Justice. Mercy. Faith.
Through The Christian Citizen, we seek to shape a mind among American Baptists and others on matters of public concern by providing a forum for diverse voices living and working at the intersection of faith and politics, discipleship and citizenship.
My crowd is bigger than your crowd
Bigger does not mean better. More followers do not mean the way is good or right. Sometimes the worst or most extreme causes attract large numbers. Bigger numbers do not mean something is more true, right, or correct. That is the way of the world, which places a high value on large followings like multitudes. The way of God is the good, the right, and the true. That way may be embraced by only a few.
Citizens with the saints – recovering the gospel’s political claims
Imagining how politics could be otherwise begins with recovering the political claims embedded in the familiar language and practices of Christian worship.
Readers Write: Tell your story in The Christian Citizen.
Advent is a time of expectant waiting. It is also a penitential season. The Christian Citizen invites readers to offer a personal reflection on words commonly associated with Advent. Pick one word from the list provided. What does the word make you think of? How does it make you feel? Is there a specific moment in your life when the word took on new meaning for you? Don’t feel like you need to write a devotion or even use religious language. Tell your story. Nonfiction only. Entries will be edited as necessary. Not all will be published. Those that are published will receive a $25 Judson Press gift certificate.
10 ways to observe Veterans Day in your church that don’t involve waving a giant American flag from the pulpit or shooting off fireworks during the passing of the peace
Caring for veterans is a social justice issue. They have endured the rigors of war and military service. Many come from lower-income backgrounds in rural or urban America. In short, you don’t have to be pro-war to care for the veterans in your community of faith.
Of trees and thornbushes
There’s a fascinating, oft – overlooked parable in Judges 9. It might be one of the most profound teachings about political power and who we trust to rule found in the scriptures. As we see political chaos in England over “Brexit” and in the U.S. amid impeachment deliberations for presidential abuse of power in relations with Ukraine, it raises questions about who we choose to lead our governments and why.
Being ruthlessly strategic
If we want our work and efforts to be relevant, significant and impactful to the communities and people we seek to serve, then we must make hard choices. Otherwise, what we do may sound good, even do good, but still not be on-target to what we set out to achieve—nor to what we need to do.
Featured Series
On Mental Health
Giving mental health awareness the right place in the church
How many sermons have you heard on mental health or suicide? Most likely none. And yet, the national suicide rate has increased 33 percent between 1999 and 2017. This is a public health crisis.
Breaking the silence of mental illness
The church that claims to be following Jesus is walking in darkness when the light is not shined on mental illness, especially when the mentally ill do not feel welcomed to talk about their illness.
Faith, mental health, and the rumor of grace
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a good time to consider starting or expanding a mental health ministry in your church and community.
The quietest, loneliest and most painful illness
Mental illness is the loneliest and quietest of illnesses. Sometimes we do not know we have it. Or, we do not acknowledge it. We do not talk about it much. We do not want to. Few people know or understand. Yet the hurting is profound, confusing, and lonely.”
Featured Series
Theological Education in North America
by Dr. Philip Thompson
Theological education in North America: Crises and faithful creativity
Theological schools in North America are facing a time when they must turn toward new models and philosophies.
Theological education in North America: Crises and faithful creativity, part 2
A few schools have begun to move beyond the level of different forms of content delivery and have begun to re-envision theological education in a more thoroughgoing manner. One of these schools is Sioux Falls Seminary, with its Kairos Project.
Theological education in North America: Crises and faithful creativity, part 3
One of the factors contributing to women and men leaving ministry is the often heavy cost of theological education leading to the assumption of considerable debt. In response to these challenges, Sioux Falls Seminary’s Kairos Project has abandoned the credit hour in favor of a revolutionary financial model for operating and pricing degrees.
Theological education in North America: Crises and faithful creativity, Part 4
Sioux Falls Seminary’s “Baptistness” lies not in the application of some “Baptist principle” or set of principles. Rather, we seek to be resonant with the historic genius of the Baptist ethos, one grounded in the Baptist conviction of Christ’s lordship that leads to a decentering of all things human, including institutions.
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Now Available
The Christian CitizenVolume 2, 2019 Print Edition
Featuring diverse writers and topics.
Featured Contributors
Curtis Ramsey-Lucas
Rev. Dr. Debora Jackson
Rev. Margaret Marcuson
Rev. Dr. Greg Johnson
Rev. Jerrod H. Hugenot
Alyssa Vasquez
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We feature thought-provoking articles and action-inspiring essays that intersect faith, politics, discipleship