The top ten most-read posts of 2023

Thanks for reading this year! The most read posts revolved around Israel-Palestine, pastoring, Barbie, celebrity pastors, trans rights, my former charge, and the Old Testament.

Thanks for much for reading my blog this year! I transitioned to Substack and have enjoyed it. I mainly write to share my ideas with my congregation, friends, and followers. If you like what you’re reading, consider subscribing as a Christmas gift to me. So far, I don’t charge for people to read my posts, but I welcome any support.

10. Why naming Tim Keller’s sexism and transphobia isn’t dancing on his grave

If we aren’t honest about the legacies of people who have died, we are not remembering them.

9. The words I won’t say

From the grossly misinterpreted “from the river to the sea” to the protest of a Philly-based, Israeli-owned falafel shop, bad faith critics loom over Israel-Palestine, and caution is warranted.

8. Ten ways to make pastoring sustainable

Right now we are seeing a nationwide exodus of pastors leaving the ministry. Here are ten ways for making our blessed profession more sustainable.

7. In defense of Joe Biden on Israel-Palestine

Joe Biden has maintained the U.S. alliance with Israel, while also brokering the beginnings of a peace deal. He remains unpopular as a president and as a candidate. But his work should be lauded.

6. Trans rights are not a theologian topic of discussion, they are a matter of life and death

Trans teens are killing themselves, and politicians want to make them illegal: now is the time to stand with them.

5. Barbie shows us that political change happens through organizing, not personal relationships

When Ken experiences the perks of patriarchy, he wants to amass power, not give it away. Barbie needs political action in order to change her world—not merely a personal appeal for empathy.

4. When it comes to Israel-Palestine, you can do two things at once

You don’t have to support Hamas to oppose apartheid, nor do you have to support Israeli occupation to fight antisemitism.

3. Why you shouldn’t support Bruxy Cavey’s new ministry

There is a path for repentance and redemption for abusers, but it starts with wholeness for victims, not with fundraising for a new ministry.

2. So long Circle of Hope, and thanks for all the songs

I've been a part of the same faith community since I was an undergraduate at Temple. It has grown me into the person I am today. I go in peace with gratitude and fondness.

1. Confused about the Old Testament? Read it as a victim of oppression might.

There is no difference between the God of the Old Testament and the God of the New Testament. When we think we’ve encountered some essential distinction, it’s best to look for deeper solutions.