At graveside
Preaching scholar Thomas Long shares some thoughts on preaching funerals.
We live in a death-denying culture that impoverishes the precious gift of life. Christian theology has too often added to this death denial by skipping past death to focus on life eternal. This issue explores our thinking, beliefs, hopes, fears and rituals around death so we can lean more faithfully into life.
Preaching scholar Thomas Long shares some thoughts on preaching funerals.
Amy Pagliarella reviews Rob Delaney's latest book.
"Naming the ways in which Asian Americans harm each other and render ourselves invisible when we adopt the values of the dominant culture captured the emotional taxation many Asian American church leaders endure — often without even realizing it."
"Martin’s goal – a worthy one – is to help preachers understand the real Paul so they and their congregations can learn from him, rather than be distracted by words that don’t fairly represent Paul’s beliefs."
"(Paterson’s) stories are also steeped with the universal challenges and heartbreak of childhood: feelings of being misunderstood, unlovable, lost, as well as the wonder and joy of absorbing life as it unfurls."
Christianity has too often been a death-denying religion. Christian theology moves quickly beyond death to a life after (or an afterlife). The funeral service is titled “Witness to the Resurrection,” avoiding even the word “death.”
“Your courageous planning and preparation are gifts,” writes Vern Farnum, “to those who will grieve your departure from this realm.”
Outlook editor Teri Ott explores burials that are kinder to the environment: No vault, no embalming, but sometimes, there are ducks.
Dana Moulds taps into her deep intuition to find her calling as a death doula.
A poem by Andrew Taylor-Troutman.
There’s no ‘right’ way, but there is a faithful way, writes Andy Gans.
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.
We live in a death-denying culture, and Christian theology can add to this denial by over-emphasizing eternal life. This issue explores our thinking, beliefs, hopes, fears and rituals around death so we can lean more faithfully into life.
How can your financial resources bless others after you die?
Cynthia Rigby writes about perichoresis or "mutual indwelling." This term is usually used in theological circles to reference the relationship of the Trinity, but can it also reference how we belong to one another?
Lesson 8 of the 2022-2023 Presbyterian Women/Horizons Bible Study.
Does everything happen for a reason? Kate Bowler talks with people about what they've learned during difficult times.