I turn to music

A critical examination of the ideology and actions of Doug Wilson's Christ Church in Moscow, Idaho, raising concerns over their militant evangelism tactics, vision of a Christian theocratic state, controversial book defending slavery, and contradictory stances on biblical interpretations of slavery. The column contrasts the church's claims of being 'good neighbors' with incidents like the 'De-Mask Moscow' storming of a local store and plagiarism allegations, leaving doubts among residents about their true intentions for the community.

The United Methodist Church’s General Conference began Tuesday in Charlotte, North Carolina, and goes through May 4. Many believe this conference will finalize the UMC's final decision on whether to expand or limit LGBTQ+ rights within the whole denomination, not just on a church-by-church basis.

As relaxing as my trip to the Redwoods was, I found myself motivated to fight for justice. No sector of our lives has been untouched by colonization, capitalism, abuse or corruption. From the environment, to education, to healthcare, to safety in our communities, there is work to be done.

I wonder if religion can be replaced. Can just anything “fill the hole in the heart” that religion once did and still does for some of us. While many human activities have value, nothing, in my opinion, can take the place of religion.

The prayer I say most often asks God to help me, “lay all my affairs in Thy hands,” and “not dwell on the unpleasant things of life.” In the Baha’i Faith, we call it “being detached," and it is a lesson we all struggle to learn.