Articles for Engage.Mail are generally from within a broadly Evangelical perspective.
We publish short, snappy pieces that can be theological reflections or responses to current issues. Article length is generally 1,200-1,800 words. Our readership is quite diverse in terms of age, educational levels and theology (under the broadly evangelical umbrella), so we try to keep content as accessible as possible. Ethos does not necessarily endorse every opinion of the authors but promotes their writing to encourage critical thought and discussion.
We welcome your submission of articles and especially encourage young or emerging writers to contact us with ideas.
Readers are encouraged to join the conversations and add their comments to the articles. Please keep comments succinct. Full (real) names are required for comments. We reserve the right not to publish or remove remarks we judge to be aimed at antagonism or ‘trolling’.
Latest engage.mail articles
The Implicit Precept of Proximity as Relational Responsibility
While there is an implicit message to love all peoples or races, that is not the parable’s main point.
Why Dietrich Bonhoeffer was right 90 years ago, and why he is right today
Dietrich Bonhoeffer claimed that the most urgent question for society boiled down to the question: 'who is my neighbour'?
Responding to the ‘rider of the storm’
'Will our eyes see this creator of majesty ride into the eye of the storm?' Dr Paul Mercer reflects on his experience of Cyclone Alfred.
Why churches should defend democracy by opposing protest restrictions in Victoria
'The current volatile geopolitical environment, coupled with the cost-of-living crisis, presents governments with an urgent challenge of strengthening social cohesion and fostering respect among people of diverse cultural, faith, and non-faith backgrounds.' Dr Audrey Statham questions if the proposed anti-protest laws are the solution.
‘Christianity 101’ being preached by unlikely sources
The Bishop of Washington’s sermon on 21 January would not have been considered remarkable if it wasn’t for who was in the congregation that day. What she chose to do has opened up conversations about the gospel in surprising ways.
‘A Little Old Lady from Altadena’ (with apologies to the Beachboys)
What to say? What to do? With climate change looming big and a new president who denies it and makes political capital out of the fires, blaming fire-fighters, it's easy to despair. But we can do little things that make a big difference.
Is there more to say about January 20th, 2025? A January 21st reflection from the South West Pacific
In the clapping, the ecstatic smiles and hugs, the demonstrative childishness of ‘this is what victory feels like’, we're still confronted by what seems to be an outbreak of insanity that we are going to have to deal with. Do we stay quiet?
Christian Nationalism: Your Kingdom Come
Christian nationalism substitutes spiritual salvation through Christ for political salvation through Trump, rendering Jesus’ ultimate triumph over evil through his death and resurrection insufficient. But is there a biblical premise for this view?
God’s Mattering for Us, Our Mattering for God
Jesus is the universal sovereign, announcing a Heavenly Kingdom to all, and proposing a path of discipleship for all. But this universal sovereign stooped down to pick up mud to smear on the eyes of a blind man.
Removing Barriers to God’s vision for community
People with disabilities often face significant barriers to fully participating in their communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, leading to exclusion from community and a deepening experience of poverty. The story of Dipak, a 26-year-old Nepalese man, is one of hope.
Small Steps Towards a True Humanism
If our notion of humanism excludes the dimensions of beauty, imagination and spirituality then we are championing an anorexic humanism. So how can the Christian faith contribute to an understanding of and living into a true humanism?
Abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?
The more I learned about how to maintain one’s character in Christ, Christian courtship and Christian marriage, the more I felt empowered as a Christian woman. I learned how to respect and value myself.
Israel, Palestine and Lausanne IV
The controversy over Latin American theologian Ruth Padilla DeBorst's comments on the Israel-Palestine conflict at last month’s Lausanne IV Gathering highlighted the long-standing tensions within the Lausanne Movement and the need for courage to discuss the hard issues.
The End of the Australasian Religious Press Association: Where to from here?
Last month's 50th anniversary gathering of the Australasian Religious Press Association (ARPA) was sadly its last. Veteran journalist and Ethos board member Graeme Cole traces the foundation, history and closure of this important organisation. Where to from here for Christian publishing?
Fire of Compassion
'In this crucible of fire — both chemical and divine — we are transformed. The flames that threaten to consume us also forge us anew. We will burn, yes, but we will also grow. And in that growth, we will find our healing, our strength, our rebirth.' A reflection on the purifying fire of chemotherapy.
Writing for Engage.Mail
We are always on the lookout for new writers, especially those from underrepresented communities. If you’d like to submit an article, review, poem, story or artwork, email the editor, Armen Gakavian with either a draft or an abstract. Before emailing us, please read our guidelines here.
Comments by readers
Readers are encouraged to join the conversations and add their comments to the articles. Please keep comments succinct. Full (real) names are required for comments. We reserve the right not to publish or to remove remarks we judge to be aimed at antagonism or ‘trolling’.
Please note: There is a delay between posting and appearance of comments on the site.
Comment Code of Conduct (based on Sojourners’ code):
- I will express myself with civility, courtesy, and respect for every member of the Ethos online community, especially toward those with whom I disagree—even if I feel disrespected by them. (Romans 12:17-21)
- I will express my disagreements with other community members’ ideas without insulting, mocking, or slandering them personally. (Matthew 5:22)
- I will not exaggerate others’ beliefs nor make unfounded prejudicial assumptions based on labels, categories, or stereotypes. I will always extend the benefit of the doubt. (Ephesians 4:29)
- I will hold others accountable by reporting comments that violate these principles, based not on what ideas are expressed but on how they’re expressed. (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)
- I understand that comments reported as abusive are reviewed by Ethos staff and are subject to removal. Repeat offenders will be blocked from making further comments. (Proverbs 18:7)
(Please note there is a delay between posting and appearance of comments on the site.)