Renewable Resources: The Politics of Manna (Exodus 16:1-18)
In the wilderness, the Israelites received manna, an abundant resource that couldn't be exploited or stored in quantities beyond people's need. Unfortunately for our planet, fossil fuel does not behave...
View ArticleThe Politics of Rupture: Daniel 3:27-30
The story of the deliverance of Daniel's three friends from persecution for their faith takes an unpleasant turn as a new form of religious oppression is set up as its immediate effect. Apparent...
View ArticleLeave Your Nets: The Politics of Matthew 4:12-23
In the context of Roman rule in Galilee in the first century CE, the abandonment of fishing was an act with political connotations. When the first disciples left their nets they were ceasing to fund...
View ArticleThe Politics of Denial: John 18:12-27
As the social dominance that Christianity once enjoyed wanes, we may find ourselves in a position similar to that of Peter in the High Priest's courtyard. Will we answer Christ's call to witness to the...
View ArticleThe Politics of Emboldening Witness—Philippians 1:1-18a
Within many criminal justice systems, deterrence is a significant element of the rationale of imprisonment. However, Paul's letter to the Philippians reveals the emboldening power of imprisonment for...
View ArticleThe Politics of Welcoming the Immigrant—Ruth 2:1-23
The United States is engaged in a public conversation about what our responsibility is to the thousands of unaccompanied migrant children who are arriving at our southern border. In the story of Ruth...
View ArticleThe Politics of Incarnation—John 1:1-18
To those familiar with a Western account of the incarnation, Native American frameworks can provide illuminating and challenging alternative perspectives. Within such perspectives, rather than the...
View ArticleThe Politics of Healing—Mark 1:29-39
Jesus' healings are not just random acts of charity on the way to the cross but are integral to the very point that his death and resurrection make: that God’s intention in this world is human...
View ArticleThe Politics of Liberation—Exodus 20:1-17
The first commandment—that Israel should have no other gods beside YHWH—is the foundation for our liberation, as it was for Israel. It delivers us from all other ideas or powers that might claim our...
View ArticleThe Politics of Resurrection and Resistance—John 20:1-18
The resurrection does not erase suffering: it teaches us to live in a world torn by injustice. It gives us hope that God is present in the ugliest violence of human life, and that God engages human...
View Article