Seventeen82

                Tensions are high. For Americans, one of the most highly volatile elections of our time is quickly approaching. For Christian’s, there remains a significant amount of uncertainty concerning the future of the American church and of our religious freedom. For many of us, it has become increasingly difficult to decide where we stand as both political parties seem to drift further and further from basic Christian principles, begging the question, “how should we interact with politics in a secular society?”             As we approach the celebration of the protestant reformation on Saturday, there are, I think, a number of similarities that are worth our consideration as we ask ourselves how we should interact with a politically dominant culture. While there are notable differences between 1517 and 2020, there are a surprising number of similarities. In ...

One of the common themes I keep hearing in, both from within the church and without, is- “I’m tired of all of this.” It’s funny that they don’t have to explain what “this” is. We all seem to know. People are tired of wearing masks, social distancing, limiting attendance, worrying about getting sick (or loved ones), working from home, zoom meetings, and isolation. Add to this all of the social, political, and economic strife flooding the news, social media, and conversations. The daily wrestling with intense emotions, day after day, is wearing people out. Tensions are higher, and conflict is greater in our nation, communities, and homes.  University Psychology departments are identifying this and calling it “Pandemic Fatigue.” I’m sure many in the Christian church, perhaps even in leadership roles, are experiencing this. Some may be suffering and trying to hide it, out of concern that they might appear weak in their faith or somehow ‘less’ a Christian than they should be.  Firs...