Sarahbeth Caplin's Blog, page 9

When it’s okay (and necessary) to be silent

I used to think that anyone who stayed silent about trending topics simply didn’t care about them. I’d scan Facebook after mass shootings, the killings of unarmed black men, or after Donald Trump said something distasteful, and see who was calling it out. Who was using their platform to pay homage, increase awareness, or correct… Continue reading When it’s okay (and necessary) to be silent

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Trolled by God

I learned a valuable lesson this month about being careful what you pray for, because sometimes you actually get it. Lately I’ve been feeling convicted about the amount of time I’ve been spending on social media, and the ways I’ve used it to seek validation as a writer and Christian “influencer” (I feel gross just… Continue reading Trolled by God

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The Handmaid’s Tale and the meaning of justice

Warning: this post contains spoilers for The Handmaid’s Tale season 4 finale. The Hulu series The Handmaid’s Tale didn’t start to resonate with me on a personal level until season 4. For me the show is pure “Things could always be worse” escapist fantasy. But watching June orchestrate the execution of the man who raped… Continue reading The Handmaid’s Tale and the meaning of justice

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Idols rather than fishers

I often joke that maybe I shouldn’t have written a memoir of my faith journey, because now everyone knows me by the theology I had circa 2012. While still holding to core doctrines, I’ve changed my mind on other things I wouldn’t want to be known for now. This happens to all Christians eventually. But… Continue reading Idols rather than fishers

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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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