Genesis has long been at the center of Jewish and Christian reflection on what it means to be the people of God. In the Christian tradition, much has been written about God’s declaration that he made man and woman in his image such that all people deserve to be treated with the dignity. The … Continue reading Mixed-Race Kids, the Church, and the Blessing of Manasseh and Ephraim
Black Christians and Frodo’s Wound
‘But,’ said Sam, and tears started in his eyes, ‘I thought you were going to enjoy the Shire, too, for years and years, after all you have done.’ ‘So I thought too, once. But I have been too deeply hurt, Sam. I tried to save the Shire, and it has been saved, but not for … Continue reading Black Christians and Frodo’s Wound
Graduation: Black PhDs and the Title that Endures
I ain’t in the clan, but I brought my hood with me – Kanye West It's beautiful to change; it's beautiful to grow into my name – Taelor Gray Glory to God, whose power working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine – Book of Common Prayer Benediction (paraphrase of … Continue reading Graduation: Black PhDs and the Title that Endures
The Slave, the Foreigner, and the Compassion of Israel
photo credit In the providence of God, he allowed his people to experience an extended period of slavery. This slavery was no passing trial to be endured and forgotten. It marked them and undergirded their ethical reasoning. God called upon his people to remember: Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels … Continue reading The Slave, the Foreigner, and the Compassion of Israel
The New Testament and Public Criticism of Politicians
In the wake of the recent election, I have seen many Christians quote the biblical command to respect authority and pray for the leaders that God has placed over us. Two texts have been prominent in this admonition: Romans 13:1–3 and 1 Timothy 2:1–2. They read: Let every person be subject to the governing … Continue reading The New Testament and Public Criticism of Politicians
Longer Still (Post Election Reflections of a Black Man amongst the Evangelicals)
The Scriptures that contain the stories of Israel, the Messiah Jesus, and the early church have long shaped how I viewed the world. It was the bible that affirmed black personhood in the face of an Alabama that did so much to stamp it out. It was Jesus who taught me to love the … Continue reading Longer Still (Post Election Reflections of a Black Man amongst the Evangelicals)
The Gospel, Black Spaceships, and Kanye West
I’ve been working this grave shift and I ain’t made it, I wish I could I buy me a spaceship and fly past the sky – Kanye West (slightly edited) Spaceships don’t come equipped with rearview mirrors; they dip as quick as they can – Andre3000 And the word became flesh and lived … Continue reading The Gospel, Black Spaceships, and Kanye West
