.

Losing Your Religion While 'Black-ish'
Declining faith can feel like a threat to cultural identity for African Americans.

N. T. Wright: The Church Continues the Revolution Jesus Started
In his new book, Wright explains that Jesus' death does more than just get us into heaven.

‘13th’ Introduces America to the Dark History of Our Criminal Justice System
The new Netflix documentary makes the case that to save the future, we need to stop defending the past.

How I Stopped Seeing Privilege in Black and White
What God taught this second-generation, child of immigrants about the nuance of status.

Anti-Semitic Sculpture Outside Luther's Church Creates Controversy
Protestant group seeking removal of Judensau carving before Reformation 500 encounters firm opposition.

Call Out Locker Room Talk for the Sin That It Is
We can’t excuse inconsistent principles in our politicians or in each other.

Speak Truth to Trump
Evangelicals, of all people, should not be silent about Donald Trump's blatant immorality.

She Reads Truth: Why Women Will Lead the 21st-Century Bible Resurgence
A hashtag started a movement to get millions of women into the Word.

InterVarsity Asks Staff to Choose a Stance on Sexuality
Campus ministry's push for theological consistency prompts painful backlash.

‘The Birth of a Nation’ Releases to Mixed Reviews and Moral Dilemmas
Things we’re reading and discussing this week.

May You Not Be Weird and 30 Other Prayers for My Future Husband
All the single Christians said, “Amen.”

Amena Brown Q+A: Poetry in an Age of Lament
How the spoken-word poet uses art to speak truth about race, faith, and womanhood.

We’re Not Getting Any Younger
Our culture loves youth and fears age. Here’s what faith has to say.

A Privilege to Vote: A Hispanic Perspective
As Hispanic believers we want to be good citizens of this country, whether it is our country of birth or adoption.
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Interview
Caring for Global Child HealthThe first thousand days of a child’s life may be the most important in terms of impacting their health for their entire life.
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Interview
Latinas and Educational OpportunityYou've got to raise the standard, even for your community. You change yourself, you change your family, and you change your community.
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Interview
Preparing Students for TestingHow parents and teachers can help students prepare for academic tests.
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