Theological Reflection

Mary’s mothering included many moments of tender nurture

The flesh-and-blood humanity of Mary’s motherhood has often been lost in our celebration of Advent.

By Aleta Payne Senior editor, Faith & Leadership

Image link to article: Mary’s mothering included many moments of tender nurture

Humbling ourselves to welcome one another in the spirit of hospitality

A mother’s boundless generosity reflects the Christian call to hospitality, writes the associate director of the Thriving Congregations Coordination Program.

By Angel Eaglin Associate Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program

Image link to article: Humbling ourselves to welcome one another in the spirit of hospitality

What do you pray for before an election?

Faith & Leadership asked various faith leaders from multiple backgrounds to help lead us in prayer before another watershed U.S. election.

Finding comfort with the saints among the stars

As we mark All Saints’ Day, the births and deaths of stars, side by side, serve as a reminder of God’s bigger picture, writes a director of educational programing for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Angie Kay Hong Director of Educational Programs, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: Finding comfort with the saints among the stars

Forget optimism — choose hope

Hopeful people don’t blindly assume that everything is going to be all right; they work for a better future, writes the director of research at Duke’s Office of Climate and Sustainability.

By Norman Wirzba Gilbert T. Rowe Distinguished Professor, Duke Divinity School

Image link to article: Forget optimism — choose hope

How long, O Lord? How long?

What might we hear and think and do as faith leaders as the war in the Middle East grinds on?

By Peter A. Pettit Teaching pastor, St. Paul Lutheran Church

Image link to article: How long, O Lord? How long?

Like nature, congregations may change slowly

While we admire speed and efficiency, successful change can require time and patience, writes an associate director for Leadership at Duke Divinity’s Thriving Congregations Coordination Program.

By Sarah E. Forsyth Associate Director, Thriving Congregations Coordination Program

Image link to article: Like nature, congregations may change slowly

The headlines reinforce Babel, but we are in Pentecost!

In the midst of overwhelming news of the world, three enduring and reassuring teachings of Pentecost should prevail.

By Edgardo A. Colón-Emeric Dean of Duke Divinity School; Ruth and A. Morris Williams, Jr. Professor of Theology and Christian Ministry

Image link to article: The headlines reinforce Babel, but we are in Pentecost!

What narrative are you telling about your organization and your community?

We can take a lesson from the Hebrew midwives and live into a hopeful, faithful vision rather than one that is rooted in fear, writes a director of programs and grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Mycal X. Brickhouse Director of programs and grants, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: What narrative are you telling about your organization and your community?

The legalities of fetal personhood should not be up for biblical interpretation

Theological discussions about IVF and abortion belong in faith communities, not in the courts or legislatures where legal decisions are made.

By Rebecca Todd Peters Professor, Elon University

Image link to article: The legalities of fetal personhood should not be up for biblical interpretation

Loving through failure

There are life lessons in being a loyal fan of a team, whatever their win-loss record, writes the director of communications for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.

By Emily Lund Director of Communications, Leadership Education at Duke Divinity

Image link to article: Loving through failure