News & Articles
A Tale of Two Leaders
One of the Israeli government’s initial acts in the aftermath of Hamas’ attack on Israel took me by surprise. Israel’s ambassador to the Vatican conveyed an urgent message to Pope Francis. The message was more a demand than a request, and that demand was for Pope Francis to portray Israel unambiguously as the victim and…
When Faith Stories Collide
To understand the off and on, and now full-on conflict in Israel and Gaza, we have to understand the stories that lie behind the violence. These stories on all sides are ancient, but they continue to empower the people who love them. These stories provide something worth living for, worth dying for, and, for many,…
To Know as One is Known
Having taught at Franklin College for over four decades, I have found Homecoming to be one of my favorite college events. This was especially true this fall, when Homecoming fell on the last weekend of September. The weather could not have been better for this year’s celebration. There have been Homecomings in the past when…
Small Places
It’s not often that I can write a column that features the rock group KISS and Pope Francis. But those two stars aligned this past September 1. KISS performed a concert at a small town near where we vacation in the summer, and, at the same time, Pope Francis was in Mongolia. The town I’m…
No Place for Violence
Despite being a registered Democrat, I chose Senator Mitch Romney as the first lawmaker whom I wanted to contact after the January 6 insurrection. I urged Romney, a thoughtful and courageous person, to rescue the Republican Party from Trumpism by running again for president. My wish will not be fulfilled. This past week, Romney announced…