Can anything good come out of Susa? Preaching from the scroll of Esther

Finding sermon material in a story that never mentions God among its cast of comic book characters is a considerable challenge. Obscene wealth and selfish pride fall, but they are victim to violence and vengeance. Still, the perceptive preacher may find productive themes related to the critique of power associated with empire, sexism, and ethnic supremacy on the one hand, along with challenges to faithful living, the pursuit of justice, and the importance of memory—even in the apparent absence of God.

Life in the Diaspora: Christian interpretation of Esther in dialogue with Judaism

Christian interpretation of Esther has historically been limited by Christian bias against Judaism and by the teaching of Christian supersessionism. Reconsideration of this history in the aftermath of the Holocaust and in light of the new circumstances of post-Christendom provides an opportunity to reconsider the message of the book for Christian faith and ministry. The article describes how the unique diaspora perspective and theology of Esther provide resources for Christian ethics and discipleship in a post-Christian era.

Where in the world is God? On finding the Divine in Esther

The word “God” does not appear in the book of Esther. Some argue that this divine absence highlights human action over against Divine providence or sovereignty. I maintain, however, that it is a theological mistake to place divine and human action in separate domains. Divine action is not only the ground that makes human action possible; it is also the compelling spring that draws persons to act faithfully. Aristotle’s account of friendship sheds light on how friends act through one another, enabling each to become and do more than they would have otherwise. Aquinas’s discussion of primary and secondary causality provides compelling insight into how human agency relies upon Divine agency enabling us to move toward our true telos: communion with God. With Esther and Mordecai, one sees shared human agency: both rely upon the other to act. Even more, one sees how their faithfulness derives from their identity as persons in covenant with God, whose saving deeds on behalf of the Jews and the world make their lives possible.

A word about . . . Called for such a time as this

The years 2020 and 2021 are some of the most unusual and memorable in the lives of those on the planet today. The world has been united in its efforts to address and eliminate a global pandemic. The pandemic has heightened our awareness of the intersectionality of class, gender, race, and more, at home and abroad. With health concerns at a zenith, national economies at risk, racial tensions at an all-time high, and environmental concerns looming, we, the people, are called to step up to do our part to bring solutions, resolutions, and conclusions. This moment is not one to sit back and wait, rather a moment for everyone to do their part. We are living on this planet together—each of us has a role to play. What is your role? Do you know?