Draw Close: A Creative Companion for Lent

"Draw Close" by Stephanie B. Dunn is an engaging Lenten guide blending prayer, reflection, and creative practices for spiritual renewal, writes Amy Pagliarella.

Picture of plant bulbs, a gardening shovel, and a golden leaf.

Insights columns

Epiphany

A poem by Amy Cerniglia.

Religion News Service

Richard Hays, influential scholar who changed his mind on same-sex marriage, has died

The renowned New Testament scholar and former dean of Duke Divinity School described his most recent book as an act of repentance for the way his work had been used to harm LGBTQ people and to divide Christians.

The art of public theology. illustration of medical dna, gene analysis

Outlook Features

Crossing the liminal together: The art of public theology

By the power of the Holy Spirit, our hearts are joined in one holy unity. — Jennifer Frayer Griggs

Weekly Liturgy

Order of worship — January 19, 2025

You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation.

Outlook Standard Lessons

Learning to bless God (January 19, 2025)

In learning about our blessings, we learn to bless God, writes Tara W. Bulger of Psalm 103.

Looking into the lectionary

Second Sunday after the Epiphany — January 19, 2025

Teri McDowell Ott reflects on John 2:1-11 and the joyful feast of communion.

Outlook Features

Public theology and the many faces of Jesus

Considering the contextual nature of theology, the writer opens up reflections on who Jesus Christ is for different people. — Rachel Baard

Microphone abstract prepare for speaker speech of conference or seminar hall at exhibition room background.

Outlook Reporting

Presbyterian speaker series enrich communities

Discover how guest speakers like Kate Bowler and Bryan Stevenson are inspiring faith and fostering dialogue in Presbyterian churches.

Book Reviews

Defiant Hope, Active Love: What Young Adults Are Seeking in Places of Work, Faith, and Community

Why are young adults leaving the church, and how do we compel them to return? Howard Cha-Young Kim reviews Jeffrey F. Keuss' "Defiant Hope, Active Love."

Public theology An image resembling a quilt with a cross. The cover of the Outlook's issue on public theologians.

Editorials

We are all public theologians

"Your life, your words, your actions speak of your beliefs and profess your faith. Your medium is whatever blank canvas God unfurls for you to share the good news," writes Teri McDowell Ott.

Book Reviews

The Salt of the Universe: Praise, Songs, and Improvisations

Amy Leach riffs on her her religious upbringing and present like a jazz trumpeter improvising, writes Andrew Taylor-Troutman.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, 2014.

Religion News Service

Jimmy Carter, beloved Sunday school teacher, ex-president, dead at 100

Carter was the only U.S. president to have taught Sunday school while in office, according to the White House Historical Association.

Book Reviews

Beautiful Bodies: Augustine, Nunc et Tunc

Who was the real Augustine? In "Beautiful Bodies," Margaret R. Miles reexamines Augustine’s later sermons, showcasing a journey from reason to heartfelt emotion. Samuel McCann offers a review.