Dean Powery on a Biblical Question with Present-Day Implications

Writing in the (Duke) Chronicle, Chapel Dean Luke Powery says a question posed by one of Jesus's disciples—“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”—points to a principle that can guide us today in navigating our political and social divisions and injustices.

The question from the disciple Nathanael presumes prejudices and stereotypes about Nazarenes, but when Nathanael accepts an invitation to meet Jesus from Nazareth, he discovers a surprising answer.

"Yes! There are good gifts and even God in Nazareth," Dean Powery writes. "He learns the Nazareth principle: Those whom you despise and disregard at first may turn out to be the source of your salvation."

Read the full column.

Follow Dean Powery's biweekly op-ed columns in the Chronicle.