Nick Gier

Nick Gier lives in Moscow, Idaho. He holds a doctorate in philosophical theology from the Claremont Graduate University. His major professors were James M. Robinson, New Testament scholar and editor of the Gnostic Gospels, and John B. Cobb, the world’s foremost process theologian. He taught in the philosophy department at the University of Idaho for 31 years. He was coordinator of religious studies from 1980-2003. He has written five books and over 70 articles and book chapters. Read his articles on religion at nfgier.com/religion. He's enjoyed two sabbaticals and one research leave in India for a total of 22 months in that country. He can be reached at ngier006@gmail.com.

What did Thomas Paine believe? The founding father’s forgotten faith

A reflection on Thomas Paine’s revolutionary influence, his critique of organized faith and the backlash that followed “The Age of Reason.”

Is America a Christian nation? The controversy over pluralism

An argument against Christian nationalism, looking at intent on church-state separation, and movements seeking to redefine the U.S. as a Christian nation.

Tim Walz, Anne Frank and why Holocaust comparisons to Trump’s ICE raids matter

Debate over Holocaust comparisons and Trump raises questions about how history should inform resistance to modern authoritarianism.

How Zoroastrianism’s ancient concept of self-judgment influenced western thought on hell

A scholar explores Zoroastrian theology, the Magi, Sartre’s “No Exit,” and the enduring idea that judgment is ultimately self-inflicted.

Jesus as Lord of the Dance: The biblical and historical roots of dancing in Christianity

From biblical references to medieval mystics, dance has long been part of Jesus Christian worship. A reflection inspired by “Lord of the Dance.”

Braiding Sweetgrass reveals surprising parallels between Indigenous and biblical creation myths

A reflection on Sky Woman, Eve and creation myths, exploring Indigenous wisdom, biblical parallels, theology and the meaning of “mother of all life.”

True Peacemakers: Why the Dalai Lama and Gandhi stand apart from Charlie Kirk

As the Dalai Lama turns 90, his message of compassion endures—even as China threatens Tibetan freedom and his spiritual lineage faces an uncertain future.

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