Author: Joel Daniels

Joel is currently a Chaplain-in-Residence and Ph.D. candidate at Georgetown University. He studies religion from a global perspective through world Christianity, particularly Pentecostalism, Chinese religious philosophy, interreligious dialogue, spiritual formation, and comparative theology, philosophy, and ethics. More importantly, he is the husband of a superstar and father of three world-changers. He's ordained through the American Baptist Churches, USA, closely affiliating with the charismatic branch of the denomination.

Arts & Culture

Violence and the Sinful Nature of “Masculinity”

As our country continues to mourn yet another tragic and senseless school shooting, a question confronts us all: How does this continue to happen? Regardless of political affiliation, we are …

Arts & Culture

White Jesus, White Privilege

Growing up in the south, I didn’t experience anything that felt privileged. We, like many families across the country, often had financial concerns, which were exacerbated by the fact that …

Academics Ethics

Gender and Pentecostalism: Gender Fluidity

It seems appropriate to begin 2018 with this topic since “gender fluid” made Collins Dictionary’s 2017 words of the year shortlist. It’s also an important topic because it is often misunderstood: …

Everyday Living

The other side of Christmas cheer

There’s something almost magical about this time of the year. Everywhere you look, the holiday spirit is on full display. Houses and businesses are decorated with lights and ribbons, creating …

Bible & Theology

How Are We To Understand Speaking In Tongues? (Part 1)

I’ve enjoyed my transition from pastoring full-time to being a full-time PhD student and (part-time) chaplain for many reasons, although we do miss our wonderful community in Somerville, MA! Perhaps …

Ethics Everyday Living

Guns in Church: Philosophies for Peace

It’s been my experience that Christians who support having guns in church do so by constructing a false dichotomy: Realistic, God-given human agency Foolish, blind trust …

Arts & Culture

Pastor Appreciation and Thanks!

There is much to be thankful for this holiday season. Hopefully each of us takes time to reflect on the many gifts we’ve been given, all of which we did …

Ethics

Guns in Church: A Failure to Trust God

The statistics on mass shootings in the U.S. are heartbreaking. Regardless of where you stand on gun regulations, no one wants to continue to hear stories like the one out …

Arts & Culture

Should Christians “Celebrate” Halloween? In Short, No.

“I’m the fruit of the Spirit.” Words no child should have to utter; yet, there I was, at a church-sponsored Halloween event, answering the question on everyone’s mind: “What’s that boy …

Ethics

Gender and Pentecostalism: Men Voting On Whether Women Should Get To Vote

The machine that is systemic oppression is running wild these days; and while we’ll be considering how it relates to women in this post, systemic oppression extends far beyond sexism. …