In an unusual departure from the style of this podcast, Thom and Jess look at American Protestantism in the 21st century, highlighting 10 amazing contributions and 10 abject failures. For number 21, the Rainers give American Christianity a “grade” they believe is objective based on the past 25 years. They will take four podcasts to take you on this journey.
Related: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of American Protestantism the Past 25 Years, Part 4: Abject Failures of American Protestantism in the 21st CenturyEpiscopal priest, family evacuate home by boat in Kentucky River flooding
The Rev. Peter Doddema is used to having some flood water in his basement. Living just 100 feet from the Kentucky River in Frankfort, Kentucky’s state capital, the rector of the city’s Ascension Episcopal Church told Episcopal News Service that occasionally having water in the home’s lower garage level is not a big problem. The area’s special drywall is water-repellent, he said, “so you hose it all down, bleach it out and you carry on.”
A Sham Trial: Reviewing 'The Sin of Empathy'
There is perhaps no better example of literary lunacy than the court scene in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alice is excited to witness the machinery of justice she had only ever read about (though, she is also admittedly distracted by the delicious-looking tarts that lie at the heart of the crime). Instead, she finds herself treated to—and indeed co-opted into—a bizarre pageant of absurdity... As I read Joe Rigney’s The Sin of Empathy: Compassion and its Counterfeits, I began to identify a little with Alice in that courtroom as she watched blame assigned inconsistently, truth contorted, and meaning conjured out of thin air.
VOICES: Paula White-Cain’s prosperity gospel twists Scripture for profit
In this article, I’d like to raise three theological concerns about Paula White-Cain and explain why I believe Trump’s choice does not reflect strong, consistent Christian leadership. It is imperative to have a leader whose teachings promote sound doctrine and foster genuine spiritual growth.
Team Behind Critical CDC Maternal and Infant Health Dataset Axed
As part of the cuts to federal health agencies by the Trump administration, the entire team behind a key CDC dataset for ob/gyn research has been axed.
Why Multiple Income Streams Are a Non-Negotiable for Every Healthy Church
Unless you have been living on a deserted island, you have likely at least been introduced to the idea that the healthy, vital church of the future will need to develop multiple revenue streams. While this may not be a popular strategy for some, the need is grounded in reality and cultural trends. Let’s explore a few of the reasons why the shift to developing multiple income streams is required.
Why Sabbath Is for Pastors, Too
Most pastors say they’re on call 24/7. In these circumstances, the need for Sabbath is great, but is it realistic for pastors?
Mobile Church Equipment Your Church Can’t Do Without
So, your church is portable: every single week you set up and take down all the equipment needed for your worship service. How’s that working for you? A mobile church can really tax its human resources, but it can also mean that you are highly flexible and able to turn on a dime when it comes to connecting with your community. These are two sides of one coin. Let’s look at ways to leverage the good side, and minimize the not-so-good side. The most important thing to remember about gearing up for portable church is to focus on the ministry of the church.
VOICES: Are we more biblically illiterate than ever?
For most Christians with any knowledge of the people who live and work in their community, the answer to the question “Are we more biblically illiterate than ever?” seems obvious: of course we are. You may not know that statistical evidence backs up your anecdotal belief. Surveys are helpful in potentially increasing our already firm conviction and providing a deeper understanding of growing societal unbelief. That is precisely the aim of this brief article, which will examine a few more extensive surveys that chart and track biblical literacy over time for both the US populace and professing Evangelicals as a demographic.
It is indeed deeply concerning that many Evangelicals know less about the New Testament than the Old Testament. If they are not reading the Old Testament through the lens of Jesus' teaching as revealed in the Gospels and reflected in the apostles' writings, they have a distorted view of Christianity.The Dirtiest One Another
We commonly hear about the “one anothers” of Scripture that help guide believers guide in we treat other believers. We’re to encourage one another, edify one another, pray for one another, greet one another, exhort one another, outdo one another in showing honor, and forgive one another (among many others). But I think we often forget the dirtiest of all these—we’re to wash one another’s feet
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