Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · 1d

As we observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month, I share this column by @gracejisunkim.bsky.social for @goodfaithmedia.bsky.social. "We must teach and preach a vision of God that empowers rather than oppresses, and develops relationships rooted in mutuality and respect rather than domination."

Breaking the Silence: Domestic Violence Awareness Month

We must teach and preach a vision of God that empowers rather than oppresses, and develops relationships rooted in mutuality and respect rather than domination.

goodfaithmedia.org

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Reposted by Rev. Matt Rhodes

Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · 6d

“Oh my god… I have no words.”

Listen to the emotional moment this year’s laureate Maria Corina ( finds out she has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

Kristian Berg Harpviken, Director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, shared the news.

NobelPrize #NobelPeacePrize

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · 6d

If you want to learn more about Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado, this column by @anneapplebaum.bsky.social is a great place to start. @theatlantic.com

The ‘Anthropological Change’ Happening in Venezuela

Maduro is still in place, but a pro-democracy movement is transforming the beleaguered country.

www.theatlantic.com

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · 6d

If you’re not already receiving the writing of @angeladenker.bsky.social through Substack, you should. In a time when powerful voices are needed, hers is one I recommend listening to.

The column that got me fired

A Special Edition of News with Nuance ...

open.substack.com

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · 13d

Outstanding! Your important message continues to spread and take root.

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · 13d

From “Earthbound,” by @gracejisunkim.bsky.social. @orbisbooks.bsky.social

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · 20d

A fascinating conversation between @angeladenker.bsky.social & Clint Schnekloth on Christian nationalism, the painful criticism (and condemnation) of female pastors, the difficulty of trying to be a moderate & moderating voice during this time, and SO much more. Well worth the time to watch.

Live with Clint Schnekloth

A recording from Rev. Angela Denker and Clint Schnekloth's live video

open.substack.com

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · 23d

Considering the Book of Amos and wondering, "Where are the Prophetic Voices?" A sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost.

Where are the Prophetic Voices?

Sermon for the Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost

open.substack.com

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Reposted by Rev. Matt Rhodes

Good Faith Media @goodfaithmedia.bsky.social · 23d

@ruffledbygrace.bsky.social: Grief has a way of both stretching and sustaining gratitude. I have deep gratitude for the foundation you helped me build—my education, friendships and traditions. But I am stretched by the rift between who you were and who you have become.

Read more: ow.ly/fntj50X0PcX

This Is What Mourning a Place Looks Like

Michelle Wahila reflects on returning to upstate New York from France—grappling with grief, gratitude, and belonging in the place she once called home.

ow.ly

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · 23d

An execution date has been set Robert Roberson in Texas despite overwhelming evidence of his innocence. I've signed the petition from @innocenceproject.bsky.social in support of halting this, and I hope you will as well. #capitalpunishment

Robert Roberson - Innocence Project

Robert Roberson faces execution on Oct. 16, 2025 for a crime he did not commit. Read key facts about the case and act to stop this injustice.

innocenceproject.org

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Reposted by Rev. Matt Rhodes

Michael E. Mann @michaelemann.bsky.social · Sep 11

"The darker agenda behind Trump’s obsession with wind turbines" | My #ScienceUnderSiege-themed op-ed for the @bostonglobe.com is now outside the paywall:
www.bostonglobe.com/2025/09/10/o...

The darker agenda behind Trump’s obsession with wind turbines - The Boston Globe

Trump’s assault on wind is a quid pro quo to the fossil fuel interests, plutocrats, and petrostate actors who helped return him to power.

www.bostonglobe.com

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Sep 11

In the midst of some tough days, a wonderful and hopeful gift in the mail. Thank you @gracejisunkim.bsky.social! @orbisbooks.bsky.social #climatemergency #theology

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Sep 5

@livingchurch.bsky.social with a timely guest column on clergy using AI for sermons. My personal view? I'll never do it.

Why I Don’t Use AI for Sermons - The Living Church

Clergy are ordained to the ministry of preaching, a task that connects real people with the Word of God. AI simply can't make that connection.

livingchurch.org

Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Aug 30

When is it that you can be at the Wild Goose Festival when you can’t actually be at the festival? When a friend has a pic of you w/the event speaker, from a different event, pulled up on her phone. I couldn’t be there to see @gracejisunkim.bsky.social, but someone made sure I was still present.

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Aug 28

Congratulations to my friend @gracejisunkim.bsky.social on the release of her latest book, "Earthbound," and for it receiving a "Starred New Release" notice in @erbks.bsky.social! #climatechange #theology

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Aug 25

If you have the @pbs.org app or can find it streaming somewhere else, watch this. It’s powerful and emotional in spots.

Patrick and the Whale ~ About | Nature | PBS

Follow Patrick Dykstra in his quest to connect with and understand the hidden nature of the sperm whale, shining a light on their intelligence and complexity, as well as their relationship with humank...

www.pbs.org

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Aug 16

This is the beautiful inscription written in "Five Modern No Plays," the one signed edition in my collection of works by Yukio Mishima: "When you have gone your way, facing the setting crimson sun in the west, be mindful of the friends you left behind." #booksky #japaneseliterature

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Reposted by Rev. Matt Rhodes

NPR @npr.org · Aug 16

While atomic bomb survivors warn the catastrophic risks, leaders of nuclear-armed states and self-proclaimed 'realists' argue that the deterrence of nuclear weapons is what keeps them from being deployed.

As arms race in Asia intensifies, a-bomb survivors make final plea for peace

While atomic bomb survivors warn the catastrophic risks, leaders of nuclear-armed states and self-proclaimed 'realists' argue that the deterrence of nuclear weapons is what keeps them from being deployed.

n.pr

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Aug 16

Sad that Greg Iles has died. Once I was in a Natchez bookshop buying some of his books & asked the clerk, “Does he ever come in to do signings?” She smiled & said, “You can ask him yourself. He’s standing right over there.” Very nice & gracious & in reply to my question he did do a signing. #booksky

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Aug 1

Nuclear submarines sent "to appropriate regions" because of Russian saber rattling. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting will be ceasing operations. The head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics was fired because the reality of the labor market doesn't match the narrative. Happy Friday, everyone.

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Aug 1

Now that I know the Smithsonian will kowtow to the lord of the manor, I will never again visit or support any of their museums or publications. In the overall scheme of things my involvement will not mean anything to them, but I needed to shout it into the universe.

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Aug 1

A very good article from the latest issue of @sojo.net about the late Warren Copeland, whose life marked in the best way the intersection of faith and public service.

The ‘Pluralistic Public Faith’ of a Midwest Mayor Theologian

Long before J.D. Vance spread lies about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, Warren Copeland led the city with a politics of welcome.

sojo.net

Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Jul 22

Some thoughts I've written on finding the sacred in unexpected places, including a 30-year-old Saturday morning show.

Finding the Sacred in "Saved by the Bell"

In an escape from vocational responsibilities (me) and the stresses of helping clients navigate the world of fluctuating tariffs (my wife), the family this week has taken time away from our usual live...

open.substack.com

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Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Jul 18

(3/) We can't make up the entire shortfall but we're helping how we can, and I hope you will as well (for whatever PBS station serves you). Every bit can make a difference.

Rev. Matt Rhodes @revepiscodad.bsky.social · Jul 18

(2/) Cosmos; Sesame Street; The Electric Company; Mr. Rogers; Zoom; 3-2-1 Contact; Voyage of the Mimi; Dr. Who; Mystery; This Old House; All Creatures Great and Small; Live from Lincoln Center; the Metropolitan Opera; Evening at Pops; Masterpiece Theater: the journey has been a rich one.

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