Category: Social Issues
The Crumbling Argument against Women’s Ordination
Opponents of female ordination have an arsenal of arguments against allowing women into the ministry. One of the most well-worn comes from the Pastoral Epistles, likely written by a disciple of Paulâ€... Read More
A “Brand” New Way of Thinking
On a Saturday morning, I was sitting with a friend at our favorite bench and grading papers. “Check this,” he said, turning his laptop around for me to see. “Russell Brand totally nails this guy... Read More
A Religious ‘None’ in the Middle East
When asked what I plan to do with a Master of Theological Studies – a question I encounter frequently as a recent graduate in a field many are unfamiliar with – my well-rehearsed, though honest, r... Read More
Sikh Ethics and Political Engagement
Originally published with Tikkun; Co-written with Dr. Prabhjot Singh As members of an underrepresented community in modern America, we find ourselves in the midst of a double bind. On the one hand, we... Read More
Gay Marriage Pride at New Jersey’s Largest Synagogue
This article was written by Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz, Cantor Howard M. Stahl, Rabbi Karen R. Perolman, and Rabbi Joshua M. Z. Stanton, the clergy team at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hil... Read More
Work and Witness: The Role of Faith Communities in Working-Class America
Rob is a twenty-six year old white male who lives in Massachusetts. After graduating from vocational high school, he hoped to build a career in manufacturing technology and carpentry. But as soon as h... Read More
Blessed are the Compassionate: The value of co-suffering in Mahayana Buddhism and Liberation Theology.
No island or castle can hide us from the reality of suffering, including sickness and death. That was true for Gautama Buddha over 2,500 years ago and it is true today. When we pay attention, we reali... Read More
Saving Conservative Judaism: A Response to the Religious Landscape Survey
This essay was inspired by the following article: “Conservative Judaism turns 100 and Works to Reverse its Decline.” Back in 2009, when my fiancĂ© and I were searching for a synagogue to a... Read More