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Paul Graves

In March 2026, Paul will have completed 30 years as a faith/values writer, and he has plans to keep writing! After almost 37 years in Sandpoint, ID, Paul and his wife moved to Hillsboro, OR in March 2025, to be close to their son and family. They live in a retirement community, where Paul’s professional back as a retired United Methodist pastor and also a retired geriatric social worker, have been welcomed and are grist for the writing-mill on matters of spirituality, politics and aging.
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Indifferentism: How apathy toward others fuels division

Paul Graves explores indifferentism, spiritual apathy and the choice to respond with empathy, kindness, justice and action.
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Holy Conversation: A sacred, different way of living together

Explore how ordinary conversations and relationships can become “Holy Conversations” through greater awareness, humility and a different way of living together.
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A Hillsboro street corner, an ICE debate and the slice of reality we choose

A columnist reflects on ICE, an immigration vigil, civil disagreement and why people of faith must choose justice, compassion and solidarity with immigrants.
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Myths aren’t lies: Why the Bible’s power lives in metaphor, not literalism

Rather than dismiss myths as falsehoods, this column argues biblical stories use metaphor to reveal profound truths about God, faith and humanity.
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How many flags make you a patriot? 

A reflection on flags, patriotism, and political devotion. The author argues that patriotism is defined by actions and democratic values, not just symbols.
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A man who hated ‘illegals’ fell at the farmers market. Carlos caught him.

A grandfather reflects on immigration, so-called "illegals," and human connection through a story inspired by a real encounter at a street-corner vigil.
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Small groups, big impact: how local vigils and grassroots protests still matter

A reflection on grassroots activism shows how small, local efforts — from street vigils to protests — can build momentum and make a meaningful impact.
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