Though Donald Trump's recent racist tweets may have showcased the far-right's strident opposition to Muslim "squad" members, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, the foundations for this vitriol have been in the works long before the two Representatives were elected. While Trump defenders are claiming its all about Omar's democratic socialism, for decades now, a cluster of … Continue reading The conspiratorial roots of right-wing opposition to Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib
Books and Reviews
Jimmy Carter’s unique mix of Sunday School, politics, and historical memory
Jimmy Carter, whose life-long faith and charity work is well-known, has taught Sunday School for most of his life. Perhaps you didn't know it, but you can actually attend his class at Maranatha Baptist Church, though they recommend you get there no later that 5:30 am if you want a good seat! (Back in May, … Continue reading Jimmy Carter’s unique mix of Sunday School, politics, and historical memory
We need more “Reconstruction buffs”
Civil War buffs - you know some of them. They've visited the battlefield, can tell you the details of uniforms and weapons technology, and love to debate the merits of wartime generals. They know battlefield geography and the the conditions of ordinary soldiers. But I doubt you know any "Reconstruction buffs." Reconstruction refers to the … Continue reading We need more “Reconstruction buffs”
Did Black Soldiers Fight for the Confederacy?
My biennial class on the American civil war is coming up this fall. In addition to the war itself, I am looking forward to covering the historical narratives that continue to capture our imagination as Americans. Of course this will include Lost Cause historiography, which leads to the question above. Historian Kevin M. Levin has … Continue reading Did Black Soldiers Fight for the Confederacy?
Letters to Young Scholars: A Book for my Adolescent Self
When my teenage son agreed to read and discuss a book together I landed on a book I had not previously known about: William Ringenberg’s Letters to Young Scholars, the second edition of which came out last year. I knew Ringenberg, the retired but long-time professor of history at Taylor University, from CFH circles and … Continue reading Letters to Young Scholars: A Book for my Adolescent Self
Reckoning with Racism and the Church: Reformed and Anabaptist Voices
Last week I offered some reflections and book recommendations on the issue of race. In other corners, a new book about race and the church was getting attention -- Jemar Tisby's volume, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism. I haven't gotten my copy of this yet, but according … Continue reading Reckoning with Racism and the Church: Reformed and Anabaptist Voices
In Honor of MLK: Reflections on Lessons Learned
I sometimes heard, as I was growing up, a common expression about bartering. If you wanted a lower price at a flea market or garage sale, you'd go to the seller and "chew them down." You know -- the metaphor about verbally bartering back and forth with them as if you were chewing on the … Continue reading In Honor of MLK: Reflections on Lessons Learned
David Cramer brings “Anabaptist Revisions” to the Patheos Blogosphere
I can't think of a better person to blog about Anabaptist issues than David Cramer. I first got to know David when we worked together on editing a collection of essays about the complicated historical and theological intersection of Anabaptists and evangelicals (The Activist Impulse, 2014). Since that time, David has gone on to earn … Continue reading David Cramer brings “Anabaptist Revisions” to the Patheos Blogosphere
John Fea was on the verge of a sermon at Valparaiso University last night
Last night John Fea's Believe Me book tour stopped by Valparaiso University in northern Indiana and I made the trek, along with Grace student, Brennan Murray, from Warsaw/Winona Lake to take in the event. It was a smallish gathering of folks in an intimate recital hall. The program was structured as a Charlie Rose style … Continue reading John Fea was on the verge of a sermon at Valparaiso University last night
My Ongoing Sojourn with those Radical Moravians
Even though Moravians comprise part of the tagline of this blog, they haven't received much attention recently! I hope to remedy that a bit through this week's post. I have been sojourning with the Moravians for over a decade now. This is not say that I'm a card-carrying member of a Moravian congregation, though I … Continue reading My Ongoing Sojourn with those Radical Moravians
The Hermeneutic Circle 