Sarahbeth Caplin's Blog, page 28

Response to Glennon Doyle Melton’s same-sex marriage reveals evangelical hypocrisy

This is the easiest way to become a pariah in American Christendom: Become a famous Christian mommy blogger Get divorced Get remarried — to a woman Such is the story of Glennon Doyle Melton, whose recent marriage to soccer star Abby Wambach rocked her career like a president found guilty of conspiring with Russia. A … Continue reading Response to Glennon Doyle Melton’s same-sex marriage reveals evangelical hypocrisy

How Christians vote: Stick it to Hillary, or WWJD?

Someone recently shared this article from the Washington Post on Facebook, with the additional commentary: “This is why (so-called) progressive Christians shouldn’t scratch their heads wondering how so many Christians voted for the Donald. They did so, possibly and for some definitely, because the enemy of their enemy seemed a friend. I neither voted for … Continue reading How Christians vote: Stick it to Hillary, or WWJD?

Brio Magazine still culturally tone-deaf about dating

See also: Brio, a Christian magazine for teen girls, is back (and as harmful as ever) Just a few months ago, Focus on the Family revealed that Brio, their magazine for teen girls, would be back in circulation. For those who grew up reading it in the 1990s and early 2000s, news of its revival … Continue reading Brio Magazine still culturally tone-deaf about dating

You have no sense of adventure, you have anxiety instead

This piece originally appeared on Lilith.org. It’s not who I am, it’s just a sickness. These are the words you want to protest to your five roommates in Florence, Italy, when they bring up the idea for a weekend getaway to Paris. Who says no to Paris? Evidently, you do—when “travel expenses” mean hitchhiking and … Continue reading You have no sense of adventure, you have anxiety instead

‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ isn’t really about suicide

In case the title isn’t obvious, this post contains spoilers. I stayed up until 3am last night finishing Thirteen Reasons Why on Netflix. Knowing how different the show was from the book, I was prepared to be annoyed by it (which I was, more than once). Knowing what psychologists and counselors were saying about its … Continue reading ‘Thirteen Reasons Why’ isn’t really about suicide

Once you’re woke, you can’t go back to sleep

This is an open letter of sorts for everyone wondering why I’ve changed; “everyone” including my friends from various churches, bible studies, and small groups. You don’t “get” me anymore. You think I’ve “backslidden.” I get it. Not too long ago, I’d have thought the exact same thing. But I must digress. In many ways, … Continue reading Once you’re woke, you can’t go back to sleep

Brio, a Conservative Christian Magazine for Teen Girls, Is Back (And As Harmful As Ever)

If you were a Christian teen growing up in the ’90s and early 2000s, then you might have had a subscription to Focus on the Family’s Brio Magazine, best described as a godly version of Seventeen. Instead of quizzes like “How to Tell if he Likes You,” you’d find content like “How to Become a … Continue reading Brio, a Conservative Christian Magazine for Teen Girls, Is Back (And As Harmful As Ever)

What does it mean to have a ‘biblical worldview’?

This post originally appeared on Friendly Atheist. If you have any exposure to Christianity, then no doubt you’ve heard the expression “biblical worldview.” On the surface, the phrase is self-explanatory: interpreting every aspect of life through the context of the Bible. Unfortunately, there are almost as many definitions of “biblical worldview” as there are Christians, … Continue reading What does it mean to have a ‘biblical worldview’?

Thoughts and responses to Amy-Jill Levine’s “Holy Week and the Hatred of Jews”

As a Jew who converted to Christianity, I learned to appreciate Christmas. Easter, on the other hand, has always been difficult. There is no other day of the year when one-foot-in-both-worlds syndrome hits me harder, but I’ve never been able to articulate why. Thankfully, there’s Amy-Jill Levine, who wrote an enlightened piece for Religion and … Continue reading Thoughts and responses to Amy-Jill Levine’s “Holy Week and the Hatred of Jews”

Selections from the ‘Colorado State Monologues’

This year I was once again privileged to take part in the Colorado State Monologues, a rendition of The Vagina Monologues (but more inclusive). The show consists of mostly original monologues and skits by CSU students about issues of feminism and intersectionality. Below are my two pieces: Text: “I’m not like other guys,” you tell … Continue reading Selections from the ‘Colorado State Monologues’