A Careful Critique
Arts & Culture | Politics | Reviews

A Careful Critique

Flags at the front of churches and Bibles waving at political rallies are common place in the United States, and two thirds of Americans agree with the statement “America is a Christian nation” (according to a 2013 poll). That level of fusion between love of God and love of country, however, does not explain why many, in the name of Christ, reject non-white immigrants, refuse to recognize racial injustice in spite of overwhelming evidence, oppose equality for women, defend gun culture, and excuse killing civilians…

Leading in the Way of Jesus?
Arts & Culture | Politics | Reviews

Leading in the Way of Jesus?

The contemporary Christian musician Andrew Peterson provocatively laments “the second coming of the Pharisees” when he witnesses Christians behaving contrary to their teacher (Come, Lord Jesus, 2000). I heard this song playing repeatedly in my mind as I read Katherine Stewart’s recent book, The Power Worshippers, on the rise and danger of Christian nationalism.

A Prayer of Lament
Arts & Culture

A Prayer of Lament

Lord, in case You haven’t noticed, things are falling apart down here. Of course, I know You’re omniscient, so I realize that You are aware, but I wonder if You’re really paying attention, Lord. This corona virus is plaguing the entire globe, and especially ravaging the poor, vulnerable and minorities, who for so long have already been suffering so much pain and injustice.

The Roman Worlds
Arts & Culture | Bible | Reviews

The Roman Worlds

I had the opportunity to see Keesmaat and Walsh speak on their latest joint effort, Romans Disarmed, last fall. The medium-sized lecture hall at Community Christian Reformed Church in Kitchener was packed, with nearly 100 people in attendance. Every seat was full. People were sitting in the aisle, standing against the walls, in the gymnasium…

Talking about Racism
Reviews | Social Justice

Talking about Racism

In White Fragility, Robin DiAngelo, a white anti-racism educator, describes the defensive moves that white people make when their ideas about race and racism are challenged. She terms these defensive moves “white fragility” – reactions characterized by emotions such as anger, fear, and guilt and by behaviours such as argumentation and silence. She argues that our largely segregated society makes these reactions possible, as it’s set up to insulate white people from racial discomfort.

Holding the Bible (Awkwardly) in the Midst of a Pandemic
Reviews

Holding the Bible (Awkwardly) in the Midst of a Pandemic

In the midst of both a global pandemic and nationwide protests against anti-black racism, President Donald Trump had peaceful protestors forcefully removed from Lafayette Square by an unidentified military force so that he could walk across the street for a photo-op in front of historic St. John’s Episcopalian Church. He wanted to pose holding a Bible. The outrage expressed by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde was echoed through much of the Christian community.

Talking in Church
Reviews

Talking in Church

“I love Zoom coffee,” announced a friend with a tone of surprise. “Last Sunday we were in random chat rooms for ‘coffee’ after the church service. I met some wonderful people that I’ve never talked to before, though we’ve been part of the same church for fifteen years. I always had people in my own circle to catch up with after church. Now because of the pandemic lockdown I’m experiencing a bigger church.”