Weekly Outlook - What about the Bible's most troubling texts?

Dear readers, If you’re looking for something new to listen to — or something meaningful to return to — we have good news. Our podcast "The Theology of Hip-Hop" is officially complete, with all ten episodes now available. And yes, this is exactly the moment to jump in (or circle back and listen again). At Presbyterian Outlook, we start from a simple conviction: God is in everything. That includes the music that becomes the soundtrack to a season, a movement, or a life. Hip-hop is often misunderstood, but for decades, it has inspired, comforted, challenged power, and spoken hard truths through the lens of justice. In other words, it’s been doing theology all along. Hosted by Chris Burton (aka Di Baddest Chaplain), "The Theology of Hip-Hop" listens closely to hip-hop as street theology — honest, poetic, and unafraid of contradiction. Across ten episodes, the series explores faith, lament, hope, survival, and redemption through artists who have shaped generations. You’ll hear reflections on DMX, Tupac, GloRilla, Doechii, Ka, Queen Latifah, Lauryn Hill, Rapsody, Clipse, and Kendrick Lamar — artists whose work wrestles openly with God, injustice, dignity, grief, and grace. These conversations don’t flatten the music or force tidy conclusions. Instead, they invite listeners to sit with complexity, ask better questions, and listen for the sacred in unexpected places. Whether you’re a college chaplain looking for fresh language, a teacher thinking about culture and theology, a longtime hip-hop fan, or simply someone curious about where God shows up in the world — this series is for you. All ten episodes are ready when you are. Press play, listen closely, and see what you hear. God, as it turns out, is already in the beats. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

When “What can I do?” is too big a question by Deb Bergmann   Why this pastor wears Converse sneakers to lead worship by Josh Robinson   March Madness reminds us what belonging feels like by Brittany Porch The grief of closing a ministry — and the grace that follows by Karie Charlton What do we do with the Bible’s most troubling texts? by Brandon R. Grafius Why we grieve losses that haven’t happened yet by Vern Farnum

In case you missed it... Grief that tells the truth Grief isn’t something to fix or silence. It’s a story that needs to be heard. Honoring our grief is part of the path toward healing and resurrection hope, writes Teri McDowell Ott. The binaries of grief Heartache and wonder can coexist, writes Christopher Elwood. Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: An Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation What might Scripture reveal when read through Indigenous history and experience? Eric Garner reviews "Reading the Bible on Turtle Island." Writing your lament and loss, discovering God’s grace Julie Hester offers writing prompts for you to try during this season of Lent. Board of Pensions expands support for congregations and pastoral leaders A 7.2% experience apportionment is the largest granted since 1999. — BOP

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