This article is part of the “Hope for the Politically Homeless” series, published in partnership with The Banner, the magazine of the Christian Reformed Church in North America. BY VINCENT BACOTE, PH.D To be Christian is to live in the middle of tension. We have been given life because of Christ’s saving and reconciling work on the cross, and we await the day he will return to bring final justice and shalom to the creation. While we wait, we have moments when we experience the foretastes of life in God’s kingdom; at others (or simultaneously) we feel the discomfort and distress […]

In a decision issued on June 15, 2020, and written by conservative Justice Neil Gorsuch, the U.S. Supreme Court declared that it is illegal under federal law for an employer to engage in discriminatory employment practices against someone on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The 6-3 decision, which consolidates three cases, is called Bostock v. Clayton County. Federal employment civil rights law since 1965 has banned discrimination on the basis of sex. The Supreme Court has now interpreted the protected class of sex to include sexual-orientation and gender-identity discrimination. Many are concerned about how the Court interpreted the law to reach this […]

Just as individuals responsible for our food systems, energy systems, and health care play a crucial role in saving lives and sustaining our society, those who care for those who work in essential roles and their families are essential themselves. Child care provided by extended family or by dedicated caregivers has always played a crucial role in our communities. The importance of this has never been as salient as it is now. World leaders have called for a “war effort” response to COVID-19. This blog post explores that analogy in light of the dire need essential workers have for child care, […]

As Christians, the Bible frequently makes mention of how we are to treat others, whether they be our neighbors (Matthew 22:39), strangers (Leviticus 19:34), the widow, poor, or the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17). We were all created in God’s image (Gen 1:26) and deserve to be treated honestly and fairly. God, through Scripture, clearly articulates that greed and selfishness are not character traits that reflect the will of God. Scripture also addresses the way financial transactions are handled. Deuteronomy 23:19 reminds us that, that Christians should not charge interest to those who are part of the Christian family. Predatory payday lending is […]

Seven Baskets is a faith-based nonprofit focused on community development in Columbus, Ohio whose mission is “to transform Ohio’s urban centers through dynamic partnerships with neighborhood schools and community involvement.” Seven Baskets embodies seven guiding principles for transformation in their work: neighborhood, presence, dignity, empowerment, holistic, team and faith-based. This vital, community-based ministry recently became a member of the 2019 Sacred Sector Community.