US Analysis: The (Dis-)United States of America
Martyn Whittock
Date posted: 1 Aug 2022
The USA is deeply divided.
Even as it was learning about the recent Supreme Court decisions on abortion, gun rights, and environmental protection, citizens were also watching the ‘January 6th’ hearings explore more of how Trump had urged an inflamed crowd – which, allegedly, he knew to be armed – to march down to the Capitol to ‘stop the steal’; but also to ‘fight like hell’ for what they wanted. And, allegedly, he would have accompanied them, if his security agents had not prevented him.
Evangelical Futures: Should we ditch the term ‘evangelical’ in the Trump era?
Jonny Raine
Date posted: 1 Jun 2022
‘What kind of church is yours?’ Ever been asked that by someone who isn’t a Christian? I’m never quite sure what to say. ‘Evangelical’ – I suppose!
I’ve often wondered about whether the term, evangelical, is one that will continue to be worthwhile using. It doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. You can’t say it has an immediate connection with those who aren’t in the know. Its potential for being misconstrued is quite significant as well. With that in mind, is it worth ditching the term altogether and perhaps use a different label?
Meeting Frank Schaeffer – atheist son of Francis
Luke Barrs
Date posted: 1 Mar 2022
Frank Schaeffer (not to be confused with his father Francis) titled his memoir Crazy for God with the helpful subtitle How I Grew Up as One of the Elect, Helped Found the Religious Right, and Lived to Take All (or Almost All) of It Back.
His writing is engaging and thought-provoking, especially for myself as a Christian father and pastor. His father, Francis Schaeffer, was a much-beloved Christian thinker who utilised contemporary music, art history, and philosophy to answer the questions of his day. He was truly countercultural in the way he wrote and lived.