Sometimes there's a fine line between madness and religious genius and whether its one or the other can be a matter of interpretation. A recent lecture about the beginnings of the Moravian Church held at the Moravian Archives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, reveals that the early inhabitants of Herrnhut found themselves wrestling with this question as they witnessed … Continue reading How a mad prophet helped start the Moravian Church
Religion
The conspiratorial roots of right-wing opposition to Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib
Though Donald Trump's recent racist tweets may have showcased the far-right's strident opposition to Muslim "squad" members, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, the foundations for this vitriol have been in the works long before the two Representatives were elected. While Trump defenders are claiming its all about Omar's democratic socialism, for decades now, a cluster of … Continue reading The conspiratorial roots of right-wing opposition to Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib
Jimmy Carter’s unique mix of Sunday School, politics, and historical memory
Jimmy Carter, whose life-long faith and charity work is well-known, has taught Sunday School for most of his life. Perhaps you didn't know it, but you can actually attend his class at Maranatha Baptist Church, though they recommend you get there no later that 5:30 am if you want a good seat! (Back in May, … Continue reading Jimmy Carter’s unique mix of Sunday School, politics, and historical memory
We need more “Reconstruction buffs”
Civil War buffs - you know some of them. They've visited the battlefield, can tell you the details of uniforms and weapons technology, and love to debate the merits of wartime generals. They know battlefield geography and the the conditions of ordinary soldiers. But I doubt you know any "Reconstruction buffs." Reconstruction refers to the … Continue reading We need more “Reconstruction buffs”
“Mainline” Mennonites Decide against the Telegram at Kansas City Convention
This title is totally in jest. But evidently there was an effort to clean up some outdated language in denominational documents at "MennoCon 2019," which included mention of the telegram -- something that sparked some humorous social media posts from those at the event. Held in Kansas City, the event was the official convention of the … Continue reading “Mainline” Mennonites Decide against the Telegram at Kansas City Convention
New Research on Transatlantic Evangelicalism in the Age of Billy Graham
Yesterday, the Anxious Bench offered up a fascinating post by Hilde Løvdal Stephens, who teaches English at the University of Southeastern Norway. She is doing some groundbreaking research on transatlantic evangelicalism in the decades after World War II -- the era of Billy Graham crusades and Cold War fears. More specifically, she writes about the … Continue reading New Research on Transatlantic Evangelicalism in the Age of Billy Graham
Are Siri and Alexa Replacing Your Local Pastor?
You can ask Siri or Alexa anything - so why not go to Google for answers to those ultimate questions in life? Religion News Service is reporting that given the democratization of information in the Internet Age, people feel less compelled to go to the clergy for advice. Here's Notre Dame theology professor Tim O'Malley, … Continue reading Are Siri and Alexa Replacing Your Local Pastor?
Letters to Young Scholars: A Book for my Adolescent Self
When my teenage son agreed to read and discuss a book together I landed on a book I had not previously known about: William Ringenberg’s Letters to Young Scholars, the second edition of which came out last year. I knew Ringenberg, the retired but long-time professor of history at Taylor University, from CFH circles and … Continue reading Letters to Young Scholars: A Book for my Adolescent Self
Reckoning with Racism and the Church: Reformed and Anabaptist Voices
Last week I offered some reflections and book recommendations on the issue of race. In other corners, a new book about race and the church was getting attention -- Jemar Tisby's volume, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church's Complicity in Racism. I haven't gotten my copy of this yet, but according … Continue reading Reckoning with Racism and the Church: Reformed and Anabaptist Voices
Pastors and Politics
When I talk with pastors, I usually go away reminded of how difficult it must be to navigate their role in these divided times. I know some pastors who blend political activism with their church ministry in ways that I find admirable and are consistent with my own leanings. And I know others who attempt … Continue reading Pastors and Politics
The Hermeneutic Circle 