Three Questions on Immigration Reform
This past Tuesday afternoon, President Obama addressed the nation about the pressing need for immigration reform. As he noted, the approaches to this reform will be quite varied in ideology and implementation, but most of us will agree that something needs to change. I am glad the conversation is happening and eager to see what [...]
Gay Friends and Waffle Fries: Thoughts on Having Both
Last week, Charlie Rogers, a lesbian woman in Nebraska was attacked in her home by three men. They stripped her, tied her up with zip ties, carved words such as “dyke” and other gay-slurs into her skin, and set her house on fire. Incredibly, this woman bravely stated just a day later, “I’m not going back [...]
The Times We Shouldn’t Defend Our Traditions
Martha Nussbaum writes, “Suppose Jeremiah had said, ‘the heart of Israel is corrupt utterly, but on the other hand there are some very nice people there.’” Sometimes, stating the nuance and the capacity for good in a tradition that has hurt people is deeply inappropriate. Sometimes, devotion to the underlying goodness of a tradition and to its prerogative to practice as it sees fit comes at great cost to the lives of real people. A recent article on anti-gay bullying sheds light on one of those times.
Is LGBTQ Ordination a Change or a Challenge for the Presbyterian Church (USA)?
Last week, the Presbyterian Church (USA) came out as a denomination that affirmed the ordination of LGBTQ clergy. For me, and many who share my convictions, this was a joyous moment within the life of our church. Normally, I avoid gatherings of large people on weeknights with the same irrational vigor I use to get [...]
Harding University and The State of the Gay
Nestled in the heart of Arkansas west of the mighty Mississippi, but east of the Ozarks lies a quaint Southern town with a big college atmosphere. It’s quiet and hot (the humid type!) during the summers, but is lively and thriving with youth during the fall and spring when classes are in session at Harding [...]
Contributing Scholars
Adam HollowellAdam Hollowell received a Ph.D. in theological ethics from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland in 2009, where his research focused on Christian political theology, philosophical perspectives on church and state, and theories of justified war. Through his current position at Duke University Chapel, he teaches undergraduate courses on religion, politics, and ethics in the department of religion and Sanford School of Public Policy.
Kit EvansArgrow "Kit" Evans is a Master of Divinity graduate from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. She is a woman who is passionate about God, serving others, and nonviolence. Born in the small town of Mebane, North Carolina, education and working for peace became a positive outlet for her at an extremely young age.
Ms. Evans passion for nonviolence and peace stems from her serving with the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere and Pace e Bene Nonviolence Service. She now uses her education, teachings on nonviolence, travels, personal experiences, dance, and spirituality as a trainer, advocate, and speaker. Kit currently resides in Orlando, Florida.
Sarah BassinHaving been ordained as a rabbi from Hebrew Union College in 2011, Sarah Bassin now serves as the executive director of NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change based out of Los Angeles.