Recommended Reading 2-23-17 edition

FYI: I've neglected my blog in recent months, so I'm posting some stuff I've sent out to my church during that time.  This explains why some of the links and topics are somewhat dated.  Here they are for the purposes of posterity.

Regularly, if somewhat spasmodically, I share a list of things I'm reading, watching and listening to with my congregation.  If I remember to do so, I also post it here on my blog:

United Church of Christ in the News

• "Kansas lesbian pastor finding a home in the UCC"--Great story about Rev. Cynthia Meyer--she spoke at CCCUCC this past fall.  
• "UCC leaders condemn decision to approve Dakota Access Pipeline"

LGBTQ

• "To Trans Young People: You are Beautiful And Perfect Just as You are"--a response to the Trump administration's rollback of federal protections for trans students
• "Central Standard: Interview with Avery Jackson and Her Mom"--KC kid Avery Jackson--who has visited CCCUCC--is the first transgender person to be on the cover of National Geographic
• "Bathroom Case Puts Transgender Teen on National Stage"--SCOTUS considers the case of Gavin Grimm of Virginia

The Border Wall and the Muslim Ban

• "Why Trump's Ideas About Islam are Dangerous"--great words by Kansas City treasure Bill Timmaeus
• "Has Trump Catalyzed a New Christian Coalition?"--Glad to read about "pro-life" evangelicals who understand caring for refugees as being "pro-life"

American Christianity Following the 2016 Election

• "Longform Podcast #228: Jeff Shartlett"--I have to be ready to read or listen to Jeff Shartlet, because his journalism about the mixture of religion and politics on the Right always terrifies me. I'm terrified that the folks he describes are out there in positions of power and terrified that journalism completely misses the religious component of what is happening in politics. In this podcast, he talks about how Trump's VP Mike Pence, along with cabinet picks like DeVos, Sessions, Coats and others are all connected with Right-Wing religious groups like "The Family." In fact, Shartlet predicted the rise of Pence several years ago in one of his books. This interview with Shartlet about his career in journalism and how he ended up covering religion in America is a great introduction to his work. He also explains why after years of death threats from people on the Right he's ready to find another beat.
• "These Christians are Opposed to Trump--and Suffering the Consequences"--
  Interesting article about people coming from conservative Evangelical and Catholic settings who are facing consequences for not supporting Trump or not towing the traditional conservative Christian line on politics in general. I'm inspired by these folks, especially the ones who have been fired from Evangelical organizations, for speaking out. It is the shame of American Evangelical Christianity that speaking out on issues like sexual assault of women, suicides by transgender people, welcoming refugees and mourning the dead of The Pulse nightclub is somehow considered controversial.
• "Christians, don't be fooled: Trump has deep religious convictions"--Christian ethicist Stanley Hauerwas weighs in on Trump's idolatry
• "Donald Trump, the Religious Right's Trojan Horse"--from the op-ed: "The religious right has been elevated to power without having to contest its ideas in an election."

Racism in 2017

• "NAACP Leader is Silenced by Missouri Lawmaker During Public Hearing"--As the article says, "Jim Crow is alive and well in Missouri."
• "Understanding the Enduring Legacy of Racism in This Country"--Eddie Glaude is the chair of African American Studies at Princeton. Here's an interview with him where he talks about BLM, the legacy of Obama and why America may not be moving towards becoming a "more perfect union." His thoughts are sure to offend holders of white privilege everywhere. His words in this public radio interview are uncomfortable for me to hear but necessary.

Sexism in 2017

• "Elizabeth Warren was Told To Be Quiet.  Women Can Relate"--Every man should read this. Every woman already knows this.

Immigration

• "Super Bowl ad about immigration draws attention to tiny Eighty Four, PA"--Interesting story about how Trump voters in the PA town where the headquarters of 84 Lumber resides thought about the company's immigration ad. It demonstrates the conflicted views many white Americans have about immigration.

#FightFor15

• "Andy Puzder's withdrawal for Cabinet post is cheered by Kansas City low-wage workers"--good quote in this article by MORE2 Executive Director Lora McDonald

Other Stuff I Think Is Cool

• "Kansas City Public Library Embraces the Homeless"--Reading this I'm awed by the community the downtown library in KCMO has created for and with these homeless men. It reminds me of church except I doubt most churches would be open to these men like this.
• "Books That Help Kids Understand What It's Like to Be a Refugee"
•  "I Don't Know If Thee is a God.  Neither Do You.  And That's Okay"

You can find more stuff that I think is worth reading, watching and listening to by following me on Facebook and Twitter.