Ruth Everhart

Author, Pastor, Speaker

A Different Way to Get Ready to Welcome Jesus

One way to get ready to greet Jesus is to become familiar with his birthplace, Palestine. Yesterday my husband and I visited The Museum of the Palestinian People in Washington, DC. It's quite new and has just a few exhibits about the land of Palestine. It's only open for limited hours, though the … [Read more...] about A Different Way to Get Ready to Welcome Jesus

The Museum of the Bible

The Museum of the Bible opened in Washington, DC last November. The owner is Steve Green, who also owns Hobby Lobby. Green is a conservative Evangelical who is anti-gay and anti-choice. He appears to seek political influence and to court the press. Some of the recent press was negative because he … [Read more...] about The Museum of the Bible

Obama Tackles Our Crusader Past

President Obama delivered remarks that caused some reaction. Here are his opening paragraphs: We see sectarian war in Syria, the murder of Muslims and Christians in Nigeria, religious war in the Central African Republic, a rising tide of anti-Semitism and hate crimes in Europe,?so often perpetrated … [Read more...] about Obama Tackles Our Crusader Past

9 Things Pastors Can Do Besides Pray for Gaza

The conflict in Gaza occupies hearts and minds right now. I know you're praying for peace. But how else can a faith leader respond? So often we feel forced to choose a side.?Are you pro-Israeli or pro-Palestinian? The topic always seems to boil down to this question which (reasonably enough) results … [Read more...] about 9 Things Pastors Can Do Besides Pray for Gaza

Why I Support the Presbyterian Church?s Vote

People say that denominational decisions are like law and sausage. If you love them, you don?t want to see them getting made. But I love the way we Presbyterians govern ourselves. I geek out over our historic principles. Have you heard these beautiful, high-minded words from 1788? ~ God alone is … [Read more...] about Why I Support the Presbyterian Church?s Vote

What the PCUSA actually said about Divestment in the Middle East, 2014

Here's the full text of what the PCUSA just passed at the 221st General Assembly. Don't miss #7. You're welcome to comment, as long as you disclose your identity. I delete anonymous comments. Click here for some of my own thoughts on the subject. The PC(USA) has a long standing commitment to … [Read more...] about What the PCUSA actually said about Divestment in the Middle East, 2014

A Bethlehem Prayer Service at Christmastime: Washington, DC simulcast with Bethlehem, Palestine

One reason music is powerful is that it exists in context -- in place and time. A song plays on the radio and we hurtle back in our memory to the sweetheart we danced with once upon a time. A musical theme announces a favorite movie or series and the pleasure of watching it comes flooding back. … [Read more...] about A Bethlehem Prayer Service at Christmastime: Washington, DC simulcast with Bethlehem, Palestine

Nelson Mandela Speaking About the Palestinian People

Today the world honors the life of Nelson Mandela. I read about South African activists posting pro-Palestine banners at the Mandela memorial. That lead me to read the text of a speech Mandela gave on December 4, 1997 at the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. These are … [Read more...] about Nelson Mandela Speaking About the Palestinian People

Why Jerusalem? The IMAX movie.

My family and I went to see the new IMAX movie "Jerusalem" on Saturday.?The photography is amazing, and the access to sacred sites is unparalleled. You could go on a thousand pilgrimages to Jerusalem and never see these events from this perspective. I'll paste the movie trailer below, it's worth … [Read more...] about Why Jerusalem? The IMAX movie.