Category: politics
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Politics, Religion, and…
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.“ Proverbs 15:1-2 ESV In a recent experience teaching on how to engage and discuss politics at my church, I’ve seen firsthand how difficult—and rewarding—these conversations can be. While the topics are complex, I’ve also discovered three essential qualities that make discussing them much easier:…
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Why I’m Teaching A Politics Class at Church
Politics and church don’t always mix well—or at least that’s what we’re often told. But at our intentionally multiethnic church, we believe engaging political issues can actually strengthen our unity rather than threaten it. That’s why I’m leading a class on politics, not to divide, but to bring us together. When another pastor asked me…
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What Would Dr. King Say Today?
If Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were alive today, what would he say about the state of our world? Would he see progress, or would he mourn the persistence of injustice? While we cannot know his exact words, his teachings give us a clear sense of the message he would deliver—a call to justice, unity,…
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Executive Order: Love Your Neighbor
A popular workplace etiquette rule says, “there are two things you should never discuss, politics and religion.” Politics has the potential to get people on the defense or in attack mode. Years ago in my own blunder as a naive new professional, I found this to be true. As some in society seemingly indulge in…
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Beyond Borders: Our Shared Humanity
Immigrants and refugees are often seen as less than human, but they deserve the same respect and dignity as anyone else. They are often fleeing violence, poverty, and persecution in search of a better life. Before that, they are human beings, inherently worthy of dignity. By welcoming them with open arms, we can create a…
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Tulsa Reckons with Its Horrific Past. What’s Next?
The Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921 was a devastating event in which a white mob attacked the abundantly prosperous Black community of Greenwood. The two-day atrocity resulted in numerous deaths, destruction of property, and displacement of thousands. The city continues its efforts to identify the remains of other victims through genetic and DNA analysis. Additionally,…
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Everyone’s an Anthropologist
Recently I interacted with someone that decided not to attend an upcoming seminar at his job on cultural awareness. I inquired about his decision and his response was, “because of the election” (referring to the 2024 presidential election). Sadly, he equated discussing culture with the division and anger that politics can stoke. But cultural competency…
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Be a Messenger of Hope
In a disturbing series of incidents following the 2024 U.S. presidential election, Black Americans across the country received racist text messages threatening enslavement. The messages, which often referenced plantations and white vans, were sent from a variety of phone numbers and appeared to originate from different states. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are…
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Decision 2024: Choose Unity
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” -James 1:19-20 ESV I wrote this shortly after learning that Donald Trump is the presumed winner of the 2024 presidential race, defeating Vice President Kamala Harris. Today may…
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Connections over Candidates
Today I came across three shocking words on Google. Election Day Anxiety. Sadly this has become an immense concern as many are concerned about anger and fear. Politics doesn’t have to ruin relationships. There is a better way. In today’s increasingly polarized political landscape, maintaining healthy relationships can be challenging. While political discussions can be…
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