Culture
Dear Mr. Gothard
A few months ago, Heather shared this story with me. I sat motionless reading the words you’re about to read, my heart breaking at the horror of it all. My mind didn’t want to believe it, but I knew in my gut that it was true. I recognized the places she speaks of, the phrases she…
Read More3 Christian News Stories You Won't Believe Are Real
I never planned to write about these sorts of things. But then, I never expected to see a collection of such remarkably bizarre news stories all in one week. (We’ll return to our regularly scheduled programming on Monday. Or Tuesday. Whatever.) This is the stuff of parody accounts and satire sites, the sort of thing that just…
Read MoreHobby Lobby, the Duggars, and Bill Gothard
I often hear Christians dismiss Bill Gothard and his teachings as legalistic, fundamentalist, bizarre, and dangerous. Rightly so, especially in the wake of his alleged sexual misconduct. But many of these same Christians support Hobby Lobby or the Duggars for their “Christian values”, perhaps not realizing how closely they are connected to Bill Gothard. This week, I’ve heard Christians…
Read MoreI Still Believe in a White Male God
I didn’t realize it. If you asked me to my face, I’d tell you that God is not an old white man, robed and bearded, flanked by naked angels. I’d tell you all about how God is like Jesus, not Santa Claus. I’d tell you God is Light, and God is Beauty, and most of…
Read More10 Things I Learned at #WildGoose14
On Sunday morning I joined a parade down a dirt road in a campground, sang peace songs led by Rev. Yolanda on an acoustic guitar, and received communion from a mason jar in a grass clearing with sweat dripping down my legs and back. That was church. There was a sermon, too, but I didn’t hear most of…
Read MoreMy Innocence Was Stolen From Me
A few days ago an essay was published titled “My Easy Trip from Youth Pastor to Felon.” The narrator relates his story of a “spiral into sin”, detailing how his sin destroyed his life and ministry. It wasn’t until the very end of the story that he noted that his “friend” with which he was having an…
Read MoreBecause We Will Not Stay Silent Any Longer
Today Beth Morey is wrapping up the #YesAllWomen series with part of her own story, as well as some practical steps for moving forward. If, like me, you’ve read these stories and wondered “But what can I do?”, make sure you read this one. Though I had only planned to run this series for a…
Read MoreBecause I Keep Dying
Nikki sent this to me yesterday, wanting her story to be heard. There’s nothing I can say to introduce this. Just listen. ( content warning: descriptions of sexual assault / rape ) I started dying when I was very young. During a time when personality and temperament were being formed, pieces of me were robbed by the…
Read MoreBecause I Am Worthy of Respect
I had only planned to share a handful of #YesAllWomen stories here last week. But then I read what Bek Curtis’ wrote. This is a difficult, uncomfortable read. But it needs to be seen, and shared. I don’t ever want us to forget the reality of Bek’s story. ( content warning: descriptions of sexual assault / rape…
Read MoreBecause It's Not Just Me
Carmen Ibrahim got in touch with me last week after reading several #YesAllWomen stories. She wanted to share hers too. And I’m so glad she did. (Carmen has requested that those who know her personally not share this post on Facebook, though Twitter is fair game.) (content warning: mention of rape/assault) I first saw #YesAllWomen…
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