Authoritarians must be opposed in full force by liberals and conservatives alike. Christian Leaders Must Denounce Trumpism Now I am an ordained pastor of a Michigan church called Blue Ocean Church Ann Arbor and co-author of a book called Solus Jesus: A Theology of Resistance. In my capacity as a pastor I have never endorsed a…

Anti-Semitism permeates the Right, aided by American Christianity. I’m a pastor of a progressive Christian congregation in Ann Arbor, MI, called Blue Ocean Church. I have spoken and written repeatedly over the last few years about why Trump is dangerous here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here —…

When religion seeks power and tries to use Empire to further its gains, it becomes counter-Jesus. I pastor a church in Ann Arbor, MI, called Blue Ocean Church. I am also the co-author of a theology book caled Solus Jesus: A Theology of Resistance, along with Ken Wilson. I and…

Now is the moment to revisit this article, first published Oct. 2018. — Note from author: I first started this blog series in Oct. 2018 and have written a total of 13 of the planned 16. It is very much still in process as we watch the ramifications of a failed authoritarian coup play out in our nation. From Oct. 2018: People who lived through (or…

To name a few: Al Mohler, Franklin Graham, Bill Johnson, Kris Vallotton, Sean Feucht, Paula White, and others told their followers God chose Trump to lead our nation. Matthew 7:15–20 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their…

Two years ago I wrote an article titled, “Here’s Why Nations Turn on Themselves: Lessons From Scapegoat Theory.” Scapegoat theory, developed by anthropologist and literary critic Dr. René Girard — who finished his career at Stanford University — purports to explain the origins of how and why groups self-destruct. His…

Many church leaders face mounting pressure to hold services. This pastor says it’s a bad idea. Here’s why. 1. Too Many Churches Are Anti-Science & Will Not Follow Guidelines Too many church leaders and members distrust science. Franklin Graham, a mouthpiece of the Christian Right, posted a Facebook message on June 20 to his 8.8 million followers questioning the trustworthiness of…

Evangelicalism and MAGA culture are in a symbiotic relationship In a new book edited by Ron Sider — author of Rich Christians In an Age of Hunger, which has sold more than 400,000 copies — a handful of evangelical leaders sound the alarm about the spiritual harm being done by…

How to choose? Let me help. Last I checked there were 26 flavors of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the ice cream costs more than the average pint, but it consistently delivers solid flavors and textures. Three years ago I decided to try them all and rank…