Why we loved it: Because no one we know has a more compelling vision for the familial life of the local church, particularly in relation to members who are single or who have experienced fractured biological family life. Plus, when it comes to being single in Christian sub-cultures, Chris gets it.
“To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Care — for Each Other and the World”
By Dorothy Greco | from issue 10
To Have and to Hold, to Love and to Care — for Each Other and the World
Why we loved it: Because too often marriage gets reduced only to a kind of medium for personal fulfillment. But it matters far more and for far more people than just the married couple.
“The Art of Financial Time Travel”
By John Terrill | from issue 11
Why we loved it: Because one of the most fun things about a good essay is when starting one place then ending up in a conversation bigger and more complex than you expected. That’s true of this thinky, deeply theological piece by our thinkiest regular.
“Humans in the New Age of the Machine”
By Nick Ripatrazone| from issue 12
Why we loved it: Because no development is as 2023 as ChatGPT, and few things are as unsettling for writers and creatives. And because Nick’s writing just may be the best we’ve published.
“This is FIRE”
By Abby Perry| from issue 12
Why we loved it: Because we love journalism with a strong narrative to it, and this wandering first-person exploration of the most Internety financial trend delivers just that. If you’re not sure what exactly the FIRE movement is, join contributing writer Abby Perry as she tries to find out.
“Who’s Afraid of the Still, Small Voice”
By Cassandra Nelson| from issue 13
Why we loved it: Because not only is education one of the touchiest issues of 2023 (and probably 2024, t00), it’s also one of the more complex. And teachers are the ones who get caught in the middle. In this piece, getting a teacher, who happens to be one of our favorite writer/thinkers, to try to unpack the state of teaching makes this a highlight.
“There’s a Crucial Reason to Keep Poetry Around”
By Joanna Novak| from commongoodmag.com
Why we loved it: Because the world calms with poetry in it, and because Joanna is an ideal guide into that dynamic.
“Horror Has Its Place”
By Austin M. Freeman| from commongoodmag.com
Why we loved it: Because even if you hate Halloween and its stuff — like one of our editors — you’ve got to respect how one of the great English writers handled the spooky genre.
“A Better Way to Think About DEI”
By John Terrill| from commongoodmag.com
Why we loved it: Because the downfall of corporate DEI efforts is one of the defining stories of 2023. And we can’t think of a better writer to wade in with care and help than John Terrill.
“Elie Wiesel’s Vision of a Better Future”
By John Pawlikowski| from commongoodmag.com
Why we loved it: Because anyone could review the new biography of Elie Wiesel. John Pawlikowski isn’t anyone.