Scripture Columnist
U.S. Catholic is soliciting applications for 1-2 new columnists to write for the monthly Testaments column, which appears both in print and online.
Each Testaments column is 1250 words about our sacred story, loosely tied to the liturgical year and lectionary readings for the month, either from the Hebrew scriptures or New Testament (and don’t forget the psalms!). It includes one short verse from any lectionary reading appearing in the month as a call-out to set the theme.
Testaments seeks to make scripture relevant, tying together exegesis with commentary and reflection on how scripture can affect our understanding of today’s most pressing issues. It supplies a deeper look at our Catholic faith, its seasons, teachings, practices, and witnesses. And it bends over backwards not to be boring!
Columns can involve any number of elements, including:
- a deeper look at a personality: prophet, evangelist, or saint featured in the month
- a biblical school of thought, like wisdom, gospel, prophecy, apocalyptic
- an overview of a book or section of the Bible featured that month: Pentateuch, epistles, the historical books
- an overview of the emerging liturgical season
- a review of old and new teachings regarding a holy day of obligation or feast of the month
- a look at liturgical practices of the month: signing with ashes, blessing of St. Blaise, the Advent wreath
- a new (or older) publication by the pope or U.S. Catholic bishops, tied to a particular scriptural theme of the month
- catechesis on a trending subject, again lightly linked to that month’s lectionary
- a theme (justice, mercy, forgiveness, grace) that emerges from the month’s readings
While the column should include exegesis and scholarly understandings of a text, it should focus on how scripture is a living document that remains relevant to people today.
The bottom line is: A Testaments column remains faithful to its mission to explore the lectionary scriptures with its audience. But it is not ever merely commentary or a scripture reflection piece. Nor is it scholarly, preachy, or footnote-worthy. It is always tied to the present and to the culture in a friendly, relatable way. And humor is gratefully appreciated!
Some prime examples of the column include:
- In the Bible, it’s the animals that steal the show
- Any account of leadership must consider the plight of the poor
- Why you should care about what biblical characters wear
You can also see additional examples here.
Interested applicants should send their resume/CV and the following to editors@uscatholic.org:
- A description of your background and why you’re interested in contributing to the column
- A short paragraph describing how you would make the column your own—including how you envision the tone, the audience, and what kinds of topics you would cover
- Any links or examples of writing you’ve done for a popular or non-academic audience
Candidates may also be asked to write a sample column (which will eventually be published by U.S. Catholic and paid our normal rate for online essays).
