Editor’s Note: This article first was posted on Spirit of Abilene in June 2024. By Dr. Dan Stiver As the nation moves to celebrate the Fourth of July, appropriately so, the complex relationship of the United States and religion has come to the fore as much as ever. The rise of Christian nationalism, now documented by numerous studies, is a
Read more
By DAN R. STIVER “Resurrection happens every day.” This is a saying by Juergen Moltmann, one of my favorite theologians in his book, The Way of Jesus Christ. It means that the power and dynamics of the Resurrection are still present, not just long ago but continue to this day. Jesus came proclaiming that the Kingdom of God has drawn
Read more
By DAN R. STIVER In the aftermath of the landmark conviction of Derek Chauvin over the murder of George Floyd, a case that riveted the nation and the world, I had swirling feelings and thoughts. I was then struck by the words of lead prosecutor and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who for me hit so many notes so well.
Read more
By DAN STIVER For women’s history month, an ancient woman who comes to my mind is Heloise, from the twelfth century (c. 1095-1163). She may not be a contributor to U.S. history, but she is a notable contributor to church history. As Wikipedia states, “Her surviving letters are considered a foundation of French and European literature and primary inspiration for
Read moreBy DAN R. STIVER As I watched television throughout the day Wednesday, January 6, riveted and horrified at the scenes unfolding before my eyes and the eyes of the world, I kept thinking that this was a 9/11 moment, one which will be remembered and whose scenes will be viewed by my grandchildren’s grandchildren. It did not have the same
Read more
By DAN STIVER In September, the Pew Research Center published a report of their study of U.S. teenagers and their religious identity (https://www.brookings.edu/research/a-time-to-heal-a-time-to-build/?preview_id=1072489&fbclid=IwAR0TsM2ZTK1f3a7WpYkm9APCsMvgkUEWpcDLqy3dmt3OPh1VouplA9KbuUs). Among other things, they found that teenagers share the religious affiliation of their families; it is higher among evangelicals and Catholics, about 80 percent, than in mainline denominations, at 55 percent. The pattern holds even more for
Read more
By LORETTA FULTON When your mother de-Friends you on Facebook, you know you’ve got a problem. Dan Stiver, a religion professor at Hardin-Simmons University, was at a philosophy conference when he heard about that unfortunate family situation. But it could just as easily happen in your own family if disagreements turn to disgust with one another. “That puts the whole
Read more
Hardin-Simmons University professors Dan Stiver and Tom Copeland will be guest speakers for the November meeting of the Abilene Interfaith Council at noon Tuesday. Topic is “The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion.” The public is invited to the meeting, which begins at noon in Gerhart Hall at the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest,
Read more
By DAN STIVER There is a story about St. Francis of Assissi where he calls out to an almond tree, “Speak to me of God!” and the almond tree breaks into bloom. Whether or not this happened, it is consistent with St. Francis’ attitude towards this world of nature. He is famous for speaking to wild animals and enjoying nature
Read more
Spirit Of Abilene 