Sarahbeth Caplin's Blog, page 10

Of rosaries and car accidents

I got my Covid vaccine yesterday, and almost didn’t live to tell about it (or post the obligatory selfie). I’d just gotten off the highway exit for the Walmart pharmacy. The traffic light was green, and I had my own lane to turn right. A semi truck was distantly behind me, and I sped up… Continue reading Of rosaries and car accidents

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“Christian seders” expose our need for liturgy

Within the last few decades, “Christian seders” have become a trend. But the traditional matzah is broken in three parts to represent the Trinity, and the cup of wine becomes Christ’s blood. This is, needless to say, not how Jews intended for these symbols to be used. Many Jews find this modern practice offensive, if… Continue reading “Christian seders” expose our need for liturgy

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Give me a church that offends

Give me a church that regularly offends my sensibilities; one that overthrows my preconceived notions of how the world works. Give me a church that loves me enough never to coddle my harmful choices but confronts me gently with necessary truth. Give me a church that fears for my soul more than my reputation. Give… Continue reading Give me a church that offends

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Christianity did not invent grace

Though I’ve been a Christian for one third of my life at this point, I am still innately protective of my faith of origin. One of the most difficult parts of my Christian walk has been un-learning some of the antisemitic tropes that have crept into Christian thinking over the centuries. Sometimes they’re obvious; other… Continue reading Christianity did not invent grace

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Memo for a weary world

I used to joke that if you ever want to know what loneliness feels like, try being a Jew at Christmas. But now there’s a new version of the joke that’s a lot less funny: if you want to know what loneliness feels like, try being in the midst of a pandemic during the holiday… Continue reading Memo for a weary world

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To build a table or a fence: thoughts at the end of the Trump administration

I don’t know about you, but the last four years of Donald Trump completely upended my life. I learned that a few close childhood friends secretly believed I was a moral monster for not being a single-issue voter. I saw blatantly racist posts on social media from people I once respected. My social world has… Continue reading To build a table or a fence: thoughts at the end of the Trump administration

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A time for unifying, a time for dividing

I’m torn between two types of people I want to be: one who shows grace to those with differing opinions, and one who is firm in both conviction and setting healthy emotional boundaries. How can one be both in this era? Yet Another Identity Crisis For me, this is another Jewish-versus-Christian issue, where both sides… Continue reading A time for unifying, a time for dividing

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RBG and Spiritual Dysphoria

Every now and then, there is an event or a season in which I hearken back to my Jewish roots. It’s not that I shut down my Christian identity, but rather allow a part of me that normally lies dormant to temporarily take the stage. The High Holy Days in Judaism are one such season.… Continue reading RBG and Spiritual Dysphoria

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Yes, Theology Matters

My “Theology Matters” shirt never fails to spark conversation or earn me funny looks. But I’m sure it’s frequently misunderstood. I’ll give you a hint: “Theology matters” is not making a statement about Christian supremacy. Religion News Service has an article describing how many American Christians are ambivalent about social justice. Their faith doesn’t motivate… Continue reading Yes, Theology Matters

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Grace for the fascist and the baby killer

I was talking to a friend recently about whether it’s right to avoid people in my life who still ardently support Donald Trump, as a grown-up way of following the rule we all learned in kindergarten: “If you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” For me, the best way to… Continue reading Grace for the fascist and the baby killer