Herb Montgomery
@herbmontgomery.bsky.social
Author and Director at www.renewedheartministries.com
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December 24, 2025 at 4:19 PM
Are you receiving all of RHM’s free resources each week?
Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
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Marcus Borg & John Dominic Crossan
The First Christmas
The First Christmas
December 24, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Marcus Borg & John Dominic Crossan
The First Christmas
The First Christmas
Christmas as Critique of Complicity with Empire
Matthew 1:18-25
“This has distracted us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel is making.”
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/12-2...
Matthew 1:18-25
“This has distracted us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel is making.”
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/12-2...
Chistmas as Critique of Complicity with Empire
Our culture’s naturalistic worldview often distracts us from the political point that the Christmas narratives are making.
renewedheartministries.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Christmas as Critique of Complicity with Empire
Matthew 1:18-25
“This has distracted us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel is making.”
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/12-2...
Matthew 1:18-25
“This has distracted us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel is making.”
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/12-2...
Season 2 Episode 51: Christmas as Critique of Complicity with Empire
Matthew 1:18-25
“This has distracted us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel is making.”
Available on all major podcast carriers and at:
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/chi...
Matthew 1:18-25
“This has distracted us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel is making.”
Available on all major podcast carriers and at:
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/chi...
Christmas as Critique of Complicity with Empire | The Social Jesus Podcast
Matthew 1:18-25
“Our culture’s naturalistic worldview means that what catches our attention is the scientific impossibility of a virgin birth, and this has distracted us from the political point that...
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Season 2 Episode 51: Christmas as Critique of Complicity with Empire
Matthew 1:18-25
“This has distracted us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel is making.”
Available on all major podcast carriers and at:
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/chi...
Matthew 1:18-25
“This has distracted us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel is making.”
Available on all major podcast carriers and at:
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/chi...
RHM’s Recommended Reading for December
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident.
renewedheartministries.com/news/Recomme...
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident.
renewedheartministries.com/news/Recomme...
Recommended Reading for December - Renewed Heart Ministries
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident. “WHEN CHRIST CALLS A MAN HE BIDS HIM COME AND ...
renewedheartministries.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:05 PM
RHM’s Recommended Reading for December
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident.
renewedheartministries.com/news/Recomme...
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident.
renewedheartministries.com/news/Recomme...
Christmas as Critique of Complicity with Injustice
Part 3 of the series When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
Christmas stories, when understood in their polcitical and social context, are a critique of complicity with empire and injusitce.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 3 of the series When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
Christmas stories, when understood in their polcitical and social context, are a critique of complicity with empire and injusitce.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Christmas As Critique Of Complicity With Injustice
Christmas stories, when understood in their polcitical and social context, are a critique of complicity with empire and injusitce.
www.patheos.com
December 24, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Christmas as Critique of Complicity with Injustice
Part 3 of the series When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
Christmas stories, when understood in their polcitical and social context, are a critique of complicity with empire and injusitce.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 3 of the series When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
Christmas stories, when understood in their polcitical and social context, are a critique of complicity with empire and injusitce.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Virgin Birth as Critique of Complicity with Empire
Part 2 of: When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
The scientific impossibility of a virgin birth often distracts us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel was making.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 2 of: When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
The scientific impossibility of a virgin birth often distracts us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel was making.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Virgin Birth As Critique Of Complicity With Empire
The scientific impossibility of a virgin birth often distracts us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel was making.
www.patheos.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Virgin Birth as Critique of Complicity with Empire
Part 2 of: When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
The scientific impossibility of a virgin birth often distracts us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel was making.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 2 of: When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
The scientific impossibility of a virgin birth often distracts us from the political point that the author of Matthew’s gospel was making.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Christmas As Theological Critique of Empire
Part 1 of the series: When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
The use of familiar forms of imperial birth legends and filling them with radically different content is a theological critique of empire.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 1 of the series: When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
The use of familiar forms of imperial birth legends and filling them with radically different content is a theological critique of empire.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Christmas As Theological Critique Of Empire
The use of familiar forms of imperial birth legends and filling them with radically different content is a theological critique of empire.
www.patheos.com
December 24, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Christmas As Theological Critique of Empire
Part 1 of the series: When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
The use of familiar forms of imperial birth legends and filling them with radically different content is a theological critique of empire.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 1 of the series: When Christianity Becomes Complicit with Societal Injustice
The use of familiar forms of imperial birth legends and filling them with radically different content is a theological critique of empire.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Last Week at RHM: December 22, 2025
Year-End Matching Donations, RHM’s Shared Table, December’s Recommended Reading and more . . .
renewedheartministries.com/news/Last-We...
Year-End Matching Donations, RHM’s Shared Table, December’s Recommended Reading and more . . .
renewedheartministries.com/news/Last-We...
Last Week at RHM: December 22, 2025 - Renewed Heart Ministries
Big News! Your Gift Will Go Twice as Far! From now through December 31st, every dollar you donate to Renewed Heart Ministries will be matched dollar for dollar! That means your support will have doub...
renewedheartministries.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:07 AM
Last Week at RHM: December 22, 2025
Year-End Matching Donations, RHM’s Shared Table, December’s Recommended Reading and more . . .
renewedheartministries.com/news/Last-We...
Year-End Matching Donations, RHM’s Shared Table, December’s Recommended Reading and more . . .
renewedheartministries.com/news/Last-We...
Are you receiving all of RHM’s free resources each week?
Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
Sign up at:
renewedheartministries.com/Contact-form...
Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
Sign up at:
renewedheartministries.com/Contact-form...
December 20, 2025 at 6:04 PM
Are you receiving all of RHM’s free resources each week?
Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
Sign up at:
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Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
Sign up at:
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Text:
"In his
name,
all oppression
shall cease . . ."
"In his
name,
all oppression
shall cease . . ."
December 20, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Text:
"In his
name,
all oppression
shall cease . . ."
"In his
name,
all oppression
shall cease . . ."
Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
Matthew 11:2-11
Advent rituals remind and call us, like John’s preaching of old, to return to social justice.
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/12-1...
Matthew 11:2-11
Advent rituals remind and call us, like John’s preaching of old, to return to social justice.
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/12-1...
Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
Advent reminds us to consider how the teachings of the gospels can inspire a renewed commitment to justice, equality, and compassion.
renewedheartministries.com
December 20, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
Matthew 11:2-11
Advent rituals remind and call us, like John’s preaching of old, to return to social justice.
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/12-1...
Matthew 11:2-11
Advent rituals remind and call us, like John’s preaching of old, to return to social justice.
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/12-1...
Season 2 Episode 50: Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
Matthew 11:2-11
Advent rituals remind and call us, like John’s preaching of old, to return to social justice.
Available on all major podcast carriers and at:
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/adv...
Matthew 11:2-11
Advent rituals remind and call us, like John’s preaching of old, to return to social justice.
Available on all major podcast carriers and at:
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/adv...
Advent as Good News for the Marginalized | The Social Jesus Podcast
Matthew 11:2-11
Advent rituals remind and call us, like John’s preaching of old, to return to the social justice practices of our various faith traditions, and to renew our commitments to shaping our...
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com
December 20, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Season 2 Episode 50: Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
Matthew 11:2-11
Advent rituals remind and call us, like John’s preaching of old, to return to social justice.
Available on all major podcast carriers and at:
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/adv...
Matthew 11:2-11
Advent rituals remind and call us, like John’s preaching of old, to return to social justice.
Available on all major podcast carriers and at:
the-social-jesus-podcast.simplecast.com/episodes/adv...
RHM’s Recommended Reading for December
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident.
renewedheartministries.com/news/Recomme...
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident.
renewedheartministries.com/news/Recomme...
Recommended Reading for December - Renewed Heart Ministries
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident. “WHEN CHRIST CALLS A MAN HE BIDS HIM COME AND ...
renewedheartministries.com
December 20, 2025 at 6:01 PM
RHM’s Recommended Reading for December
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident.
renewedheartministries.com/news/Recomme...
The Cost of Discipleship
by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The Cost of Discipleship written by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian and anti-Nazi dissident.
renewedheartministries.com/news/Recomme...
Advent at the Margins: John’s Call to Build a Just World
Part 3 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
John's repentance was to manifest itself in equitable economic practices and the compassionate treatment of neighbor.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 3 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
John's repentance was to manifest itself in equitable economic practices and the compassionate treatment of neighbor.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Advent At The Margins: John’s Call To Build A Just World
John's repentance was to manifest itself in equitable economic practices and the compassionate treatment of neighbor.
www.patheos.com
December 19, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Advent at the Margins: John’s Call to Build a Just World
Part 3 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
John's repentance was to manifest itself in equitable economic practices and the compassionate treatment of neighbor.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 3 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
John's repentance was to manifest itself in equitable economic practices and the compassionate treatment of neighbor.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Good News from the Edges
Part 2 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
In these stories, “the wilderness” symbolizes the edges of society. It represents those places far from centers of power, wealth, and political/religious control.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 2 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
In these stories, “the wilderness” symbolizes the edges of society. It represents those places far from centers of power, wealth, and political/religious control.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Good News From The Edges
In these stories, “the wilderness” symbolizes the edges of society. It represents those places far from centers of power, wealth, and political/religious control.
www.patheos.com
December 18, 2025 at 11:43 PM
Good News from the Edges
Part 2 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
In these stories, “the wilderness” symbolizes the edges of society. It represents those places far from centers of power, wealth, and political/religious control.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 2 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
In these stories, “the wilderness” symbolizes the edges of society. It represents those places far from centers of power, wealth, and political/religious control.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Good News for the Poor
Part 1 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
A reliable litmus test for the gospel is whether it is truly good news to the poor, rather than mere assurance for the privileged.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 1 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
A reliable litmus test for the gospel is whether it is truly good news to the poor, rather than mere assurance for the privileged.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Good News For The Poor
A reliable litmus test for the gospel is whether it is truly good news to the poor, rather than mere assurance for the privileged.
www.patheos.com
December 17, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Good News for the Poor
Part 1 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
A reliable litmus test for the gospel is whether it is truly good news to the poor, rather than mere assurance for the privileged.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 1 of the series Advent as Good News for the Marginalized
A reliable litmus test for the gospel is whether it is truly good news to the poor, rather than mere assurance for the privileged.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Repairing the Moral Fabric Begins With Justice
Part 3 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
Reparing our moral fabric is about preparing a societal landscape where love, justice, and peace encounter the fewest obstacles.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 3 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
Reparing our moral fabric is about preparing a societal landscape where love, justice, and peace encounter the fewest obstacles.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Repairing The Moral Fabric Begins With Justice
Reparing our moral fabric is about preparing a societal landscape where love, justice, and peace encounter the fewest obstacles.
www.patheos.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Repairing the Moral Fabric Begins With Justice
Part 3 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
Reparing our moral fabric is about preparing a societal landscape where love, justice, and peace encounter the fewest obstacles.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 3 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
Reparing our moral fabric is about preparing a societal landscape where love, justice, and peace encounter the fewest obstacles.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
John's Repentance and Societal Justice
Part 2 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
It was rooted in a call to repentance, and the repentance he demanded was profoundly societal and economic at its core.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 2 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
It was rooted in a call to repentance, and the repentance he demanded was profoundly societal and economic at its core.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
John's Repentance And Societal Justice
It was rooted in a call to repentance, and the repentance he demanded was profoundly societal and economic at its core.
www.patheos.com
December 16, 2025 at 10:49 PM
John's Repentance and Societal Justice
Part 2 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
It was rooted in a call to repentance, and the repentance he demanded was profoundly societal and economic at its core.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 2 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
It was rooted in a call to repentance, and the repentance he demanded was profoundly societal and economic at its core.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Advent and a Path Toward Justice
Part 1 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
This story reminds us of what Advent is about. A path that moves us further toward a world that is a just home for everyone.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 1 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
This story reminds us of what Advent is about. A path that moves us further toward a world that is a just home for everyone.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Advent And A Path Toward Justice
This story reminds us of what Advent is about. A path that moves us further toward a world that is a just home for everyone.
www.patheos.com
December 2, 2025 at 11:44 PM
Advent and a Path Toward Justice
Part 1 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
This story reminds us of what Advent is about. A path that moves us further toward a world that is a just home for everyone.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
Part 1 of the series Clearing a Path for Justice
This story reminds us of what Advent is about. A path that moves us further toward a world that is a just home for everyone.
www.patheos.com/blogs/social...
**All Donations Till End of Year Are Being Matched**
Many who find us arrive carrying deep questions, old wounds, or a longing for a path that aligns with their passion for justice. Become part of someone's story this Giving Tuesday.
#GivingTuesday
renewedheartministries.com/news/Giving-...
Many who find us arrive carrying deep questions, old wounds, or a longing for a path that aligns with their passion for justice. Become part of someone's story this Giving Tuesday.
#GivingTuesday
renewedheartministries.com/news/Giving-...
December 2, 2025 at 3:43 PM
**All Donations Till End of Year Are Being Matched**
Many who find us arrive carrying deep questions, old wounds, or a longing for a path that aligns with their passion for justice. Become part of someone's story this Giving Tuesday.
#GivingTuesday
renewedheartministries.com/news/Giving-...
Many who find us arrive carrying deep questions, old wounds, or a longing for a path that aligns with their passion for justice. Become part of someone's story this Giving Tuesday.
#GivingTuesday
renewedheartministries.com/news/Giving-...
Last Week at RHM: December 1, 2025
Year-End Matching Donations, RHM’s Shared Table, December’s Recommended Reading and more . . .
renewedheartministries.com/news/Last-We...
Year-End Matching Donations, RHM’s Shared Table, December’s Recommended Reading and more . . .
renewedheartministries.com/news/Last-We...
Last Week at RHM: December 1, 2025 - Renewed Heart Ministries
Big News! Your Gift Will Go Twice as Far! From now through December 31st, every dollar you donate to Renewed Heart Ministries will be matched dollar for dollar! That means your support will have doub...
renewedheartministries.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:26 PM
Last Week at RHM: December 1, 2025
Year-End Matching Donations, RHM’s Shared Table, December’s Recommended Reading and more . . .
renewedheartministries.com/news/Last-We...
Year-End Matching Donations, RHM’s Shared Table, December’s Recommended Reading and more . . .
renewedheartministries.com/news/Last-We...
Are you receiving all of RHM’s free resources each week?
Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
Sign up at:
renewedheartministries.com/Contact-form...
Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
Sign up at:
renewedheartministries.com/Contact-form...
November 29, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Are you receiving all of RHM’s free resources each week?
Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
Sign up at:
renewedheartministries.com/Contact-form...
Begin each day being inspired toward love, compassion, justice and action. Free.
Sign up at:
renewedheartministries.com/Contact-form...
Text:
“Theology ceases to be a theology of the gospel when it fails to arise out of the community of the oppressed.”
James H. Cone
A Black Theology of Liberation
“Theology ceases to be a theology of the gospel when it fails to arise out of the community of the oppressed.”
James H. Cone
A Black Theology of Liberation
November 29, 2025 at 4:02 PM
Text:
“Theology ceases to be a theology of the gospel when it fails to arise out of the community of the oppressed.”
James H. Cone
A Black Theology of Liberation
“Theology ceases to be a theology of the gospel when it fails to arise out of the community of the oppressed.”
James H. Cone
A Black Theology of Liberation
The Liberation at the Heart of Advent
Matthew 24:36-44
“Advent reminds us Jesus proclaimed liberation for the oppressed and the beginning of a whole new world where injustice, violence and oppression are replaced by loving one’s neighbor as oneself.”
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/11-2...
Matthew 24:36-44
“Advent reminds us Jesus proclaimed liberation for the oppressed and the beginning of a whole new world where injustice, violence and oppression are replaced by loving one’s neighbor as oneself.”
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/11-2...
The Liberation at the Heart of Advent
Advent is our annual reminder that the gospel is unreservedly identified with those the status quo deems least.
renewedheartministries.com
November 29, 2025 at 4:01 PM
The Liberation at the Heart of Advent
Matthew 24:36-44
“Advent reminds us Jesus proclaimed liberation for the oppressed and the beginning of a whole new world where injustice, violence and oppression are replaced by loving one’s neighbor as oneself.”
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/11-2...
Matthew 24:36-44
“Advent reminds us Jesus proclaimed liberation for the oppressed and the beginning of a whole new world where injustice, violence and oppression are replaced by loving one’s neighbor as oneself.”
renewedheartministries.com/Esights/11-2...