Theory of Growth
Over the past ten years, I’ve been in conversations with people from nearly every ideology. I’ve spoken to III Percenters and progressive activists. My goal has been to reduce bias and bigotry and help people see each other as human beings. Along the way, I’ve learned a lot—including the limits of my own understanding. Nearly…
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Christian Nationalism – Project 2025 and More
This is the fourth in a series of articles to reflect on Christian Nationalism. For more on this topic, you can read my book, Go and Do Likewise: Following Jesus into Our Common Humanity. If you’re Christian: Take some time to think about your own faith tradition. How does it invite you to respect, build relationships,…
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Christian Nationalism – Roots in History
This is the third in a series of articles to reflect on Christian Nationalism. For more on this topic, you can read my book, Go and Do Likewise: Following Jesus into Our Common Humanity. If you’re Christian: Take some time to think about your own faith tradition. How does it invite you to respect, build relationships,…
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Christian Nationalism – Exclusive In-Grouping
This is the second in a series of articles to reflect on Christian Nationalism. For more on this topic, you can read my book, Go and Do Likewise: Following Jesus into Our Common Humanity. If you’re Christian: Take some time to think about your own faith tradition. How does it invite you to respect, build relationships,…
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Countering Christian Nationalism – A Patrimonial System
This is the first in a series of articles to reflect on Christian Nationalism. For more on this topic, you can read my book, Go and Do Likewise: Following Jesus into Our Common Humanity. If you’re Christian: Take some time to think about your own faith tradition. How does it invite you to respect, build relationships,…
Read MoreFinding Each Other
Last week, we gathered people around tables to discover their shared power. On Thursday, we teamed up with Seattle University’s Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland for a Potluck Project event. We brought together about twenty-two leaders to experience what the Potluck Project is all about. It’s not…
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Either All of Us Are Human, or None of Us Are
Human beings have survived and thrived by forming in-groups. This instinct is so central to our lives that we’re often willing to risk everything to protect our group. But here’s the problem: other in-groups can be seen not just as different, but as threats—or even as less than human. And once we’ve stripped another group…
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Of Values and Vanity
Take a look at any website, brochure, or board member handbook, and you’ll likely find a mission, vision, and a list of core values. Sometimes these statements come from deep reflection and a real commitment to doing good in the world. Other times, they seem more like marketing language—something meant to look good on paper.…
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Relationships Are Foundational
In a time of growing division and isolation, it’s easy to forget that human societies have always depended on relationships—especially between groups. From ancient trade routes to cross cultural discussions, history shows us that thriving communities aren’t just built on individual connections but on how whole groups interact, collaborate, and find common ground. The Rippel…
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