Revive Us Again? →

Kevin DeYoung's definition of revival and why it's always on his weekly prayer list.

A Muslim, a Christian, and a Seed →

While inter-religious dialogue in church buildings is proving difficult, planting trees in a religiously diverse community has sparked conversation.

You versus Y'all →

Reading the Bible from an individualistic mindset breeds checklist Christianity (did I do [insert good thing] today, check!). This emphasizes aspects of faith such as self-righteousness and individual works.

Justin Hiebert:

But if we read passages like this through a community oriented lens it changes that. There is still an individual response needed, but it changes the outcome. Instead, it becomes: Can we as a church stand united to offer our one body to sacrifice and service to Jesus? Have we uplifted each other, prayed for each other, encouraged each other and blessed each other in such a way that we can stand blameless before God?

Reading from a community lens is not only a more accurate way to read the Bible, it draws attention to values that were upheld in Greco-Roman society – such as unity and honor.

This underscores the merit in reading the Bible with people from different cultural backgrounds. While we (North Americans) prioritize freedom, equality, and love (all individualistic values), many non-Western cultures prioritize honor, loyalty, and hospitality (all community-oriented values). We all share the same values, we just differ in order of importance.

Hiebert suggests reading "you (plural)" instead of "you (singular)." You'll be right more often than not, and you may even learn something from the change in perspective.

More than Meets the Eye →

You've probably seen this photo circling the world wide web since the announcement of the new pope. It allegedly juxtaposes papal elections in 2005 and 2013. Turns out the 2005 photo was actually from an occasion of mourning (hence, the complete absence of devices held in the air).

A lot has changed in the last 8 years, in no small part due to the advent of the iPhone in 2007. That said, the contrast is not quite as stark as it was made to appear. The evolution of communication, especially as it pertains to personal electronics, is fascinating. Proper analysis of such evolution, however, requires a bit more data than just one photo.

We Have Pope Francis →

When it comes to Pope Francis I, The Washington Post seems optimistic, quoting then Cardinal Bergoglio:

We live, apparently, in the most unequal part of the world, which has grown the most yet reduced misery the least. The unjust distribution of goods persists, creating a situation of social sin that cries out to Heaven and limits the possibilities of a fuller life for so many of our brothers.

The Economist sounds skeptical. But they too agree that he's different enough (Argentine, Jesuit) to instigate change, albeit in a "window of opportunity" that "will not last very long."

Time will tell. Until then, Habemus Papam Franciscum (We Have Pope Francis).

To Be in the Sistene Chapel This Week →

The Washington Post with a step-by-step on electing a new pope.

I Am Not Ashamed →

Too often these manifestoes start and end with "I am ashamed." Rachel Held Evans doesn't stop there. In fact, she has more to say about what she is unashamed.

Missio Dei Journal →

The latest edition of Missio Dei Journal is getting ready to hit the digital press and a few of the articles are already available. If you're unfamiliar with Missio Dei, the journal's contributors include both scholars and regular Christians. They write about mission concepts and ideals but also dig into the nitty gritty of practice.

This issue is all about Vulnerable Mission. Chris Flanders (of Abilene Christian University) opens the conversation by challenging the disconnect between the language we use to describe (idealize?) our mission work and reality.

A non-Western church leader recently remarked, “When I hear the word partnership, I run the other way!” Why? Because despite their rhetoric and intent, Western missionaries often end up creating the very thing they seek to avoid, viz., dependent churches.