I grew up in a church that did not teach the public implications of my faith. That is, we did not consider the implications of following Jesus for personal or societal ethics and practice. Instead, our concentration was on the importance of faith for salvation. This is true of most churches in my country of …
read more
After a year of unemployment, accumulated unmet needs and multiple wants, Julia (not her real name) decided to go to the pastor for spiritual assistance. Her situation was too burdensome and painful to face alone. Surely, she thought, the pastor’s prayers will get the Lord’s attention. The secretary typed her name in the computer and …
read more
In 1995, Dr. Antonio Barro founded South American Theological Seminary (SATS) in Londrina, Brazil. He began with a typewriter and a desk in his home, and a vision for a school that would bring the truth and hope of the Gospel to bear on issues facing the Church in Latin America. In 2010, SATS celebrated its 15th …
read more
Although work occupies much of our lives, few of us have thought about it theologically – and theological reflection on work is even more limited in the Eastern Orthodox tradition of my country, Ethiopia. This is important because a proper theology of work – in Ethiopia and in the West – is critical for the …
read more
Two years ago my son asked to go for a spinning ride at an amusement park. He was excited about the experience, but as soon as that little car started to spin faster and faster I heard him shouting to the operator: ‘Stop!’ His little face was full of despair. Sometimes I feel like asking …
read more
When you finish your studies, in seminary or Bible college, you will be full of ideas, information and excitement. You will want to return home, and implement what you have learned, imparting knowledge and being a blessing to your own people. Unfortunately when you do come back, a harsh reality is waiting for you. The …
read more
Dr. Gladys Mwiti earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from the United States International University in Nairobi, and her MA in Christian Leadership and PhD in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Theological Seminary. She is the author of four books and a video-based training curriculum for counselors in Africa, produced in conjunction with Fuller Seminary. She …
read more
As they offer spiritual leadership, Christian leaders are to follow standards and behaviors that reflect biblical values. Despite this long-held understanding, there are mounting concerns over the “hiddenness” of toxic behaviors and practices in churches and among Christian leaders. Kenneth Gangel, an experienced leader in the field of Christian Education, aptly states: “Defective Christian leaders …
read more
Fifty years ago, millions of Red Guards – a ruthless cadre of radicalized students – waged war against tradition and religion, the twin threats to Maoism, during modern China’s darkest decade: the Great Proletarian Cultural Revolution (1966-1976).
read more
The widow, the fatherless, and the alien – the marginalized trio – are often forgotten by both society and the Church. Their care is not explicit in the Ten Commandments and, due to the social isolation of this group, we often do not remember them on the list of “our neighbors” in the Great Commandment. …
read more Dr. Salim J. Munayer is the Founder and Executive Director of Musalaha Reconciliation Ministries, which works with Messianic-Jewish and Arab-Palestinian Christians to promote peace and reconciliation. He began this work in 1990 during the First Intifada. Since then, Musalaha has been recognized worldwide for its model of promoting reconciliation and understanding among women, children, and young …
read more