Jacob Lupfer
A contributing editor at RNS, Jacob Lupfer is a writer and consultant in Baltimore. His website is www.jacoblupfer.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jlupf. The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily represent those of Religion News Service.
All Stories by Jacob Lupfer
A Howard Schultz platform that could energize faith voters
By Jacob Lupfer — February 18, 2019
(RNS) — Any independent who wants to peel voters from the major parties in decent numbers should focus on religious voters who are economically progressive and socially conservative.
Why freaking out about Christian schools proves evangelicals’ irrational fears
By Jacob Lupfer — February 1, 2019
(RNS) — Unless we treat our neighbors who believe differently with grace and tolerance, we put our heritage as a pluralistic society at risk.
Evangelical Christians need an exit ramp from Trumpism
By Jacob Lupfer — January 28, 2019
(RNS) — Political observers seem to assume that Trump’s Christian base will follow him no matter what. But recent polls show a decent Republican alternative could peel them away from the president in the 2020 primaries.
Why 2020 is the right time for a pro-life Democrat
By Jacob Lupfer — January 8, 2019
(RNS) — A run by even a centrist on abortion would enliven a national debate that has poisoned our politics without doing much to help children (born and unborn) or families.
Why the Johnson Amendment is always debated and never repealed
By Jacob Lupfer — December 21, 2018
(RNS) — Responsible actors, including the IRS, seek no change because the current law works in the best interests of churches, the government and society at large.
Two cheers for the First Step Act
By Jacob Lupfer — December 19, 2018
(RNS) — To continue to make progress in the next Congress, Republican-aligned groups will need to be as willing to work with liberal Democrats as they have with their own tribe.
China’s repression of Uighurs won’t stop until the international community intervenes
By Jacob Lupfer — December 4, 2018
WASHINGTON (RNS) — The world at large needs to organize itself to address a crackdown on Muslim minorities whose heroic fight against repression we have so far comfortably ignored.
On Christ the King Sunday, Christians pledge allegiance to the Prince of Peace
By Jacob Lupfer — November 21, 2018
(RNS) — Christ the King Sunday reminds Christians that their hope lies in God's kingdom, not earthly power.
As evangelicals win with Trump, little ‘good news’ is left in the religious right
By Jacob Lupfer — November 7, 2018
(RNS) — Trumpism is now business as usual for white evangelicalism, and white evangelical politics are inseparable from Trump's.
Innocent or not, Kavanaugh runs up the cost of evangelicals’ GOP tie
By Jacob Lupfer — September 27, 2018
(RNS) — The pair are a fitting personification of the troubled relationship between conservative Christians and Republican politics.
‘Fat and Faithful’: A new book probes the spirituality of body image
By Jacob Lupfer — September 11, 2018
(RNS) — As a teenager, J. Nicole Morgan believed that inner beauty matters most for Christians. Reality — not to mention diet devotionals — didn't conform to those expectations.
Trump’s evangelical pander: a sin or a violation of law?
By Jacob Lupfer — August 31, 2018
(RNS) — Normally, when Trump’s evangelical fan club enjoys the perks of presidential access, it hardly merits mention because its unfolding is so predictable. This time, it backfired.
Can independents refresh our debates over faith and politics?
By Jacob Lupfer — August 23, 2018
(RNS) — The Republican and Democratic parties’ faith outreach has become so tired and predictable, an opportunity exists for independents to lead us in a new, healthy direction.
Willow Creek offers lessons in accountability
By Jacob Lupfer — August 7, 2018
(RNS) — You can have all the clever innovations, seeker-friendly methods and oversight structures in the world, but trouble will catch up with you if you’re afraid to hold a leader accountable.
The culture wars need to make a safe space for conscience
By Jacob Lupfer — July 31, 2018
(RNS) — The booing of Christian soccer player Jaelene Hinkle for following her conscience shows that we need to turn down the temperature in the culture wars.
