Baptism of our Lord '26 sermon (with notes and reflective questions) is out: "When Christianity gets mixed with nationalism or tribalism, it becomes a veiled idolatry. We must remember: 'For God so loved the world...' not 'For God so loved the worthy people while ignoring the others.'"

A very good crash course on TheoBros that stoke the flames of Christian nationalism: www.motherjones.com/politics/202...

My heart is heavy with all the violations of human dignity in the news, but Merton reminds me that the Bible has a thing or two to tell those who live under the rule of a brutal and shameless empire. Photo credit: “Thomas Merton” by Jim Forest, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 www.flickr.com/photos/jimfo...

We can neither diminish nor deny January 6 — its memory — and how we remember it — is foundational for whatever happens next. So, don’t give up on the truth. January 6: American Crucible open.substack.com/pub/dianabut...

NPR built a visual archive of the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, showing exactly what happened through the lenses of the people who were there. In "Chapter 2: Stop the Steal," we look at how false claims of a stolen election mobilized Trump supporters.

Let's never forget the Insurrection Day - they were not tourists or peaceful protesters, they chanted "hang Mike Pence," they traumatized and injured police officers, caused property damage, and made a mockery of a constitutional and legitimate process of peaceful transfer of power. #Jan6 #history

This is my Christmas 2 sermon (Eve in comments): "If we believe in a God who revealed Himself to the world, we cannot support institutions that hide themselves in the shadows. In 2026, I invite us all to pay close attention to how leaders share knowledge and power—both in and out of the church."

Another proof that "removal of DEI policies" is really just about reinforcing the lie of White Supremacy and whitewashing history: U.S. removal of panels honoring Black soldiers at WWII cemetery in the Netherlands draws backlash share.google/XXO8RrrcLuxv...

Exhibit no. 213 in "Why we don't have universal healthcare": www.reddit.com/r/minnesota/... What a shameful and immoral waste of our tax dollars.

Millions of Americans remain at jobs they hate for one reason: the health insurance they receive. That’s absurd. Universal health care will give Americans the freedom to choose the work they want without worrying about health care coverage. Another reason for Medicare for All.

My Advent 4 sermon: "Jesus would be the one riding a bus and serving meatloaf in the cafeteria, not taking helicopter rides to avoid the traffic downtown and having a private chef." sermons.logos.com/sermons/1640...

It almost doesn’t need to be said that Christians forget Joseph in the Christmas story. We sing of and extol Mary. Joseph remains in the background, like a film extra with only a few lines. But Matthew gives Joseph a brief starring role. Sunday Musings: Advent 4 open.substack.com/pub/dianabut...

This is heartbreaking AND irresponsible as the funds had been assigned to protect vulnerable people: US justice department halts funding for human-trafficking survivors | Trump administration | The Guardian share.google/aPCFDwfEFVHg...

It's about the right priorities:

The older I get, the more my politics mature from childish, naïve beliefs like "the world is complicated and leaders have to make hard decisions" to more serious, adult principles like "hurting people is bad and helping people is good."

Advent 3 interactive sermon: "Beloved, Jesus doesn't need our blind obedience or our toxic positivity. As we await Christmas, it is okay not to be blissfully happy every second. We are complex beings."

Please enjoy this glimpse into my research in the form of a short paper "Being a Hauerwasian in the Global Church." It is NOT peer-reviewed, but it represents my research and most likely will be developed into a peer-reviewed article sometime next year.

"The fee will be imposed on individuals age 14 and older who are taken into custody after entering the United States unlawfully. " - yet another way to intimidate and burden already vulnerable people and also make some money on it.

My Advent 2 sermon: "If only the weaker side 'makes peace' while the stronger side keeps attacking, that is appeasement. If only the stronger side gives scraps without changing the power dynamic, that is just charity. Neither is the Kingdom of God. Peace will never last without mutuality."

What I always hear: “We can’t afford to pay our workers more than $15 an hour.” What I never hear: “We can’t afford to pay our CEO millions of dollars a year.” Funny how that works.

If the Venezuelan sailors were enemy combatants, then the 2nd strike is a war crime. If the Venezuelan sailors weren’t enemy combatants, then both strikes are criminal murder. It’s that simple.

My Advent 1 sermon: "We need to know who is coming, so that we recognize him when he does. If we are waiting on a White ripped dude with blonde hair and American accent, somebody like that might come along, but it ain't Jesus. However, if we are his sheep, we will know our shepherd's loving voice."

Unvaccinated infants are the second most likely group to get hospitalized for Covid after older adults. Any effort to minimize the effectiveness for kids is evil.

A well targeted disruption of a PR accomplice to many fossil fuel polluters.

As a survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, Viola Ford Fletcher bravely shared her story so that we’d never forget this painful part of our history. Michelle and I are grateful for her lifelong work to advance civil rights, and send our love to her family.

Double feature - Christ the King and Thanksgiving Service sermons! Christ the King: sermons.logos.com/sermons/1623... "Real power isn't about making people afraid. Real power is having arms open wide enough to forgive, just like Jesus did." Thanksgiving Service: sermons.logos.com/sermons/1623...

If Jesus is King, it is the weirdest “kingship” ever not-known in history...because he invited everyone to a shared table and proclaimed liberation. The kingdom he envisioned was one of human solidarity, non-violence, and shared goods. Christ (The) No Kings Sunday open.substack.com/pub/dianabut...

A federal judge didn’t “steal” the Commander-in-Chief’s powers—she ruled that DoD exceeded the limits Congress set. That is the rule of law working as designed. What threatens the Republic isn’t judicial review, but officials who insist they’re above it.

This is ridiculous - if not nurses then who is?

Please click below for my latest sermon: “God’s mission is always bigger than any single congregation, and we are part of that story. In times of hardship, God does not send suffering, but walks with us, inviting us to testify to love and mercy—especially when we face struggle or uncertainty.”

Charlotte, NC area folks: A very helpful resource place, please read and share www.acluofnorthcarolina.org/know-your-ri... Know your rights and that of others. Stay safe and never accept this as the new normal.

It's an unbelievable farce - some people have no shame and will grab what is not theirs from others.

Immediately after being sworn in, Arizona Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva signed a discharge petition to force a vote on a House bill demanding the Justice Department fully release the Epstein files. bit.ly/4hUNezz

Yesterday's sermon: "People’s primary identity will be children of resurrection. A very good news for the marginalized and ostracized, for they will be free from human bondage and not a great message for those that enjoy a fair bit of privilege and power in this world as they will lose it all."

That is some solid good news! Love is love!

And many of these are seriously hurting right now...

My All Saints sermon from yesterday: "We can risk boldly for justice in this world because our ultimate hope, and our loved ones, are already secure in God's kairos." Audio: recorder.google.com/20d09f76-566...

I do miss living in and around historical architecture that is not boring: youtu.be/tWYxrowovts?...

Know your rights, Illinois. Stay safe and stay informed.

Nowhere in the Bible is the command to take away from the poor and hungry and give it to the rich and well-fed.

Latest sermon "We choose to be generous in response to God’s grace, not hoping to earn it through our giving. For a world that sees everything as a transaction, this is baffling news. For all of us who know we are spiritually bankrupt, it is the best news there is: the grace of God is not for sale."

Whenever people complain about the number of folks relying on food stamps, it is worth reminding them that SNAP is, by too large of a degree, a subsidy for corporations that refuse to pay a living wage and their political allies who reject public policy prescriptions to reduce income inequality.

RFK Jr is wrong. Like usual. Beef tallow is not healthier than seed oils. RFK Jr is immune to evidence. DECADES of DATA show eating polyunsaturated fats in seed oils reduce risk of heart disease & atherosclerosis compared to eating saturated fats in beef tallow. Watch: youtu.be/bGrfbs8qxPo?...

What is the point of the constitution if it isn't followed? As per many federal courts, this administration violates the rights laid out in the constitution again and again and the hyprocrisy is clear - many self-proclaimed constitution lovers in places of power sit idly by or even celebrate it.

October 19, 2025 sermon is now available: "We are called to persist in asking God for what our hearts yearn for, and to find the courage to ask the same of our leaders and our world." Audio: recorder.google.com/517816b6-7f1...

Indeed, I don't think it is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Vaccines are safe and effective. Autism isn't caused by vaccines, and autistic people and their families deserve our support. When you want information, ask your doctor. It's more important than ever for all of us to speak plainly, truthfully, and directly about public health.

On #IndigenousPeoplesDay, we celebrate Indigenous history, culture, & resilience, confront ongoing legacies of violence & displacement, and recommit to respecting self-determination & dignity for all.