K. Marie Mainard O’Connell recommends "The Book of Forgiving: The Fourfold Path for Healing Ourselves and the World" by Desmond and Mpho Tutu. "It is time to start forgiving the church — and ourselves," writes the pastor.
God meets us when we are at our lowest, shares Colin Farmer in a personal essay.
David Bonnema, pastor of Unity Presbyterian Church, shares the mutual learning and growth they found while partnering with a family of Afghan refugees.
After a season of upheaval, Katy Shevel reflects on what it means to reclaim something.
Andrew Taylor-Troutman learns about his great-uncle's experience as a soldier in WWII and reflects on the habitual nature of hardship — and grace.
The work of interim pastors is not often appreciated, but it is necessary.
At a young age, Union Presbyterian Seminary student Amanda Shanks felt a call to ministry. Having no model for female leadership in the church, she ignored it until two years ago. What changed?
Outlook intern Colin Farmer shares how he sometimes feels alone in his desire to end hate and corruption. Yet, even the prophets, he remembers, are called to love their neighbors.
A poem-prayer for waning seasons and bittersweet changes by Shannon Beck.
Ben Weakley spent 14 years in the U.S. Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He reflects on the cost of killing and the work of healing.
Sometimes, pastors need help finding the right words. Rebecca Gresham shares a resource she turns to when she's tired, overwhelmed, or feels at a loss.
“When we welcome sabbath, we welcome the holy,” writes Maggie Alsup.
Jodi Craiglow examines the practical theology of summer blockbusters “Oppenheimer” and “Barbie.”
What does it mean to "love thy neighbor as thyself" when you struggle to love yourself? Colin Farmer reflects on this question.
When 14-year-old Emmett Till was murdered, his mother Mamie boldly decided to publish pictures of his brutalized body, revealing the violence of racism to the nation. In the campaign to end gun violence, what can we learn from her courage and creativity, writes Jeremy Wilhelmi?
Reflecting on the 1984 fantasy film “The Neverending Story,” Karie Charlton shares her decision to dissolve her call.
“Slowing down carries with it the risk of boredom, but it also carries the freedom of genuine rest.” — Rachel Young
You can pluck a string on a cello and a nearby cello will sound out with the same chord. The Sabbath works this way too, Nadine Ellsworth-Moran writes.
Outlook editor Teri McDowell Ott introduces the Outlook's first-ever sabbath shut down.
"A 'day of rest' wasn’t going to be enough to heal my brokenness. ... I needed to feel the balm of sabbath on me at all times if I was going to continue living in this world." — Dana Moulds
In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. We recommend using this guide in your Bible study, small group or book club. It's our invitation into a faithful conversation.
Intentional rest is inconvenient, writes Linda Kurtz. How can embrace the challenge?
What theological rationale do you believe there is for reading books? Chris Currie, Bridgett Green and Lori Raible discuss.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary Professor Roger Owens reflects on the nature of humor and humility.
Rebecca Gresham reflects on the difference between sabbath and self-care — and how some activities can be both.
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