HeyJaredPulling Back the Curtain
Perspective from a spiritual director, hospice chaplain, former religion journalist and abuse survivor.
- Indexed issues, last 90 days
- 5
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- Sep 24, 2026
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- Jul 9, 2026
Latest issues
Reclaiming the Christian vote (opens the original)
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A common misconception among white evangelical circles is that good Christians always vote Republican.Since the rise of the Moral Majority movement in the late 1970s and 80s, white conservative Christians have been told there’s only one way to vote. The Republican ticket, we were told, was God-stamped as pro-life, fiscally conservative, and supportive of traditional Christian values.Voter guides were often distributed in the pews of evangelical churches I attended so members didn’t have to guess
Growing resilience (opens the original)
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While on my Substack sabbatical in August, I read Tish Harrison Warren’s wonderful book “What Grows in Weary Lands.” It seemed appropriate this year.I reflected on her words while surrounded by the red and golden cliffs of Ghost Ranch in northern New Mexico. That setting was a vivid reminder of being in a stark and dry land, yet one of stunning beauty at the same time. It just takes awhile to see it fully.<fi
A break from all the hot air (opens the original)
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Since completing my 75th Substack post last month, I have been considering a longer writing break to recharge. You know it’s time for a pause when the Trumpian chaos pattern becomes predictably repetitive and even boring at times. I also need a bit more time to prepare for some hyper-local ministry opportunities this fall. I’m looking forward to helping some folks better connect at church and in the community. Spiritual direction and hospice chaplaincy continue to be mutually energizing, too.<a
Prying old fingers off power (opens the original)
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If there’s one thing this second Trump administration has exposed, it’s the need for governmental reforms to correct what we didn’t know we’d ever need to correct. Here’s an obvious: Who would have thought we’d need a law to keep Americans from electing a multi-convicted felon as president?Mitchell McConnell’s “missing in action” stunt points out another needed reform: Age and term limits for Congress, and while we’re at it, the Supreme Court.Health care advancements have increased our lifespans
A bittersweet Fourth (opens the original)
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Being expected to celebrate the 250th birthday of America reminded me of how it felt to out for an anniversary dinner with an abusive spouse in my first marriage. It’s hard to feel celebratory when things have clearly gone wrong.I opted not to pretend like that this year. Instead, we found quiet ways to honor our nation’s 250 years while carefully avoiding any event designed to promote the current occupant of the White House.We tuned in live to some of the official America 250 music performances
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