Op-eds

Marjorie Taylor Greene's 'apology' and the challenge of Jesus -- CNN

"The Georgia congresswoman's stunning non-apology last week on the floor of the House, and her subsequent social media post and press conference, were an object lesson in how not to seriously seek forgiveness, particularly for a Christian at Lent, in the holy season of Easter, writes Jay Parini. But there is a way she can actually model the humility and remorse called for by Jesus, should she choose to do so.

Biden's inaugural speech got it exactly right -- CNN

"Biden's inaugural speech was, in retrospect, a balancing act that succeeded admirably in speaking honestly about the multi-faceted crisis at hand while delivering a full measure of optimism," writes Jay Parini.

What can sustain us through this darkest season -- CNN

"Can we dream about spring? Not all of our problems will melt away like the snow. But we will move into the world again, getting down to the hard but hopeful work of making the American dream of liberty and equality a reality," writes Jay Parini.

Professor: What I've learned about online teaching -- CNN

Jay Parini, who has been a professor for 45 years, writes that the question facing us now is whether good teaching is possible when we all have to keep our distance.

The biggest lesson Scranton taught Joe Biden -- CNN

Jay Parini, a childhood neighbor of Joe Biden, writes that the Democrat's Scranton roots helped shape the politician. His sympathetic nature, modest demeanor and willingness to fight for those who have less were influenced by his experiences in Pennsylvania.

Reborn on the 4th of July -- CNN

On this Independence Day, Jay Parini says we should recommit to genuine patriotism, not small-minded nationalism, which is simply the urge to dominate those unlike ourselves.

What W.H. Auden taught me about Easter, God and surviving a season of Covid-19 -- CNN

Jay Parini writes that the famed poet imparted two pieces of advice to him in a visit they shared years ago on the Oxford campus. These have taken decades to absorb, he writes, but hold wisdom suddenly relevant and comforting in this time of plague and apprehension.

'Christianity Today' anti-Trump editorial is a sign of things to come -- CNN

Some evangelical Christians are turning against Donald Trump in the immediate wake of his impeachment by the House of Representatives. This reversal is exemplified by an editorial in "Christianity Today" -- a flagship publication of the evangelical movement, writes Jay Parini

Sorry Rick Perry, Trump is not the 'chosen one' -- CNN

Presumably God would want someone in the White House who exemplifies his ideals if he were in the business of choosing this one over that, writes Jay Parini. Beyond that, there is a divine mystery here that precludes the arrogance implied in a stance that both anoints Trump and excuses his flaws without any attempt at penance.

Bernie Sanders' heart attack raises questions -- CNN

We've recently learned two things about Bernie Sanders: that he had a heart attack, and that he was not been immediately forthcoming with the news. I wouldn't go so far to call this a "cover up," not in the Age of Trump, where an entire presidency is a cover up.

Alabama's 'pro-life' governor is a hypocrite -- CNN

The anti-abortion movement raises a question about capital punishment that must be answered, says Jay Parini. If state lawmakers rolling out abortion laws across the United States are serious about the "right to life," would they not simultaneously ban capital punishment?

Rethinking Easter through Paul the Apostle: Why evangelicals get it wrong -- Salon

Every year at Easter, my mind turns to Paul. That may seem odd; but Paul was, in effect, the inventor of Christianity, the founding theorist of the new religion. He was a brilliant, quirky and doubtless exasperating man who caught in his mind and passionately held the idea of the Christ as a cosmic figure who would transform history, establishing a new heaven, a new earth.

The (Possibly) Gay, Elite Apostle Who Believed in Radical Equality for All -- The Daily Beast

Paul the Apostle is often branded as a patriarchal misogynist who hated all gays. But dig into his letters and you'll find an intense devotion to erasing all forms of oppression. During the past decade, if not before, I've been wrestling with an angel: Paul the Apostle.

Easter isn't about sacrifice, it's about faith and love -- CNN

Jay Parini writes that the crucifixion and resurrection is not about God in a bargaining mode, needing "payment" for our sins--it is about losing ourselves, our petty little selves, in order to gain something larger: reconciliation with creation itself.

What Notre Dame means to an Anglo-Catholic in Vermont -- CNN

Jay Parini writes that Notre Dame is not only a cultural landmark -- one of those monumental sites that defines a major city -- more crucially, it's a gathering place for those who choose to come together to worship God in a particular way.

Wrestling with the Paradox of Jesus as Human and Divine -- The Daily Beast

In this secular age, few readers will venture into the recondite pathways of theological discourse, but I would encourage those with the slightest inclination to discover how contemporary thinking about Christianity has evolved to look into the writings of Rowan Williams. As good a way as any to begin would be to read his latest book, Christ: The Heart of Creation , a closely argued meditation on how Christians over two millennia have dealt with the paradoxes of Christian thought, as well as about the relationship between a creator God and creation itself.

The story of Thanksgiving is the story of a migrant caravan -- CNN

At the holiday, let's give thanks for the Native Americans who did not turn away the Pilgrims -- our early "American caravan" -- at Plymouth Rock, says Jay Parini, and instead helped them to survive their first rough year in a new land.

Americans: wake up, please! -- CNN

A country of refugees and immigrants of all kinds, one that is founded, as Washington wrote on "liberty for people of all faiths" finds itself wash in bigotry and rage, writes Jay Parini: shame on any American who doesn't speak up to renounce hatred.

The significance of lying in state -- CNN

As two of our great leaders -- a legend in music, Aretha Franklin, and a war hero, John McCain -- lie in state, we search for meaning in the randomness of life and death, writes Jay Parini.

The Pope has a message for death penalty hypocrites -- CNN

Pope Francis has acknowledged that it degrades us as a society to kill people as public policy, and this leads to a citizenry that devalues life itself. In a country such as the US, where murder is commonplace, we should be doing everything we can to show our disgust at the taking of life, Jay Parini says.

Why we couldn't stop watching the Thai cave rescue -- CNN

Jay Parini writes that people around the world were riveted by the Thai cave rescue because it's inspiring to watch an international team of divers work together toward a common and selfless goal.

Mike Pence's shameless suck up to the boss -- CNN

The vice president's embarrassing political messaging for his boss, Donald Trump, at the Southern Baptist Convention was a tragically missed opportunity to do some good at a meeting that had already struck a welcome blow for women's equality, writes Jay Parini. Fortunately, some in the faith were not buying it.

Whatever happened to the Christian intellectual? Progressive faith in a secular age -- Salon

In a poem called "Men Made Out of Words," Wallace Stevens says it all: "Life consists / Of propositions about life." He goes on to suggest that thinking, what he calls "the human reverie," is a solitude in which we "compose these propositions."

Taking Back Christianity From The Religious Right -- The Daily Beast

Very little in the actual teaching put forward by Jesus would support the political philosophy of the Christian right in 21st-century America. Since the early seventies, with the Supreme Court legalized abortion in Roe v. Wade, the Christian right has been on the prowl, adding grievance to grievance, aligning themselves with the Republican Party and its Teapot wing.

America's cult of guns -- CNN

I'm appalled by the hypocrisy I see among others of my Christian faith-- particularly those who are our leaders in government --worshiping false idols in the form of weapons and the NRA, and turning their back on the teachings of Jesus, who did not equivocate when it came to violence, writes Jay Parini.

Christmas is about finding what's holy in all of us -- CNN

Jay Parini says that while not all of us can say we're having a 350-pound gingerbread house this year, far too many Americans miss the point of Christmas.

The bizarre neighbor dispute that felled Rand Paul -- CNN

Within the bizarre story of neighbors fighting on the lawn lies a lesson, whether in Kentucky or North Korea: Good relations need talking, listening, and daily diplomacy, writes Jay Parini.

Why isn't Obama hitting back at Trump? -- CNN

Obama's muted response as Trump tries to shift blame on to him and off himself is misguided, especially as Obama's key policies, aimed at helping Americans, are being undone.

Noam Chomsky's "Responsibility of Intellectuals" after 50 years: It's an even heavier responsibility now -- Salon

There are determining events, especially when we're young and formulating our sense of the world: Times when we learn how to take ourselves, where to stand, how to move forward in a fresh way.

At Christmas, the message of Jesus we desperately need now -- CNN

Jay Parini: In a year when we are buffeted by scornful voices, Christmas brings the spirit of love for others: peace, inclusion, and radical equality.

Bob Dylan deserves the Nobel -- CNN

Decade after decade, Bob Dylan, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, has filled our heads with language that both interprets and transforms the realities we confront, Jay Parini writes.

Testing the limits of free speech -- CNN

Jay Parini writes that cultural appropriation requires a fine balance bettween deep sympathy for those marginalized and understanding of free speech traditions.

Mother Teresa: a saint with private struggle -- CNN

Mother Teresa was true saint because of the work she did and example she set as as Christian who persevered despite despair over her relationship with God, Jay Parini says.

Political season making you crazy? Try this -- CNN

National Poetry Month is an antidote to the often empty rhetoric of campaigns, providing a balm of clear, thoughtful, beautiful words that reflect our reality.

Why the hate for Hillary Clinton? -- CNN

Hillary Clinton has high negatives from her career, but, Jay Parini asks, why hate someone who would be one of the most qualified presidents in recent times?

What John Kasich's hug tells us about his character - CNN

By reaching out to a supporter, showing empathy,unwillingness to stoop to rancor and attacks, he displays integrity and humanity missing among the GOP candidates.

Who wants Michael Bloomberg for president? - CNN

Aren't we tired of billionaires who think that just because they have a lot more money in their pockets than we do they deserve to run for president?

Politicians Need to Ditch Their Inflammatory Rhetoric -- The Daily Beast

Trump is the worst, but he's just the leader of a pack of political candidates who don't seem to understand that hateful speech can trigger horrible effects. Language kills, and inflamed rhetoric of the kind that spews almost daily from the lips of Donald Trump, Ben Carson, Mike Huckabee, and others running for public office in this country should be condemned.

Starbucks red cups? PC nonsense - CNN

Holiday symbols like reindeer and ornaments are rooted in ancient rituals, not Christmas. Why strip even these mythic images, erase meaning from life?

10 ways Pope Francis challenges us (Opinion) - CNN

Ten reasons why so many of us admire Pope Francis and why his acts set a moral challenge for us on many fronts.

Biden on 'Colbert' -- shockingly frank and noble - CNN

In wrenching interview, Biden showed he's unlikely to run, but he also demonstrated the humanity and honesty the presidential race needs.

Harper Lee's bombshell of a book - CNN

Atticus Finch is not who we thought he was, but beyond that, "Go Set a Watchman" is a slight book with racial theme that is sadly too relevant today.

Guess what? American racism isn't about South - CNN

Racial injustice is widespread and profound in cities and schools across North and West; not a "South problem," an "American problem."

Don't underestimate Bernie Sanders - CNN

The populist senator from Vermont is a long-shot, but voters may be won over by his authentic, fearless voice on behalf of working Americans

Holy Week: Exploring the message of Jesus - CNN

At a time when religious identity, ethics and tolerance are roiling the culture, it's worth re-examining the meaning of the days leading to Easter

Bill O'Reilly Kills Jesus All Over Again -- The Daily Beast

Bill O'Reilly's Killing Jesus may have been a best-seller, but the film version of it somehow manages to make the story of Jesus Christ uninteresting. The film version of Bill O'Reilly's Killing Jesus begins this weekend on the National Geographical Channel, the third of his books to be adapted for television.

Looking for Jesus in a Handful of Relics -- The Daily Beast

In a new book and TV series, scholars and theologians examine the Shroud of Turin and other relics as a means of weighing facts and faith. Each year in early spring, during the season of Lent, which begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Easter, a plenitude of books, magazine articles, and television shows about Jesus appear.

Does American exceptionalism make us dumb? (Opinion) - CNN

It dishonors and diminishes us to whitewash our proud, but flawed, history, Jay Parini says.

Pope Francis is a revolutionary (Opinion) - CNN

Pope Francis' first two years in office have been breathtaking to watch, says Jay Parini.

When All Fundamentalists Were Christian -- The Daily Beast

Pope Francis has called out Islamic fundamentalists, but he didn't go far enough-Christian fundamentalist exhibit the same smallminded traits.

Where Christmas really came from -- CNN

Members of the Berlin Seals group wade into chilly Lake Orankesee in Berlin on Wednesday, December 25. Swimming on Christmas day is a tradition with winter swimmers. Take a look at other lighthearted or interesting moments around the world related to Christmas: Editor's note: Jay Parini, a poet and novelist, teaches at Middlebury College in Vermont.

Will you still watch 'The Cosby Show'? -- CNN

For more than 50 years, Bill Cosby has been one of America's leading entertainers: a noted comedian, an Emmy-winning actor and an innovative producer. However, his reputation has been tarnished by allegations of rape. Here's a look at how Cosby, shown here in 2013, has changed through the years: Editor's note: Sally Kohn is an activist, columnist and television commentator.

Does Pope Francis Believe Christians and Muslims Worship the Same God? -- The Daily Beast

During a recent visit to the former capital of the Byzantine empire, the pope labored mightily to bring Islam into dialogue with Christianity. But does he really accept that God is God? At the famous Blue Mosque during a papal visit to Istanbul, Pope Francis stood beside the grand mufti of Istanbul and prayed for two minutes, bowing his head, closing his eyes.

Jesus: Married...with children? -- CNN

Diogo Morgado plays Jesus in the film "Son of God." Some of Jesus' most famous teachings are often misunderstood, says Amy-Jill Levine. Editor's note: Jay Parini, a poet and novelist, teaches at Middlebury College in Vermont. He has just published "Jesus: The Human Face of God," a biography of Jesus.

The Barabbas Theory of Voting: Bible Story Shows Tough Choices for Midterms -- The Daily Beast

A preacher urging voter turnout invoked the biblical tale of Jesus and Barabbas. But a close look at that story reveals that the choice is not as clear as it first seems. A recent Newsweek story began with an exhortation from the Reverend Dr. Kenneth L.

In Chile, Poetry Outlives the Dictators -- The Daily Beast

Memories of the dictator Pinochet's murderous barbarism linger still in Chile, but the poems of Pinochet's enemy Pablo Neruda lives like it was written yesterday. In Santiago, Chile, last week, a longtime bodyguard of former dictator Augusto Pinochet was arrested and charged with the kidnapping and murder of 13 people.

Can We Lose the Violent Muslim Cliche? -- The Daily Beast

Most Muslims, like most people everywhere, are peaceable and law-abiding. So why are we continually inundated with images and hate speech perpetuating this harmful lie?

Would Jesus OK same-sex marriage? -- CNN

Diogo Morgado plays Jesus in the film "Son of God." Some of Jesus' most famous teachings are often misunderstood, says Amy-Jill Levine. Editor's note: Jay Parini, a poet and novelist, teaches at Middlebury College in Vermont. He has just published "Jesus: The Human Face of God," a biography of Jesus.

What Jesus knew about income inequality -- CNN

Pope Francis waves to crowds from inside a vehicle near Seoul Air Base in Seongnam on Monday, August 18. The Pope's trip to South Korea marks the first papal visit to the country since Pope John Paul II went there 25 years ago. Editor's note: Jay Parini, a poet and novelist, teaches at Middlebury College in Vermont.

The Pope's 10 tips for happiness -- CNN

Pope Francis greets the crowd as he arrives for his general audience at St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Wednesday, October 8. With his penchant for crowd-pleasing and spontaneous acts of compassion, the Pope has earned high praise from fellow Catholics and others since he replaced Pope Benedict XVI in March 2013.

What's wrong with 'Black Jesus' comedy? -- CNN

The most talked-about person in Hollywood lately has been Jesus Christ, whether it's movies such as "Son of God" or TV shows such as "Black Jesus," pictured. But 2014 isn't a watershed moment for religion; Jesus has been depicted on the big and small screens many times before.

Even Jesus wouldn't buy 'the rapture' -- CNN

Christian Bale plays Moses in the new film version of the Bible's Book of Exodus. Directed by Ridley Scott, some critics say the movie "whitewashes" the Bible. Editor's note: Jay Parini, a poet and novelist, teaches at Middlebury College in Vermont. He has just published "Jesus: The Human Face of God," a biography of Jesus.

Only Iraq Can Save Itself From Chaos -- The Daily Beast

At a time when all manner of nonsense is being written about Iraq, wisdom comes from odd corners, including Rand Paul and a Palestinian poet. Like many others in this country, I lie awake at night, thinking about the chaos in Iraq, as that sad nation rushes into a full-blown civil war, with consequences hard to predict.

Opinion: Bowdoin College case reflects new campus 'thought police' - CNN

Jay Parini says universities across the country are giving religious groups who use the campus an ultimatum many can't accept. How is this not discrimination?

Snowden Deserves the Medal of Freedom, Not Prosecution -- The Daily Beast

As a whistleblower, Snowden supplied appalling proof of how our own government has used the so-called Patriot Act to infringed on our freedom. As waves of revelations from Edward J. Snowden continue to crash on these shores, revealing the extent of NSA spying on the American people and our allies, including that flame-throwing jihadist Angela Merkel, my mind drifts almost involuntarily back to one of this nation's darkest hours.

The History Behind Benjamin Netanyahu and Pope Francis's Awkward Jesus Moment -- The Daily Beast

A tense exchange between the Israeli prime minister and the pope over Jesus' language points to the complexity of the Middle East's history-and suggests a way toward understanding. Apart from when Pope Francis stopped to pray at the wall that divides Israel from the West Bank, perhaps the most provocative moment in his whirlwind tour of the Holy Land happened during his interview with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Opinion: Why did Pope Francis pray at the wall? - CNN

Jay Parini says in his symbolic and significant stop to pray at the Bethlehem wall, Pope Francis was implicitly crying: Tear Down This Wall!

GOP Hypocrisy: Outraged Over Benghazi, Silent on Iraq -- The Daily Beast

The creation of a House committee to study the attack on Benghazi raises the troubling question of why Congress has never bothered to scrutinize to the invasion of Iraq.

Opinion: Death penalty is unchristian - CNN

Jay Parini says Dickens and Tolstoy were both repulsed by capital punishment, noting its fallibility and hypocrisy.

Opinion: Did Jesus really rise from the dead? - CNN

Jay Parini says even the Gospels skip the actual Resurrection and are sketchy on the appearances that followed

Opinion: Why Vermont is not Godless - CNN

Jay Parini says once again Gallup finds Vermonters least religious. But they are spritual seekers with faith bound up in their fellow humans and the world around. Is that not Godly?

Opinion: Jesus and Mary: It's complicated - CNN

Jay Parini says the relationship between perhaps the most revered mother and son had serene beginnings but had the complexities found in any family.

Who Was Jesus, Anyway? -- The Daily Beast

What to make of a man that not even the Bible is entirely clear about? One biographer set out to find the message that matters in his life and legend. Who was Jesus anyway? After twenty centuries, there is not much anyone can agree on.

Jesus' resurrection: What really happened? -- Salon

All faith is resurrection faith. - Hans Urs von Balthasar, Prayer To rise from history to mystery is to experience the resurrection of the body here now, as an eternal reality; to experience the parousia, the presence in the present, which is the spirit; to experience the reincarnation of the incarnation, the second coming; which is his coming in us.

Opinion: Can't it stay summer forever? - CNN

Jay Parini says as Labor Day arrives, I can't help but wish we were at the beginning, not the end, of summer.

Seeking the truth about Jesus - CNN

For billions of people, the life of Jesus has huge mythical resonance with the power to change hearts and minds, says Jay Parini