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Religious
Study & Interfaith Relations Useful FundamentalistsTo many in the West, Muslims are seen as violent fundamentalists, and are conflated with political extremism. Neil Elliott details that the term “the problem with Islam” is misplaced, especially when compared with Christian fundamentalism and U.S. foreign policy. [posted 2/4/05] Post-Tsunami Solidarity Offers Way to PeaceSri Lanka has suffered for years with devastating internal warfare. In the wake of the December tsunami, warring religious and political parties have come together. Sri Lankan bishop Duleep de Chickera says this offers the hope of a lasting peace. [posted 2/4/05] No More Invisible, Silent Christians!The phrase “Christ died for your sins” is central to Christian rhetoric. Wayne Schwab believes that it has been misinterpreted, however. He says this leads to people's inability to do the “mission field work” of joining Jesus and making life more loving and just. [posted 1/20/05] NovissimusThe pains of the world, as well as of the institutional church, feel overwhelming at the end of 2004. It may seem that we can't handle them, but William Blaine-Wallace feels assured that we can rely on a God with boundless energy. [posted 1/3/04] Ideology, Ecology and BonhoefferDietrich Bonhoeffer saw his government driven by a violent ideology that was aided by the Christian community. Willis Jenkins says this lesson can help us address current divisions between religious progressives and evangelicals, as well as environmental concerns. [posted 11/19/04] Life Lessons From “Ray”A blockbuster new movie about the life of Ray Charles offers more than just a fun night out at the cinema, according to Kirk Jones. He finds life lessons about facing our fears and becoming the person each of us is called to be. [posted 11/12/04] A Glimpse of What the Church Could BeA new book by Tracey Lind, Interrupted by God: Glimpses from the Edge , is an inspired mix of passion, humor, and photography. Reviewer Susan Russell finds it to be a literary “balm in Gilead,” helping to sooth the wounds caused by today's church and world. [posted 11/11/04]
Learning to Sit StillArrington Chambliss reflects on her growth as a social activist and now a priest. Values of integration, wholeness, and balance are often ignored in our driven world, she says, but without them our actions are rooted in fear, not God. [posted 8/11/04] The Center of the WorldA recent trip to Jerusalem reminded Brian Grieves about the interdependence of the three Abrahamic faiths. He says peace in Iraq, and around the world, will be difficult without these historic traditions putting an end to religious extremism. [posted 6/30/04] To Be Black, Muslim, and MilitaryShould Muslims fight in this war? Precious Rasheeda Muhammad, a young antiwar Muslim woman whose younger brother is a member of the U.S. Marines, confronts her own inner turmoil. [posted 6/30/04] Expanding Our Post-9/11 EmpathyIn 2002, an internet campaign titled “Blood of Heroes” sought support for the U.S. war against terrorism. A new religiously-based online initiative, Faithful America, apologizes for what the U.S. has done in Iraq. Chloe Breyer says they are connected. [posted 6/29/04] Liven Up Your PreachingA new book by Linda Clader, Voicing the Vision , encourages preachers to have fun and use creative methods in preparing and delivering sermons. Robert Cromey, who admits he uses a direct, straightforward way of preaching, considers her unusual tactics. [posted 6/18/04] A Baptismal Love LetterHow does one explain the mystery of the Trinity? Elizabeth Kaeton finds an interesting metaphor in horse racing's Triple Crown. At a baby's baptism, she explains how Smarty Jones, this year's famous mare, exemplifies the power of transformation. [posted 6/18/04] Rethinking World MissionFor many Christians, the phrase “world mission” symbolizes a guilt-ridden history of global dominance and forced conversions. Elizabeth Adams calls us to reconsider this phrase in the context of companionship and respect, and in our very own communities. [posted 5/14/04] It's Time for a New Take on MissionMany churches focus their attention on increasing membership, dealing with budgets, and property issues, rather than the daily lives of their members, argues Wayne Schwab. He believes that the power of churches today resides in those members' lives, and the love and justice they exhibit. [posted 5/13/04] Mission as Reconciling PracticeAt the recent meeting of the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops, a keynote presentation by Willis Jenkins, a young adult missionary and theologian, addressed the church's commitment to mission in the midst of deep divisions. The Witness is pleased to serve as the original source of publication for this powerful challenge to the church. [posted 5/7/04] The Environment's Role in Deconstructing and Reconstructing Theology and ReligionMatthew Fox, renowned leader of the creation spirituality movement, names and analyzes errors in modern theological thought. He finds the loss of the Creator and Spirit images of God to be heretical, and calls for a renewed understanding of the Cosmic Christ. [posted 4/22/04] Fear of the JewsIn the lectionary readings for this Sunday (April 18), many Christians prefer to focus on Jesus' words of “peace” and the story of Doubting Thomas. But Jane Carol Redmont says that we cannot lightly skip over the harsh phrase “for fear of the Jews,” as it represents not just our history, but modern rifts too. [posted 4/15/04] From Ashes to EasterWere we there when they crucified our Lord? The question that is asked every Holy Week seems especially apt in our economically and socially unjust world. Nancy Mayer feels covered with the “dust” of these political and spiritual problems, yet finds hope in the promise of the Resurrection. [posted 4/8/04] Passionate about the PassionGibson's film has become a “Rorschach test on every level,” says Elizabeth Kaeton. She finds the breadth of responses to it to be intriguing, and it reminds her of the deeply emotional first time she read the biblical Passion as a priest. [posted 4/8/04] The Passion: The Gospel as Political ParodyTheologian Ched Myers has a problem with the way some liberal activists have critiqued Mel Gibson's new blockbuster, but he is more concerned with the film itself. He analyzes accusations of anti-Semitism and, using the Gospel of Mark as a base, dissects the director's "authenticity" to the scriptures. [posted 4/7/04] Seeking RefugeCreeds are fighting words, muses Mark Harris, and he wonders what it would mean to state not what we believe, but “where we go when the going gets rough.” He offers three Christian vows for consideration. [posted 4/2/04] One in Death and LifeThis year's Holy Week also serves as the anniversary of the deaths of two of the most faithful Christian witnesses of the past century: Martin Luther King, Jr., and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bill Wylie-Kellermann gives thanks that this coincidence provides us deeper issues to discuss than The Passion during the days ahead. [posted 4/1/04] A Different Use for the Book of LeviticusThe word “Leviticus” has become a lightning rod for many Christians, a sign of deep divisions on sexuality issues. But Mark Andrus calls us to reexamine these scriptures because they offer some of the most radical theology on the stewardship of the Creation. [posted 3/18/04] Destroying Marriage?The new gay marriage movement has led politicians and religious leaders to angrily denounce the practice. Peter Kreitler considers the scriptural passages being cited, and finds more cause to propose a constitutional amendment banning tattoos than one ending same-sex unions. [posted 3/11/04] Two Perspectives on “The Passion”In its first weekend, Mel Gibson's new blockbuster on Christ's last hours has created an unprecedented media frenzy and drawn $150 million. Progressive theologian Carter Heyward and evangelical priest Patrick Augustine joined the hordes, and offer differing takes on the experience. [posted 3/4/04] Resisting EvilThe Lenten tradition of resisting temptation has traditionally focused on the practices of prayer, penitence, and self-denial. Chris Chivers says there is another aspect – apathy – and as an example he looks back ten years to the slaughter of innocent people in Rwanda. [posted 3/4/04] Beyond the Page: Epiphany West Dares Anglicans to Be "Dangerous""Voicing the Vision" was the theme of the Center for Anglican Learning and Life's annual Epiphany West conference. Jonathan Callard reports that this year's participants focused on how to "speak out with the authority of Jesus" through word and image, song and movement. [posted 2/13/04] Walking the Via Dolorosa with Mel GibsonA celebrated new film, The Passion of the Christ, is preparing to hit movie theaters. Mark Stanger attended a preview screening for Christian leaders. He finds it to be excessively violent, not to mention "dull, trashy, and historically and biblically unsound." [posted 2/11/04] The Church is a Wading PoolThe church is tied up in knots these days over questions of its identity. But the real question it must address, according to Chris Chivers, is whether the church is actually making a difference in the world. He finds a painting by Hans Feibusch to be a powerful metaphor for this challenge. [posted 1/14/04] Claiming God's Approach to PowerIn the lectionary readings for this coming Sunday (January 4), we find the spiritual-political dynamics of the Nativity narratives. Mark MacDonald indicates that we are offered two vastly different perspectives on wealth and power. [posted 1/2/04] It's Time to Take Christmas PersonallyFrom Iraq and Afghanistan to Guantanamo Bay and from the growing unemployed and hungry in the U.S. to the signs of hatred against gay men and lesbians, there is the absence of the compassionate Christ. This coming Sunday's lectionary readings call on us all to rediscover God's doctrine of a pre-emptive peace, according to David Selzer. [posted 12/22/03] An Advent ProverbChoreographer William Tuckett's new ballet, Proverb, is arguably the most moving and telling performance of that genre of the past year, according to Chris Chivers. The complex, question-filled story is ultimately about human relationships, and reflects the challenges offered by Luke's writings in Advent. [posted 12/22/03] Advent Questions For AnglicansThe Anglican Communion has been torn apart in recent months, but Nathalie Judson sees the Advent season as the opportunity to renew oneself as well as the church. Optimistically, she says we can discover the filling spirit of grace, and that this may lead to an "eternal singing glory of all creation." [posted 12/22/03] Mary's Song for JusticeThe Song of Mary, the subject of this week's gospel in Luke, is the passionate cry of a woman who has known oppression, who has been humbled by powers and forces who imagine that the world is theirs to take and enjoy. Richard Bower finds the words of this lowly peasant woman to be a call for justice and liberation. [posted 12/17/03] The Not-Quite-Ready-for-Prime-Time MessiahThe end of the world and coming of the Messiah was unmistakably on the mind of John the Baptist when he screamed "You brood of vipers!" at crowds of people seeking baptism. But even John, as close as he was to Jesus, didn't fully understand his presence at that time . . . can we do so today? [posted 12/11/03] Alienating Anglican ModeratesAnglican bishops Drexel Gomez and Maurice Sinclair have been two of the loudest critics of the U.S. church for its recent decisions concerning women's ordination and the inclusion of gays and lesbians. John Sorensen reviews their recent book To Mend the Net. [posted 12/4/03] The Myth of Crisis: A Perspective from BelizeLooking back at church history, R. Lindsey Walton argues that the break between Rome and England -- the birth of the Anglican church -- was essentially based on the issue of centralized authority vs. local autonomy. He sees this same tension in today's church. [posted 11/25/03] Fuel for the Homosexuality DebateWas one of the 12 apostles gay, asks Michael Hare Duke? The modern debates over sexuality demand that we look back at the Early Church too, and should cause us to read more closely the gospel stories and the people who wrote them. [posted 11/25/03] Lessons from a Heretic150 years ago this week, John William Colenso became an Anglican bishop in South Africa. Just a decade later he was excommunicated from the church. Chris Chivers says that Colenso's "heretical" teachings -- that the universal gospel is already implicit in the heart of every person -- can help us understand modern debates in the church. [posted 11/25/03] We Don't Understand What "Tradition and Reason" MeanAnglicans are taught at an early age that their church's practices are based on a "three-legged stool" of scripture, tradition, and reason. Carter Heyward says that the latter two aspects have always been ambiguous -- and when they are truly understood, the church will move past its current harsh Biblicism. [posted 11/16/03] "Create a Heterosexual Family" Was Not Jesus' MessageBiblical literalists like to point out the passages that oppose same-sex relationships, but Ray Gaston wonders why they don't also address those that support same-sex love. He notes that Christ himself was "no family man," and sought to create a radical community of love. [posted 11/16/03] Vocations Lost and FoundAs a child in a devout Christian family, Joseph Wakelee-Lynch thought he would find a career as a priest. Later in life, a priest is indeed emerging from his household -- but God has provided a few surprises along the way. [posted 11/12/03] To Ask Nothing in Return: Father Emile Shoufani's TheologyIn June 2003, a controversial delegation of Israeli Arabs and Jews traveled to Auschwitz and other tragic memorial sites of the Holocaust. The group was led by Emile Shoufani, a Melkite Catholic priest. Jonathan Reiber seeks to understand his remarkable, pain-filled philosophy. [posted 11/12/03] Gene Robinson: A Debate Based on Misplaced TheologyThe debate over Gene Robinson becoming a bishop is beside the point, contends Fletcher Lowe, for it focuses on his right to ordination rather than his right to baptism. The real focus, he says, should be this first of the two great sacraments. [posted 11/12/03] Family: Diversity or DivorceThe Anglican Communion is at a breaking point -- threats to cut off relationships are the order of the day. Joan Butler Ford, who has lived through divorce, compares the challenges facing the church to the dissolution of a marriage. [posted 10/28/03] Blind BartimaeusBlindness is the story of the gospel reading of Bartimaeus, and it is an appropriate metaphor for the Anglican Communion, suggests Chris Chivers. Like Jesus’ disciples, people in the church now are looking for prestige and power — not true insight and love. [posted 10/27/03] The Shalom of the CityThe Hebrew word "shalom" is often interpreted as "peace," but neither that nor other translations embrace its full meaning, according to Bill Wylie-Kellermann. In an imperial time, he finds "shalom" to be a subversive ideology - and the very basis for parish ministry. [posted 10/10/03] An Open Letter regarding the Meeting of the Primates called by the Archbishop of Canterbury"The power of the Holy Spirit cannot be assumed." Members of the Episcopal Church Publishing Company's board of directors send a message to the Anglican Communion in advance of the controversial mid-October 2003 Primates' meeting. [posted 10/9/03] Statement of the Episcopal Women's Caucus, Integrity and concerned observers of the American Anglican Council's Convention" The AAC has made it clear that it is bent on destroying the Episcopal Church unless is can remake it in its own image," report observers to the October 7-9 meeting of conservative Episcopalians in Dallas. [posted 10/9/03] A Dissent from PittsburghThe Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh recently voted in a special convention to disassociate from the Episcopal Church's 2003 General Convention's resolutions on human sexuality. Christopher Wilkins speaks on behalf of many progressives in that diocese unhappy with its actions. [posted 10/8/03] Taking Up the Cross: Putting on the T-shirtSouth Africa has been devastated by HIV/AIDS, and AIDS orphans have become a cause célèbre. Chris Chivers attended the 13 th international AIDS conference in Durban, and recalls watching a president avoid the challenge, a young boy face it head on, and his own inability to act. [posted 9/17/03] Treat Dogs as Dogs?In the year 2010, predicts Charles Hoffacker, the Anglican Communion will be arguing spitefully about the "biblical teaching on dogs." This "look into the future" offers some lessons on the church’s current angry divisions. [posted 9/8/03]
Recovering a Context for Debate in the ChurchThe withdrawal of Jeffrey John from his appointment as the Anglican suffragan bishop of Suffolk was international news. Chris Chivers at Westminster Abbey decries the lack of theological dialogue that led to this decision, and argues that the church must reclaim a "doctrine of the human person." [posted 8/29/03]
The
Apostle Paul on Sexuality Enslaved
to Sin The
Blueberry Man A
Myth: We Are Not at War with Islam Easter
and Transfiguration 1945 — and 2003 From
Ashes to Blessings Missionary
Insults The
Freeze of Lent Epiphany
Living Did
It Have to Happen? Is
This Evangelism? The
Anglican Communion’s Prophetic Role Peering
into the Faith of an Archbishop The
Dangerous Life of the "Other" Far
from Home — A Story of Cultural Exile Rescuing
the Holy Spirit from Theological Obscurity Outside
the City Walls: An Analysis of Immigration, Religious Urban Landscape,
and Community One
Year Later, What Have We Learned? Cardinal
Sends Kids Message of Hate Developing
American-Afghani Relationships Seven
Roman Catholic Women Are Ordained in Europe We,
Too, Are Patriots Voices
from the Past, Voices for the Future Divine
Centrifugality vs. Imperial Centripetality What
About the Workers? Fear
and Love and Foreign Policy Peace
with Justice in Kashmir: Overcoming the Burden of History Peace
through Genuine Friendship The
God of Dirty Feet An
Open Letter to the Islamic Faith My
Faith May Be Doomed to Failure Targeting
Islam, the New Bigotry Communicating
Disagreement High
Holy Days Amid the Ruins Let’s
focus on 24/7, not 20/20 A
Brave New World for Twenty-First Century Christians? Emerging
from the Rubble ‘Through
Prayer and Action’: The Seeds of a New Anglicanism? From
Cosmic Silence to Dancing Trinity: The Church of Sweden in a Time of Challenges Tongues
of Fire Whither
Anglo-Catholicism? Dominus
Jesus: For Now Respice Finem Dominus
Jesus Faith
in a Pluralism of Faiths: The Gift of Interfaith Solidarity Iraq:
A Christian Witness
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December
2001 issue of The Witness magazine