Known for his gifts with poetry and prose, Berry, who died on August 31, lived a quiet life of consistent resistance to the mechanization of human dignity, the wanton destruction of creation, and the myths of progress that threaten ecological destruction.

Contrary to common assumptions, playfulness in worship is not disrespectful. Rather, it is aligned with the Spirit of a playful and imaginative Creator who is always doing new things if we are attentive and faithful enough to perceive them.

Each week in The Christian Citizen, we publish a Religion News Roundup with summaries of religion news stories and links for those who want to read more.

The law of Moses warned the people of ancient Israel not to muzzle the ox that grinds the grain (Deuteronomy 25:4). Likewise, let those who share in the production of goods and services today be rewarded for their efforts in that process.

Sexuality, talent, financial success, humor, faith, generosity, beauty, fun, music, family, food, health, investment, kindness, fashion, dignity, respect, justice, and glamor, as Dolly Parton saw them, were all gifts of God to celebrate, as long as they were used for good.