‘An enormous need for hope among so many people and their families’

COVER STORY—This week, Dr. David Gushee is celebrating with our publishing house reaching the milestone of 30,000 copies of his international bestseller Changing Our Mind. We’re not only marking the sheer number of books sold—we’re celebrating with the thousands of people those numbers represent. In an interview with Editor David Crumm, Dr. Gushee tells some of the stories his readers have shared with him about the hope they have found through his book. Please, spread a little hope yourself this week by sharing this story with friends via social media or email.

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Speaking of prophetic voices—

Naming the sin of racism 

AUTHOR AND COLUMNIST BENJAMIN PRATT adds to our theme this week of the importance of prophetic Christian voices. Weary of the many tragic acts of racist violence we are witnessing across America, Ben Pratt recalls another courageous Christian voice who dared to name the sin of racism many decades ago: Harry Emerson Fosdick. As a pastor himself, now retired, Ben urges readers to remember that prophetic voices within our houses of worship have been calling Americans toward justice for many, many years.

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And Still Preaching to the World

The Rev. Dr. George A. Mason’s ‘positive and hopeful vision’

OUR THANKS GO TO THE Rev. Dr. Robert D. Cornwall for a very thoughtful overview of the new book The Word Made Fresh by the Rev. Dr. George A. Mason. Versions of Cornwall’s column have appeared on his own website and also in the historic Word & Way magazine, founded in 1896. Our publishing house team thanks Cornwall for such a thorough interpretation of the ways Mason’s new book can be useful in our world today.

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Spreading the word online

Howard Brown in Canvas Rebel

NO, WE HADN’T HEARD OF CANVAS REBEL until this week, but the point of this Front Edge Publishing column is that colorful new magazines like Canvas Rebel are popping up all the time—and we want to help our authors find their way into these realms of online media.

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Holidays & Milestones

Raksha Bandhan

A RENEWAL OF HINDU FAMILY “TIES”—As our Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains today, Raksha Bandhan is one of the most beloved customs in Hindu communities around the world—an occasion for sisters and brothers to renew and strengthen their family “ties.”

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• THE LAW ACCORDING TO LYDIA POËT—Ed highly recommends this new Netflix series about Italy’s first female lawyer.
• THEATER CAMP—Ed also praises this new “mockumentary” with Amy Sedaris.
• SHORT COMINGS—”The title of actor-turned director Randall Park’s film refers to its main character Ben Tanaka (Justin H. Min). And does he ever have shortcomings!”
• LOOKING BACK—Ed also suggests this week that we look back at two thought-provoking films: Anatomy of an Illness (1984) with Ed Asner and Half Nelson (2006) with Ryan Gosling.
• AFIRE—Ed writes, “With destructive fires ravaging so many countries around the world, German director Christian Petzold’s film has a strange relevance.”
• OPPENHEIMER—”Christopher Nolan’s massive film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, shows how the scientist that presided over Trinity clearly understood” the power he had unleashed.
• TIGER WITHIN—”It is good to see that actor Ed Asner’s last film was one decrying ignorance and advocating love, forgiveness and friendship.”
• BARBIE—”I was thankful for the TIME magazine article that convinced me that I should watch Barbie despite my many reservations regarding it.”

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Surprising Wisdom in Tales of Emptiness

IN THIS WEEK’S COVER STORY, Editor David Crumm renews a conversation with bestselling author Thomas Moore—a conversation that began 30 years ago. No kidding. The style of this Cover Story mirrors the many moments of wonderment readers love in Thomas Moore’s work. Please, enjoy this story and share it with friends. This new Thomas Moore book is ideal both for individual reflection, perhaps on a day-by-day basis, and for discussion with friends.

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And good news from our writers—

Pairing fine estate wines with a cozy mystery 

Laura Elizabeth breaks new ground among our authors

IN 16 YEARS OF PUBLISHING, our authors have had events in bookstores, libraries, public schools, hospitals, coffee shops, museums, theaters, houses of worship and waterfront parks. But Laura Elizabeth, author of the new cozy mystery All Is Now Lost, broke new ground when she and Kaya Vineyard co-owner Tom Higgins paired this debut volume in her new Island Mysteries series with fine wines.

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From Rainbows to a Passing Train …

Suzy Farbman writes about GodSigns that help her family remember

REGULAR READERS have followed the years-long journey of the Farbman family as patriarch Burton Farbman—columnist Suzy Farbman’s husband—battled cancer. Recently, Suzy wrote a eulogy for her husband, which many readers told us touched them deeply.

This week, Suzy writes about the many GodSigns she and her family are experiencing that remind them of Burton’s ongoing presence.

 

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‘What’s your passion?’

Howard Brown and internet pioneer Jeff Pulver talk about the importance of global conversation

IN THIS WEEK’S ‘SHINING BRIGHTLY’ PODCAST, Silicon Valley entrepreneur Howard Brown talks with internet pioneer Jeff Pulver about the deeper value of their collective work—connecting people and communities around the world in positive ways.

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‘Dealing Gently’

Larry Buxton on the life of King David and split in the United Methodist church

IN HIS LEADING WITH SPIRIT COLUMN, this week, retired United Methodist pastor Larry Buxton posts a lengthy reflection on the tragic death of King David’s son and the tension between power and compassion that continues in our faith traditions to this day. He concludes his reflection with thoughts about the decision by some United Methodist churches to leave the denomination over issues of inclusion. It’s quite a thoughtful reflection and, especially if you care about the unfolding United Methodist division, you may want to share this with friends.

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Holidays & Milestones

Assumption / Dormition of Mary

CATHOLIC AND ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS AROUND THE WORLD celebrate Mary’s acceptance into heaven at the end of her life on earth, as Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• THE LAW ACCORDING TO LYDIA POËT—Ed highly recommends this new Netflix series about Italy’s first female lawyer.
• THEATER CAMP—Ed also praises this new “mockumentary” with Amy Sedaris.
• SHORT COMINGS—”The title of actor-turned director Randall Park’s film refers to its main character Ben Tanaka (Justin H. Min). And does he ever have shortcomings!”
• LOOKING BACK—Ed also suggests this week that we look back at two thought-provoking films: Anatomy of an Illness (1984) with Ed Asner and Half Nelson (2006) with Ryan Gosling.
• AFIRE—Ed writes, “With destructive fires ravaging so many countries around the world, German director Christian Petzold’s film has a strange relevance.”
• OPPENHEIMER—”Christopher Nolan’s massive film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, shows how the scientist that presided over Trinity clearly understood” the power he had unleashed.
• TIGER WITHIN—”It is good to see that actor Ed Asner’s last film was one decrying ignorance and advocating love, forgiveness and friendship.”
• BARBIE—”I was thankful for the TIME magazine article that convinced me that I should watch Barbie despite my many reservations regarding it.”

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Good People Are at Work Everywhere! Want to Help?

THIS WEEK, our Cover Story welcomes Mallory McDuff who many of our readers and writers know because of a series of books she has produced about grassroots environmental activism. Her latest book, Love Your Mother, profiles 50 women working in our 50 U.S. states in a wide variety of ways to save our planet. Please, enjoy our cover story and share it with friends, because this is an ideal book for community-wide discussion.

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More news from our writers—

Speaking of community collaboration …

George Mason visits Ashley Hutto to learn about neighbors feeding neighbors

IN OUR COVER STORY, this week, Mallory McDuff says that to save our planet, “I really believe that it’s going to take thousands of different solutions.” That’s a message George echoes in his ongoing video series. Please, enjoy this latest video from George and his story of neighbors feeding neighbors in Dallas.

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And speaking of ways to build grassroots connection …

Howard Brown on spreading sunlight via social media

THIS WEEK, HOWARD BROWN shows us two of his recent social-media posts that sparked online response. Howard writes, “I’m sending you this creative sunshine in the form of this ReadTheSpirit column—so that, if you’re inspired, you may pass that sunshine on to others.”

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And while you’re posting, watch your spelling …

But remember: Spelling isn’t always a matter of right and wrong.

THAT ADVICE IS ESPECIALLY TRUE when we’re writing about our beloved grandmas and grandpas from around the world! In this week’s Front Edge Publishing column, Editor David Crumm writes about a newly published resource about the broad cultural diversity of grandparents’ names—names that often embody fascinating and beloved stories.

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Holidays & Milestones

Assumption / Dormition of Mary

CATHOLIC AND ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS AROUND THE WORLD celebrate Mary’s acceptance into heaven at the end of her life on earth, as Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• AFIRE—Ed writes, “With destructive fires ravaging so many countries around the world, German director Christian Petzold’s film has a strange relevance.”
• TWO TICKETS TO GREECE—Director/writer Marc Fitoussi’s movie reminds Ed of Zorba the Greek.
• DREAMIN’ WILD—”Director Bill Pohlad, who gave us the 2014 music biopic Love & Mercy about Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys, again visits the music genre, but it is a very different story this time around.”
• OPPENHEIMER—”Christopher Nolan’s massive film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, shows how the scientist that presided over Trinity clearly understood” the power he had unleashed.
• TIGER WITHIN—”It is good to see that actor Ed Asner’s last film was one decrying ignorance and advocating love, forgiveness and friendship.”
• BARBIE—”I was thankful for the TIME magazine article that convinced me that I should watch Barbie despite my many reservations regarding it.”

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You’ll want to share George’s video with friends.

What could “church” look like in our troubled world?

COVER STORY—Our publishing house team is so pleased to share a new video produced by the Rev. Dr. George Mason from an at-risk community in South Dallas, a place where people need so much—including a way to gather neighbors to help renew the whole neighborhood. George has found a great, grassroots idea that others could adapt where they live. No, maybe not with professional skateboarders—but you’re certain to smile at the enthusiastic way George shows us this fresh idea. And, we hope, you’ll want to share this cover story with friends.

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More news from our writers—

And speaking of ways to engage young people in our communities …

THIS WEEK, BILL TAMMEUS has posted a very helpful column about youth ministry, including a recommendation about a new book that could be influential in many congregations—if folks discover this new resource. When we saw Bill’s column, we recognized that it’s a perfect “sidebar” to our Cover Story with George Mason this week—another fresh idea for folks who care about their congregations and their larger communities to share. Please visit Bill’s website and read his column headlined: “Doing youth ministry well can help repair this wounded world”

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How the Goodreads community welcomes authors

THIS WEEK, we’re pleased to see early reviews popping up for Laura Elizabeth’s upcoming cozy mystery series, The Island Mysteries. They’re popping up on Goodreads, not on Amazon because Amazon does not allow book reviews to be posted until after a book’s official launch date. So, this week, David Crumm offers this fresh invitation to come on over and meet us on Goodreads, a community that definitely has some quirks but also is the home of some good friends.

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Howard Brown & Sheena Yap Chan

Embracing our cultures, even if feel we’re alone

SHEENA YAP CHAN, the best-selling Chinese-Filippino-Canadian author, consultant and activist joins Howard Brown’s podcast this week to talk about the challenges women—and especially women who are culturally in a minority—face in North America. You’ll find their conversation labeled Episode 37, new this week on Howard’s website.

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Holidays & Milestones

.Lammas, Lughnasadh

AS AUGUST BEGINS and grains turn golden in the fields of the Northern Hemisphere, Christians and Pagans (and many others from areas of England, Ireland and Scotland) mark the ancient festival of the wheat harvest.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• OPPENHEIMER—Ed writes, “Christopher Nolan’s massive film, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin, shows how the scientist that presided over Trinity clearly understood” the power he had unleashed.
• TIGER WITHIN—”It is good to see that actor Ed Asner’s last film was one decrying ignorance and advocating love, forgiveness and friendship.”
• BARBIE—”I was thankful for the TIME magazine article that convinced me that I should watch Barbie despite my many reservations regarding it.”
• THE MIRACLE CLUB—”Irish film-maker Thaddeus O’Sullivan has given us a delightful parable of reconciliation in this story set in Ballygar, a working-class village in outer Dublin by the sea during the Sixties.”
• BLACKBERRY—Ed writes, “Canadian director Matt Johnson and co-writer Matthew Miller have gifted us with a comic take on the development of the BlackBerry.”

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Are you ready to take the next step in your creative life?

COVER STORY—Veteran journalist, writing coach and author Ann Byle invites readers into her back yard for some downright fun ideas about sparking our creativity—lessons gleaned from Ann’s years of raising chickens. More than 10 million Americans now raise chickens, an increase since the pandemic began several years ago—but this book is not limited to those who actually raise chickens. In fact, the book is not intended to convince you to set up your own backyard coop.

Ann’s goal is far larger! Whatever your dream may be—from writing to painting to becoming a gourmet chef or a talented craftsman with wood or fabric or glass—Ann’s got some solid advice about how to make that dream a reality. Please enjoy this week’s cover story and share this story with friends. Chicken Scratch is an ideal book for small-group discussion in your congregation or community.

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From our Writers—

George Mason

… and Speaking of Community-based Ideas for Health & Nutrition

IN A NEW VIDEO PODCAST SERIES, called “More Than Food for Thought,” the Rev. Dr. George A. Mason heads out of the studio and into an at-risk community in Dallas where life expectancies are well below the national average. One reason is a lack of healthy, affordable food in that area—until a new kind of community-based grocery opened earlier this year. Please enjoy this short video report from Dallas and then share it with friends, because you’ll quickly see what a great idea these folks are pioneering.

Community-building ideas also are a core theme in George’s new book, The Word Made Fresh: Preaching God’s Love for Every Body.

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Dan McQuown

A Creative Idea for Student Sharing of Faith on Campus

CHAPLAIN DAN McQUOWN has contributed fresh ideas to our online magazine over the years. In this column, he summarizes a Faith in Transition program that he developed at a small college to encourage high school and college students to come together and share faith experiences.

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David Gushee

Visiting communities across the U.S. and Europe

BEST-SELLING CHRISTIAN AUTHOR DAVID GUSHEE just posted his Fall 2023 speaking schedule via his newsletter, which is archived on Substack. Autumn venues include Florida, Georgia, New York and Texas. He also is, once again, appearing across Europe, including appearances in Ukraine, Lithuania and the UK.

Would you like to schedule an appearance? Here is the Speaking Events resource page on his website, where you can learn about his most popular topics and formats. Any appearance is more valuable for you and your community if folks have read his two most influential books:

• Changing Our Mind, which is available in hardcover, paperback and Kindle editions via Amazon.
• And, Introducing Christian Ethics, which also is available in all formats from Amazon.

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Howard Brown

Lifting your spirits with Regina Rossi & Raquel Stewart

THE POPULAR Shining Brightly PODCAST hosted by Howard Brown welcomes two sure-to-make-you-smile life coaches: Regina Rossi and Raquel Stuart, who call their joint work Rise and Thrive Together.  You’ll find their conversation labeled Episode 36, new this week on Howard’s website.

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Holidays & Milestones

 

Tisha B’Av

OFTEN REFERRED TO AS “the saddest day in the Jewish year,” Tisha B’Av traditionally is a fast that recalls tragedies experienced by the Jewish people on this day. Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton tells us more about this centuries-old tradition.

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Lammas, Lughnasadh

AS AUGUST BEGINS and grains turn golden in the fields of the Northern Hemisphere, Christians and Pagans (and many others from areas of England, Ireland and Scotland) mark the ancient festival of the wheat harvest.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• BARBIE—Ed writes, “I was thankful for the TIME magazine article that convinced me that I should watch Barbie despite my many reservations regarding it.”
• THE MIRACLE CLUB—Ed writes, “Irish film-maker Thaddeus O’Sullivan has given us a delightful parable of reconciliation in this story set in Ballygar, a working-class village in outer Dublin by the sea during the Sixties.”
• SOUND OF FREEDOM—Ed explains the background of this controversial film that supposedly is based on a true story about the global trafficking of children. He ultimately suggests that making a donation to a worthy group might be better than investing in seeing this movie.
• BLACKBERRY—Ed writes, “Canadian director Matt Johnson and co-writer Matthew Miller have gifted us with a comic take on the development of the BlackBerry.”
• MONICA—“Andrea Pallaoro’s film centering on a transgender daughter returning to help her family care for the dying mother who cast her out a couple of decades ago is a slow burn drama that is difficult to watch. “
• SILO—“This ten-part series created by Graham Yost is based on a series of books by Hugh Howey. It is so bingeworthy that I can hardly wait for Season Two to begin.”
• INDIANA JONES—”Our favorite archaeologist is back for his fifth and last over the top adventure.“

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Babson College highlights this dedicated community activist with a profile

COVER STORY—The cozy mystery author whose pen name is Laura Elizabeth cares about far more than entertaining readers with an island-based whodunnit. Laura would like her readers to fall in love with this island and even visit the real Daufuskie Island, which can help in the overall effort to keep the island community alive and well. Don’t take our word for it. This month, Laura’s story is the featured profile in the Babson College website’s section on leading entrepreneurs. Please, read our story about this remarkable woman—and follow the links to read the entire Babson profile as well as to contact Laura if you are interested in a book-related event yourself. Then, please, if you enjoy this story, please share it with friends via social media and email!

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And Speaking of Remarkable Families—

Suzy Farbman celebrates a life well lived

THOUSANDS of our readers follow columnist and author Suzy Farbman’s God Signs. Over the years, Suzy has introduced us to remarkable men and women from across the U.S. and around the world. But, central among the “main characters” in her writing, over the years, has been her husband, the noted Detroit developer Burton Farbman. Readers of Suzy’s memoir God Signs, have told us that this memoir of how she successfully battled cancer with Burton always at her side was a godsend of inspiration and fresh ideas. More recently, readers of our online magazine have followed Suzy’s occasional columns about Burton’s own struggles with cancer. Recently, Burton died and Suzy wrote this celebration of his life—and their lives together. The column also includes a photo gallery, at the end, that you will enjoy as much as the eulogy.

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Duncan Newcomer & Abraham Lincoln

Braver Angels launching ‘Rise for America’

IN OUR SPECIAL July 2, 2023, issue about Abraham Lincoln’s legacy, Lincoln scholar Duncan Newcomer explained the timely nature of that special issue. Braver Angels, a national nonprofit dedicated to defusing the anger in American political and cultural dialogue, was holding a major conference at Gettysburg especially to remember some of Abraham Lincoln’s central principles. As a result of that conference, Braver Angels now is launching a program called Rise for America. Please check out that new program at the Braver Angels website.

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David Gushee & Kelsey Morrison

Learning from ‘evangelical academia’s latest homophobia victim’

FOR BAPTIST NEWS GLOBAL, David Gushee writes about the tragic treatment of former Geneva College soccer coach Kelsey Morrison. In June, she was ousted by the school for two posts on Instagram. Gushee interviewed Kelsey and shares her story with us.

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George Mason & Mitch and Missy

Hosts of Good Faith Weekly feature Mason and his new book

THE POPULAR PODCAST hosted by Mitch and Missy Randall recently featured George Mason talking about his new book, The Word Made Fresh: Preaching God’s Love for Every Body. Good Faith Weekly is available on all streaming platforms and can be accessed here.

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Howard Brown & Mitch Stoller

AACR spreads Howard’s message: ‘Fighting cancer is a team sport.’

The AACR, which is the world’s oldest and largest professional association related to cancer research, welcomed author and patient advocate Howard Brown into its new podcast with the AACR’s chief philanthropic officer Mitch Stoller. This column explains the new podcast, which will be welcomed by many families looking for signs of hope in their struggles with cancer—plus you can watch the complete video conversation shared by Mitch and Howard. This is news you’ll likely want to share with friends, this week, since cancer is a challenge in millions of families nationwide.

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And Finally Rodney Curtis and … Visitors …

RODNEY CURTIS, aka The Spiritual Wanderer, is thrilled that Congress may actually take up serious consideration of visitors from other realms. Click on this link to jump to Rodney’s website—or is it really Rodney’s website? You decide—if you dare!

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Holidays & Milestones

Birthday of Haile Selassie

ON JULY 23 EACH YEAR, hundreds of thousands of people who revere the Ethiopian leader honor his birthday, as Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains in her column.

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Near Utah this Summer? Check out Pioneer Day

THIS YEAR, if you hope to catch some of the most popular Pioneer Day themed events, you will need to act now! There’s a long tradition in Utah of spreading public events throughout the weeks leading up to Pioneer Day, as Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains.

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Cue the lights and dancers—Obon is coming

STEPHANIE FENTON reports on the colorful Obon festivals that will unfold this summer in many parts of the world.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• BLACKBERRY—Ed writes, “Canadian director Matt Johnson and co-writer Matthew Miller have gifted us with a comic take on the development of the BlackBerry.”
• MONICA—“Andrea Pallaoro’s film centering on a transgender daughter returning to help her family care for the dying mother who cast her out a couple of decades ago is a slow burn drama that is difficult to watch. “
• SILO—“This ten-part series created by Graham Yost is based on a series of books by Hugh Howey. It is so bingeworthy that I can hardly wait for Season Two to begin.”
• THE BLACKENING—”Fans of horror films know that in most such films it is the rare Black character who dies, if not first, then early on.”
• INDIANA JONES—”Our favorite archaeologist is back for his fifth and last over the top adventure.“
• ELEMENTAL—Ed writes, “Although far short of Wall-E and such, Elemental is still enjoyable as a Romero & Juliett love story and an immigrants-make-good tale.”
• ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET—”The film, directed and written by Kelly Fremon Craig, follows the novel very faithfully, with every member of the excellent cast contributing to the humor and insights.”

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You may have a friend with PTSD and not even know it

COVER STORY—While the subject is somber, the good news in David W. Peters’ new book, Post-Traumatic Jesus, is good news, indeed. Peters served as a Marine and an Army chaplain and now serves a congregation in Texas that specializes in welcoming people who have experienced trauma. He has a lot of helpful insights to share with us about how congregations can be healing communities for the millions of Americans suffering the effects of trauma.

Please read our cover story and then share it with friends in your community to spark healthy discussion.

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And Speaking of Healing—

‘Churches should heal, not perpetuate, divisive culture’

ALSO FROM TEXAS—The headline on this news item comes from Dallas Morning News Commentary Editor Ryan Sanders, writing about the importance of the Rev. Dr. George A. Mason’s new book, The Word Made Fresh. Ryan interviewed George in a fascinating Q&A format that you can enjoy on the Morning News’ website. (Note: The Morning News has a paywall that only allows limited access, but if you have not visited the site before, you should be able to read this inspiring conversation between Ryan and George.)

‘A surprising outpouring of support’

THEN, REPORTING FROM A MAJOR BAPTIST GATHERING IN ATLANTA—Several correspondents helped our staff to assemble this inspiring report on the overwhelming support for the work of George Mason and all the other Baptist leaders who have supported LGBTQ inclusion in recent years. This is a significant religion-news story that flew under the radar of major U.S. newspapers in the wake of the Southern Baptist Convention’s decision to double-down on gender exclusion. Please, take a moment to share this particular news story right now, because such news will encourage others who care about diversity.

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Reminders of Hope From our authors—

Bill Tammeus

Everyday Miracles

AFTER THE TITAN IMPLOSION TRAGEDY, Bill Tammeus has been pondering how even a disaster like this loss of life beneath the seas can remind us of the importance of gratitude and mindfulness in our daily living. It’s another example of Bill’s inspiring, thought-provoking style that has been popular with readers for many decades. 

And, if you do read that column, you will find two fascinating news items at the end of the main column: One is about the thousands of congregations leaving the United Methodist Church; and the other is about an ill-considered Missouri law that now encourages teaching the Bible in public schools. Thanks Bill for all your reporting! And, of course, if you have not done so already, please get a copy of Bill’s book Love, Loss and Endurance, especially because Amazon has the hardcover on sale this week.

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Howard Brown & Joanna Tress

‘Embrace Your Bliss’

EACH WEEK, Howard Brown’s mission is spreading sunshine through thoughtful podcasts with guests from a wide range of disciplines. If you want a boost, this week, please stop by Howard’s home online and listen to his conversation with Joanna Tress on “Embrace Your Bliss.” If you enjoy that podcast, you’ll find many more on Howard’s home page. And, if you want to enjoy the mother lode of Howard’s inspiring stories, pick up your copy of his memoir Shining Brightly from Amazon.

 

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Holidays & Milestones

Near Utah this Summer? Check out Pioneer Day

THIS YEAR, if you hope to catch some of the most popular Pioneer Day themed events, you will need to act now! There’s a long tradition in Utah of spreading public events throughout the weeks leading up to Pioneer Day, as Holidays & Festivals columnist Stephanie Fenton explains.

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Cue the lights and dancers—Obon is coming

STEPHANIE FENTON reports on the colorful Obon festivals that will unfold this summer in many parts of the world.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• SILO—Ed writes, “This ten-part series created by Graham Yost is based on a series of books by Hugh Howey. It is so bingeworthy that I can hardly wait for Season Two to begin.”
• THE BLACKENING—”Fans of horror films know that in most such films it is the rare Black character who dies, if not first, then early on.”
• INDIANA JONES—”Our favorite archaeologist is back for his fifth and last over the top adventure.“
• PAST LIVES—”Writer-director Celine Song leaves the fantasy world of The Wheel of Time, which she scripted, to give us a heart-warming story set in the present world of the romantic, yet pragmatic.”
• ELEMENTAL—Ed writes, “Although far short of Wall-E and such, Elemental is still enjoyable as a Romero & Juliett love story and an immigrants-make-good tale.”
• CLOWN IN KABUL—Ed reaches back to 2002 to recommend this Italian documentary about Dr. Patch Adams’ trip to Afghanistan in 2002.
• THE CAPTAIN—Near the end of World War II, a German soldier is trying to flee from his army when he discovers a captain’s uniform that changes his life.
• IT AIN’T OVER—”Yogi Berra’s famous quotations and media celebrity have overshadowed his other amazing accomplishments—and it is this which director Sean Mullin and executive producer Lindsay Berra set out to rectify in this delightful documentary.”
• ARE YOU THERE GOD? IT’S ME, MARGARET—”The film, directed and written by Kelly Fremon Craig, follows the novel very faithfully, with every member of the excellent cast contributing to the humor and insights.”

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