"In 2025, the nation apparently continues to suffer from a lack of empathy, a deficit exemplified by, among other things, fresh waves of antisemitism and anti-immigrant sentiments. But not everyone sees it this way. In fact, a growing movement of evangelicals has a different take. To them, the nation suffers, not from a deficit of empathy, but an excess of it."
Psychopaths not only lack empathy--the abiity to understand and share the feelings of other people and to imagine what it would be like to be in their situation, but also they have no moral conscience. Neither do they feel any sense of resposibility for the wellbeing of other people nor do they feel remorse for their actions.Our Own Personal Jesus
According to sociologist Landon Schnabel we are experiencing a time of “individualization,” which he describes as “a phenomenon in which people increasingly craft their spiritual lives according to personal values, rather than institutional dictates.”
Older adults are much more religious than younger adults
There’s a 29-point gap between Americans 65 and older who identify as religious and the share of young adults ages 18 to 29 who identify as religious. This is among the findings of the latest Pew Research Center Religious Landscape Study, which found 83% of Americans 65 and older identify as religious, while only 54% of young adults ages 18 to 29 do.
On anniversary of the first Council of Nicaea, Christian leaders seek to return to ecumenism
Christian leaders stress that the council and its anniversary still have relevance in the modern day, despite theological divides.
PCUSA may drop below 1 million members by end of 2025: report
Presbyterian Church (USA), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States, may dip below 1 million members by the end of the current year, according to a recent report. The PC(USA) Interim Unified Agency released its annual report on church statistics, which found that the denomination lost nearly 49,000 members in 2024, going from approximately 1.094 million members in 2023 to approximately 1.045 million members last year.
SBC’s losses exceed membership in other denominations, Burge says
The Southern Baptist Convention has lost more members in the last two decades than many other denominations have in total membership, according to religion data analyst Ryan Burge. “The convention is down nearly 3.6 million members since its peak in 2006. That single figure is a bigger number than the total size of most Protestant denominations,” Burge wrote in a new Substack post in his series called “Graphs About Religion.”
5 Signs It’s Time for a Pastor to Take a Sabbatical—And How to Plan One
Pastoral ministry is one of the most demanding callings, requiring emotional strength, spiritual depth, and constant service. Over time, even the most faithful pastors can experience weariness, spiritual dryness, or burnout. While pastors are often quick to encourage rest and renewal for others, they may struggle to recognize the same need in themselves. A well-timed sabbatical can be a lifeline—not only for the pastor but for the entire church community. Knowing the signs that it’s time for a break and understanding how to plan it well is critical. A pastor sabbatical guide can help church leaders discern the right time for a break and provide a practical framework for planning it effectively.
Climate Experts Urge Caution as Summer Temps Increase
Meteorological summer starts June 1, and the season is heating up across the U.S. Summers have warmed in 97% of 242 U.S. cities analyzed — by an average of 2.6°F since 1970. One in every five cities now experience at least an additional month of hotter-than-normal summer days than in 1970. Summers are heating up in every region — especially the Southwest and Northwest. Hotter summer temperatures lead to heat-related illness and worsen air quality — putting health at risk.
Are You Ready? Windows 10 Is Ending Support
It seems like just yesterday we were reveling in the announcement from Microsoft that Windows 10 would be the last version of Windows. No more upgrades, no more end-of-service support, no more IT hassle. It seemed utopian. Now here we are. We’re well into Windows 11 — waiting for Windows 12 — and dealing with the end-of-service for Windows 10. How things change.
How to Defuse Friction in Your Small Group
Small groups are often the heartbeat of a church community. They offer a more intimate setting for growth, accountability, and discipleship. However, because small groups bring together people from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and spiritual maturities, it’s not uncommon for tension or conflict to arise. If left unchecked, small group friction can hinder relationships, spiritual development, and the overall health of the group. The good news is that with intentionality, grace, and some practical strategies, it is possible to defuse tension and restore unity.
Outreach in the Story of the Triune God
I know a pastor who admits to suffering from a condition I like to call trinipraedicarephobia: “fear of preaching the Trinity.” In this, my inaugural theology column, I want to address this fear. I submit to you that the Trinity is the ground, grammar and goal of all genuinely Christian outreach.
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