Susan EB
@sebenton.bsky.social
New Testament, Ancient Associations, Lecturer Religion + Ministry, writer of Women Patrons and Mothers in Associations and the New Testament (*NOW OUT** Mohr), sometime church minister, dog fan, hobby runner (have dined with int’l runners😉)
Pinned
Susan EB
@sebenton.bsky.social
· Nov 20
Really good reporting about faith leaders, the Chicago protests, and the arrest of Michael Woolf
NEW: In his first interview since his arrest for protesting outside the Chicago-area ICE facility, @revdrmichaelwoolf.bsky.social tells me he has "bruises all over my body."
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
Even so, he said, “the cruelty that goes on that facility … must be 100 times worse." religionnews.com/2025/11/15/a...
November 16, 2025 at 3:39 AM
Really good reporting about faith leaders, the Chicago protests, and the arrest of Michael Woolf
I hope this is one of many to follow.
“The bargain sale represents ‘the first known return of Catholic-owned land to a tribal nation as an act of repair for colonization and residential boarding schools,’ the sisters said.”
Religious sisters announce land return to Wisconsin Native American tribe
The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration announced the transfer of land back to the Lac du Flambeau Band of the Lake Superior Chippewa tribe on its website.
www.catholicnewsagency.com
November 10, 2025 at 2:33 PM
I hope this is one of many to follow.
In “statements that should never have to be made” today’s edition:
From the Editorial Board:
Immigration enforcement operations should not be taking place in and around a day care center serving little kids.
Immigration enforcement operations should not be taking place in and around a day care center serving little kids.
Editorial: ‘Immigration enforcement’ and ‘day care center’ do not belong in the same headline
Chicago’s Rayito de Sol day care should not have been invaded by ICE agents. Period.
trib.al
November 7, 2025 at 1:28 AM
In “statements that should never have to be made” today’s edition:
Today I went to my son’s elementary school to drop off his iPad, which he left at home.
He’s been in middle school for 3+ months! 🙃
Changing to standard time has me thrown
He’s been in middle school for 3+ months! 🙃
Changing to standard time has me thrown
November 6, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Today I went to my son’s elementary school to drop off his iPad, which he left at home.
He’s been in middle school for 3+ months! 🙃
Changing to standard time has me thrown
He’s been in middle school for 3+ months! 🙃
Changing to standard time has me thrown
I’m so glad to read each part of this.
What's more 200+ Chicago-area clergy — Protestants, Catholics, and evangelicals — have signed a letter decrying ICE's efforts and voicing a willingness to put their "bodies on the line" for migrants, saying, "What Kristi Noem and her ICE agents are doing is immoral." religionnews.com/2025/10/21/a...
After clergy arrests, religious pushback to ICE expands in Chicago
(RNS) — More than 210 mostly Chicago-area clergy, representing a range of liberal and conservative traditions, have signed a letter criticizing ICE titled ‘Jesus is Being Tear Gassed at Broadview.’
religionnews.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:39 AM
I’m so glad to read each part of this.
Good research here, and he’s right to emphasize the importance of peacemaking in Christian tradition. In the first few centuries, whether or not a Christian could even be a soldier was a moral quandary.
How far we’ve strayed from that
How far we’ve strayed from that
At a Pennsylvania church, a pastor recently preached with an AR-15-style rifle strapped to his chest. Journalist William J. Kole says it’s a symptom of a deeper trend: white evangelicals’ merging of faith, politics … and firearms.
religionnews.com/2025/10/16/i...
religionnews.com/2025/10/16/i...
'In Guns We Trust' challenges white evangelicals to rethink their alliance with firearms
(RNS) — Veteran reporter William J. Kole said those who are ‘pro-life’ should take gun reforms seriously.
religionnews.com
October 23, 2025 at 1:27 AM
Good research here, and he’s right to emphasize the importance of peacemaking in Christian tradition. In the first few centuries, whether or not a Christian could even be a soldier was a moral quandary.
How far we’ve strayed from that
How far we’ve strayed from that
This is so disturbing. But maybe the lies will be debunked
Trump's federal agents shot Marimar Martinez, a US citizen, multiple times for allegedly menacing them with her car in Chicago. Only hours later, Kristi Noem and DHS started spreading disinformation about the shooting.
Now the official line is crumbling. 1/
(link)
newrepublic.com/article/2019...
Now the official line is crumbling. 1/
(link)
newrepublic.com/article/2019...
Trump’s Secret Police Shot a Citizen. Then Damning New Info Emerged.
As the official Trump administration line about the shooting of a Chicago woman crumbles, Senator Chris Murphy is asking pointed questions about what really happened here. Will we ever get answers?
newrepublic.com
October 18, 2025 at 7:29 PM
This is so disturbing. But maybe the lies will be debunked
Talked with my oldest teen about this today. Protein drinks are apparently risky!
October 16, 2025 at 1:44 AM
Talked with my oldest teen about this today. Protein drinks are apparently risky!
He just keeps giving
Thirty paintings by Bob Ross are set to be auctioned to support public television stations. The Bonhams auction begins Nov. 11 in Los Angeles with three of the paintings.
Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to support public TV stations after federal funding cuts
Thirty paintings by Bob Ross are set to be auctioned to support public television stations. The Bonhams auction is to begin Nov. 11 in Los Angeles with three of the paintings.
bit.ly
October 9, 2025 at 2:55 AM
He just keeps giving
So far, it’s just murder
AP: “.. the administration has only pointed to unclassified video clips of the strikes posted on social media by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and has yet to produce ‘hard evidence’ that the vessels were carrying drugs.”
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/trum...
@apnews.com
apnews.com/article/trum...
October 9, 2025 at 2:49 AM
So far, it’s just murder
Wow!
October 9, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Wow!
As someone who has read earlier works of Rick Joyner and other figures mentioned here, I would also share this author’s conclusions about this eager movement label, which is trying to cast suppressive takeover of neighbors as “revival.”
Also, calling people demons isn’t obeying commands to love
Also, calling people demons isn’t obeying commands to love
October 4, 2025 at 7:32 PM
As someone who has read earlier works of Rick Joyner and other figures mentioned here, I would also share this author’s conclusions about this eager movement label, which is trying to cast suppressive takeover of neighbors as “revival.”
Also, calling people demons isn’t obeying commands to love
Also, calling people demons isn’t obeying commands to love
I really wonder how universities are going to respond to this list of external demands that have nothing to do with each institutions’ own priorities
Trump's higher ed ransom note is here - everyone would have to acquiesce to their unprecedented demands or not be "given priority for grants," plus they can demand "reimbursement" for "violations" www.wsj.com/us-news/educ...
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
A mechanism to enforce fealty. An attack on academic freedom and democracy
October 2, 2025 at 2:37 AM
I really wonder how universities are going to respond to this list of external demands that have nothing to do with each institutions’ own priorities
I just bought two bargain bestsellers on bookshop and I am so happy about it. I think I’m going to want to check this category more often
October 2, 2025 at 2:23 AM
I just bought two bargain bestsellers on bookshop and I am so happy about it. I think I’m going to want to check this category more often
Reposted by Susan EB
Trump posts on Truth Social that he’s ordered another strike on what he claims is a drug trafficking boat.
He’s presented no evidence that his victims in the three previous strikes were running drugs. Drug trafficking is also not a capital crime.
Trump is murdering people in international waters.
He’s presented no evidence that his victims in the three previous strikes were running drugs. Drug trafficking is also not a capital crime.
Trump is murdering people in international waters.
September 19, 2025 at 11:36 PM
Trump posts on Truth Social that he’s ordered another strike on what he claims is a drug trafficking boat.
He’s presented no evidence that his victims in the three previous strikes were running drugs. Drug trafficking is also not a capital crime.
Trump is murdering people in international waters.
He’s presented no evidence that his victims in the three previous strikes were running drugs. Drug trafficking is also not a capital crime.
Trump is murdering people in international waters.
Reposted by Susan EB
Trans people aren't more skewed towards violence when compared to all shooter archetypes.
The FBI is targeting one of the smallest demos in our society because it's easy. Easy to gin up hate. Easy to "other" them & easy to conquer the least violent group.
This is a hate crime disguised as justice
The FBI is targeting one of the smallest demos in our society because it's easy. Easy to gin up hate. Easy to "other" them & easy to conquer the least violent group.
This is a hate crime disguised as justice
FBI to Categorize Trans People As "Nihilistic Violent Extremist" Threat Group, Report Says
The choice is being championed by the Heritage Foundation, which is behind Project 2025.
www.them.us
September 20, 2025 at 3:42 PM
Trans people aren't more skewed towards violence when compared to all shooter archetypes.
The FBI is targeting one of the smallest demos in our society because it's easy. Easy to gin up hate. Easy to "other" them & easy to conquer the least violent group.
This is a hate crime disguised as justice
The FBI is targeting one of the smallest demos in our society because it's easy. Easy to gin up hate. Easy to "other" them & easy to conquer the least violent group.
This is a hate crime disguised as justice
September 18, 2025 at 3:01 AM
I think we need to watch how this affects the presence of republicans in the sciences. Because in the future, when they are hugely underrepresented in those fields (I assume they already are somewhat) we can identify how it is self-inflicted
In 2019, 70% of Republicans said science has had a mostly positive effect on society. A few years later, fewer than half of Republicans (47%) said so.
www.pewresearch.org/science/2023... 🧪🌐
www.pewresearch.org/science/2023... 🧪🌐
September 17, 2025 at 1:50 AM
I think we need to watch how this affects the presence of republicans in the sciences. Because in the future, when they are hugely underrepresented in those fields (I assume they already are somewhat) we can identify how it is self-inflicted
US adult citizens need to pay attention to the fact that our government is treading far beyond “the consent of the governed” in its use of ICE
NEW Economist/YouGov Sep 12-15: Immigration
% who say federal agents should | shouldn't be allowed to stop people based solely on factors such as race or ethnicity, language, or field of work
U.S. adult citizens 19% | 66%
Democrats 5% | 92%
Republicans 40% | 37%
today.yougov.com/politics/art...
% who say federal agents should | shouldn't be allowed to stop people based solely on factors such as race or ethnicity, language, or field of work
U.S. adult citizens 19% | 66%
Democrats 5% | 92%
Republicans 40% | 37%
today.yougov.com/politics/art...
September 17, 2025 at 1:30 AM
US adult citizens need to pay attention to the fact that our government is treading far beyond “the consent of the governed” in its use of ICE
There are real numbers about where violence is coming from on the political spectrum.
And the Cato institute is… not left leaning
And the Cato institute is… not left leaning
cato institute analysis of murders by political ideology since 1975, excluding 9/11
September 17, 2025 at 1:23 AM
There are real numbers about where violence is coming from on the political spectrum.
And the Cato institute is… not left leaning
And the Cato institute is… not left leaning
This is a helpful essay, and reminded me how I need to be sure to get offline
"Dismissing all this as the playground of the few and the fringe—as 'not real life'—won’t cut it." www.liberalcurrents.com/yes-its-the-...
Yes, It’s the Guns. It’s Also the Phones.
Life online is corroding the virtues that make liberal democratic life tenable.
www.liberalcurrents.com
September 16, 2025 at 4:34 PM
This is a helpful essay, and reminded me how I need to be sure to get offline
A great use of (the privilege of) religious freedom to challenge free speech restrictions
New restrictions on campus speech in Texas have spurred a lawsuit from a coalition of student groups, including a Dallas ministry concerned about the impact on Bible studies, worship nights, and evangelism on campus.
Texas Student Ministry Sues over Law Cutting Off Free Speech at 10 p.m. - Christianity Today
In honor of Charlie Kirk, lawmakers will meet to reevaluate campus discourse, including new state regulations.
www.christianitytoday.com
September 16, 2025 at 4:24 PM
A great use of (the privilege of) religious freedom to challenge free speech restrictions
I can’t even read this right now, but for later.
Because of course all aid agencies are reeling.
Because of course all aid agencies are reeling.
In an interview with RNS, World Vision CEO Edgar Sandoval discussed the consequences of USAID cuts and how World Vision is navigating the resulting financial uncertainty.
religionnews.com/2025/09/15/w...
religionnews.com/2025/09/15/w...
World Vision CEO discusses humanitarian work in post-USAID world
NEW YORK (RNS) — 'Whatever the issue is, when people of goodwill and people of faith understand the needs around the world, they have always stepped up,' said Edgar Sandoval, CEO of World Vision, in…
religionnews.com
September 16, 2025 at 2:36 AM
I can’t even read this right now, but for later.
Because of course all aid agencies are reeling.
Because of course all aid agencies are reeling.
This is bad
Sad
And very religiously significant language. Republican politicians aren’t just saying “bad people.” They are describing a supernatural energizing force opposed to God… about politics
Sad
And very religiously significant language. Republican politicians aren’t just saying “bad people.” They are describing a supernatural energizing force opposed to God… about politics
Use of the word "evil" in official congressional e-newsletters, over time, by party
September 16, 2025 at 2:25 AM
This is bad
Sad
And very religiously significant language. Republican politicians aren’t just saying “bad people.” They are describing a supernatural energizing force opposed to God… about politics
Sad
And very religiously significant language. Republican politicians aren’t just saying “bad people.” They are describing a supernatural energizing force opposed to God… about politics
“Cute and venomous is our new fall vibe” is 🙌🏻🙌🏻
We leave you this evening with the pygmy slow loris. These small nocturnal primates are both cute and venomous.
Cute and venomous is our new fall vibe.
Cute and venomous is our new fall vibe.
12-20 Slow Loris - Duke Lemur Center
Slow Loris Deep in the jungles of Southeast Asia, a venomous creature stalks the night... very, very slowly. So slowly, in fact, that it has become part of their common name in English: the slow loris...
lemur.duke.edu
September 16, 2025 at 2:16 AM
“Cute and venomous is our new fall vibe” is 🙌🏻🙌🏻