Susan Cottrell's Blog, page 2

Empathy Is Resistance, Compassion Is Revolution

The Death of Empathy There was a time when we could disagree and still hold space for each other’s humanity. A time when conversations could be passionate, yet civil. A time when, even in the midst of our differences, we could recognize the heart in another person. But today, we are witnessing the erosion of […]

When Truth Is Dead, Love Must Live

There was a time when truth mattered. When a fact was a fact, when reality wasn’t up for debate. But somewhere along the way, truth lost its footing. Now, truth seems to bend and shift depending on who’s speaking, and facts are dismissed if they don’t serve an agenda. We are living in a time […]

Standing Against Homophobia and Transphobia

Today, we are outraged. As parents of LGBTQ+ children and leaders of a supportive community of tens of thousands, we have witnessed firsthand the pain caused by the church’s anti-gay false teachings, beliefs and actions, and the escalating legislative attacks on our transgender loved ones. It is time to stand up, speak out, and unconditionally […]

Uh, yeah, there are no gays at Christian colleges.

“There used to be no conversation. Now people are talking about LGBT issues all the time, and the university can’t pretend that there aren’t gay people who attend the school… Although many of these colleges explicitly ban “homosexual behavior,” they are now home to dozens of LGBT-friendly student groups.” – Philip Francis and Mark Longhurst […]

The Election: Is This Palpable Excitement or Abject Terror?

As we are just a month away from a truly critical, historic election, I’m struck by a deep, swirling feeling. Is it incredible excitement or is it overwhelming fear. Why are these two emotions so intertwined as we gaze ahead? On one hand, we hold this wonderful hope — that maybe we’ll see the arc […]

Finding Hope in the Chaos of the Election & Social Media

You know, I used to think elections were a time for us to come together as a society, to discuss what matters most, and to seek the common good. But lately, it feels like every election is a battleground. It brings out the very worst in us, doesn’t it? Instead of connection, we’re divided. Instead […]

Christian Nationalism is Distorting Christ’s Message

In the heart of America, Christian nationalism is eroding the very essence of our values. Masquerading as faith, it poses a significant danger by distorting the beliefs and teachings of Jesus. As the co-founder of FreedHearts, I’ve been a witness to the insidious effects of Christian nationalism. It is a movement that intertwines religious identity […]

Why the Idea of a Literal Inerrant Bible Diminishes God

The Bible is a collection of stories, poems, letters, and teachings that have evolved over centuries. The idea that it is a literal, inerrant text is not only historically inaccurate but also overlooks the rich, diverse, and beautiful history of these writings. The inerrancy of the Bible is a myth that does a disservice to […]

Holding Onto Hope in Uncertain Times

Life is full of challenges that test our resilience, from personal losses and financial hardships to global crises and political turmoil. These moments can leave us feeling defeated, but hope is an essential, life-sustaining force that can carry us through. Let’s talk about how we can nurture hope when everything seems bleak. The Power of […]

Embracing DEI: A Call for Followers of Jesus

When we talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), we’re talking about the heart of Jesus’ message. If you claim to follow Jesus, embracing DEI is not optional—it’s essential. These principles aren’t just trendy buzzwords; they’re deeply rooted in the core values of love, justice, and compassion that Jesus embodied. Let’s break it down. Diversity: […]