Congregationalism & Churches
He “made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.” I dread admitting I don’t have a fancy new job. This past spring, I finally finished my master’s program—adviser emailed, final submitted, graduation forms signed. But instead of relief or accomplishment, the primary thing I’m feeling is dread. After 50 applications and multiple… Read More
I thought I needed to try harder at meditation. What I really needed was the Holy Spirit to enlighten me. I’ve always wanted to be spiritual, but I have trouble believing things,” I said, smiling nervously at the robe-clad Zen Buddhism teacher. We were sitting together in a small room for a one-on-one conversation about… Read More
Popular portrayals of the God-Man can draw admiring crowds, but they can’t create imitating disciples. In the past couple of weeks, people have been talking once again about Jesus Christ Superstar. Not only did a recent Ted Lasso episode feature a song from the 1970s musical, but the original film is airing on BBC—prompting countless… Read More
Latest report on Christian persecution finds Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa the epicenter of jihadist violence, while China leads effort to redefine religious rights. More than 5,600 Christians were killed for their faith last year. More than 2,100 churches were attacked or closed. More than 124,000 Christians were forcibly displaced from their homes because of their… Read More
Our view of gender roles and relations should begin with Christ’s pattern of humility. Jesus’ own disciples frequently missed what he was doing. James and John wanted preeminent posts in his kingdom, advocating for places of power, prestige, and authority. Jesus responded by essentially telling them they were missing the point. His kingdom didn’t operate… Read More
Senior Pastor Lillian Daniel preaches on Luke 5:1-11 where Jesus takes the disciples fishing and miraculously, their boats end up so full, they are afraid they might sink. Sometimes, success is not all it’s cracked up to be. The Rev. Dr. Lillian Daniel, First Congregational United Church of Christ Dubuque, IA