I have been working here at the Century for a little over three years. In that time I have never seen our publication schedule operating like it is now. There are so many news stories—and specifically news stories about the continual collisions of religion and politics in the US—that we have been in accelerated writing and editing mode to provide thoughtful content on what matters to you (and us).
Though Bishop Mariann Budde’s sermon to the president occurred over a month ago, it is still the subject of both celebration and debate. Katherine Willis Pershey reflects on the prophetic sermon’s continued impact. More recently, faith leaders have been battling the White House in court over executive orders about refugee ministry. Our editors write about the malice behind these heartless orders.
Our video of the week features religion professor Alan Levinovitz, who chats with me about some of the struggles and dilemmas faced by religion educators today. Plus more great content below, including a tribute from our publisher/editor Peter Marty to his father Martin Marty, who recently passed away.
Jon Mathieu Email me: Which sermon you’ve heard has most affected you? Click to schedule a Friday lunch chat with Jon Click to find Jon on (X/Twitter alternative) Bluesky
“A good sermon has to do more than entertain and inspire—or agitate and annoy—in the moment. What comes next? Will Bishop Budde’s sermon make a difference?”
“While Christians have long debated how best to help people, recently the debate has shifted to whether to do it at all. There are so many professed Christians who remain loyal to Trump even as he guts vital humanitarian programs.”
Religion professor Alan Levinovitz chats with Jon about the impossible truism expected of religious educators: teach students how to think, not what to think.
“When Christians abstain from the national anthem or decline to swear before a jury, we put on display what the government cannot do. Each time we refuse the Pledge of Allegiance or remove the American flag from our sanctuaries—each act cultivates a pattern of nonconformity to state coercion.”
