While we are currently at our maximum number of regular contributors, Mockingbird is happy to publish quality writing from guests. To submit something for consideration, simply email it to info@mbird.com. We can’t promise anything, but we will take a look. Naturally, the best way to get a sense of what we are looking for is to read the site.
About Guest Contributor
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Running to the Altar with Justin Bieber
This post comes to us from Alexander Sosler: Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper recently released a single called “Holy.” At first listen, I found my eyes glazing over with another “Jesus and me” love song put out by two well-meaning and sometimes profound popular artists. The refrain goes, “I feel so holy, holy, holy, […]
The God Who Gives First
Ahead of the publication of John Barclay’s book, Paul and the Power of Grace, Part Two of our “Defining Grace” series continues with this essay from Orrey McFarland. Orrey is the Pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Thornville, Ohio. He also serves as a Visiting Professor of New Testament and Historical Theology at Knox Theological […]
Sufjan Stevens’ Season of Hopelessness
This lovely reflection comes to us from Jeb Ralston. And to everything, there is no meaning A season of pain and hopelessness Sufjan Stevens’ latest album, The Ascension, moves away from the poignant yet hopeful lament of Carrie and Lowell into a spacey but sober reproof. This album could easily be viewed as the Ecclesiastes […]
Scrubbing Away the Anxiety
Thankful for this post from Jane Grizzle: I think I just needed to find my niche to really become addicted to Internet content. And my niche is cleaning. I get lost down a deep rabbit hole of video after video of power-washing. Just one more video of someone spraying their siding or porch or outdoor […]
I Love You Dead: The Good News of Incongruous Grace
In anticipation of the publication of John Barclay’s book, Paul and the Power of Grace, Part One of our “Defining Grace” series begins with this essay from Jonathan Linebaugh, Lecturer in New Testament at Cambridge University and a fellow of Jesus College. He is the author of the book, God, Grace, and Righteousness in Wisdom […]
Eff-up Nights: Breaking the Power of Failure and Shame
This post comes to us from Joseph McSpadden: In the opening scene of Patton, the brilliant WWII commander as played by George C. Scott has some stern words for his audience. “Americans love a winner, and will not tolerate a loser. Americans play to win all the time. I wouldn’t give a hoot in hell […]
Grace and Justice Beyond the Grave: The Memory of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
This excellent post comes to us from Johanna Hartelius and Jason Micheli. Together, they host the podcast Crackers and Grape Juice. The incomparable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg died last week, having served on the Supreme Court for nearly three decades. She was a fearless leader of the court’s liberal wing, a feminist trailblazer, a “lady,” […]
Don’t Overthink It: The Gospel We All Need
Thankful for this post from Matt Metevelis: I lead with my head. I am always more comfortable with things when I can analyze and argue about or with them. My wife is very leery of asking me questions that involve more than a simple answer. I’ve been interrupted and asked for the “Reader’s Digest Version” […]
Experiencing Law and Gospel Through Dostoevsky and Jesus
Grateful for this post from Lisa Cooper: For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. (Rom 3:20) If you had asked me as a fourteen-year-old where I was destined to be after I died — Heaven or Hell? — I […]
Longing for Egypt in the COVID Desert
Thankful for this post from Jane Grizzle: Yesterday, NPR ran a story about the shortage of Ball canning goods, namely lids. Apparently everyone who chose gardening as their pandemic drug of choice is now worried about what to do with the bushels of tomatoes and cucumbers overtaking their yards. And Ball, surprised like the rest […]
Deprive Them of Their Pathos: Partisan Politics, Social Media, and Karl Barth
This one comes to us from Jason Micheli. You would never guess it from the way they greet one another along the sidewalk in the morning or wave as they jog their dogs after work, but just about everyone in my neighborhood believes America’s partisan cold war is about to ignite with fire and fury. […]
Losing Our Religion, Finding Good News
This post comes to us from Taylor Mertins: A clergy colleague told me on the phone last week, “Our online worship numbers have gone down week after week even though I keep telling my people to invite more people, and to pray harder, and to read their Bibles. None of it seems to work … […]
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