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** Resurrection and colonialism
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The Bible, and human history, and each of our own journeys, are such mixed bags. So much beauty and so much heartbreak. This seems to simply be a feature of the human condition, that we are capable of such high highs and low lows. We love and hate; we create and destroy.

So when our writers engage in theological reflection and connect our daily lives with the pages of scripture, almost anything can happen. Isaac Villegas sees the ordinariness of Jesus after the resurrection ([link removed]) and ponders what it means for our experience of the Easter gospel. Yolanda Pierce ties Pentecost to her own history with the Black church—as both a faith tradition and a language ([link removed]) . But some reckonings with faith and reality are less celebratory. Jessica Mesman reviews four books on sexual assault and the church ([link removed]) , while Stephanie Perdew takes stock of the church’s ongoing colonialism ([link removed]) .

Our video of the week features Angela Hooks, who reflects on the mystical experiences and prophetic challenge of Sister Thea Bowman ([link removed]) . Plus scroll down for even more great content, like a poem from (my favorite poet) Bonnie Thurston about the mysterious nature of prayer ([link removed]) .

Jon Mathieu
Email me (mailto:[email protected]?subject=A%20Bible%20character%20and%20me&body=Jon%2C%20) : Which Bible character do you most relate to?
Click to schedule ([link removed]) a Friday lunch chat with Jon
Click to find Jon ([link removed]) on (X/Twitter alternative) Bluesky
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** Resurrection, then breakfast ([link removed])
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“It sounds underwhelming as a reason for the resurrection—that Jesus conquers death so he can come back and be with his disciples, enjoy another meal, fellowship around the fire, linger with his friends for as long as he can. But that’s what God has wanted from eternity: to be with us.”

by Isaac S. Villegas
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** Black Church is my mother tongue ([link removed])
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“Language is the embodiment of experience, and the language of the Black church taught me to be certain of the justice and goodness of God, in contrast to the injustice and cruelty of humanity.”

by Yolanda Pierce
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** VIDEO: Reflecting on Sister Thea Bowman ([link removed])
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Jon chats with Angela Hooks about Thea Bowman’s mysticism, activism, and prophetic challenge.
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** In the Lectionary for May 11 (Easter 4C) ([link removed])
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Jesus is very clear: Snatchers, no snatching!
by Katherine A. Shaner

Easter 4C archives ([link removed])
Get even more lectionary resources with Sunday’s Coming Premium, an email newsletter from the editors of the Christian Century. Learn more ([link removed]) .


** Trending topics: Sexual assault and the church ([link removed])
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Senior editor Jessica Mesman reviews four new books.


** We are not living in a postcolonial world ([link removed])
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“Church reforms sought under the guise of decolonizing our theology, liturgy, or institutional practices are not the same as decolonization’s one and only goal: returning Indigenous lands to Indigenous hands.”

by Stephanie Perdew


** Begin Small, Then Wait ([link removed])
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Begin with an insignificant seed
which you will have to water.
Then, watch for its tiny shoot.
Prayer begins with waiting.

poem by Bonnie Thurston
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