The Epstein story is the first time since Trump descended the golden escalator in 2015 that he’s lost control of the narrative. Maybe after Biden’s win in 2020—but even then, he made his voice heard with Jan 6 and launching back into campaign mode almost immediately. Feels noteworthy and important.

Nearly 140 years later and this is still basically the same strategy used by church planters in the West. And certainly accurate.

From the article: “The church would be wrong to convince itself that it is only relevant when it engages in direct political action. The worship of God, with an awareness of what is happening in the world, is also a form of protest.”

I know it’s far more popular to simply bash on Christian nationalism, but we can’t protest CN and Project 2025 by saying, “Don’t impose your beliefs on others,” and then turn around and try to impose our own. If we want our values to shape public life, we have to allow others the same opportunity.

Blaming Evangelicalism for all our societal woes makes for good social media clickbait but it doesn’t have data to defend the idea. substack.com/@ryanburge/n...

I’m convinced the a core fear of humans is that we are alone in the world—and worse—we don’t have what it takes to save ourselves. From a new book “Embracing a Mixed Ecology.”

Last night my wife told me about hearing some stories of church hurt/abuse and questions of theodicy from coworkers and it kept me up, weighing heavily on my heart.

I can bet there will be MULTIPLE politically aimed resolutions at (CC)DOC General Assembly next week, probably even one condemning CN—certainly a paradoxical and probably hypocritical act in itself.

Anyone who says "This is what they voted for" in response to the tragedy unfolding in Texas is having a vile thought and needs to sit shamefully in a corner until they learn what solidarity is.

These words from Susan Neiman really hit the nail on the head. Wokism tells white people they will always be bad. So, many have realized “if I’m always going to be bad, I might as well enjoy being bad.”

I get the anger and the grief. But if all the left offers is scorn for this country, we leave folks choosing between cynicism and Trumpism. We need a vision that loves America enough to heal her.

I have been trying to make this point for some time! When something is everything, it is nothing.

The “big, beautiful bill” is a morally reprehensible, ugly monstrosity.

I’d recommend this book from Michael Hester. He does a deep and thorough analysis of all things related to online/digital worship.

We need more union organizers—not activist elites—in Democratic leadership. Organizers build coalitions and win lasting change. Activists too often chase purity tests and online clout

Where are my Episcopal clergy peeps? This is worth a listen!! podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...

This still resonates with me. It’s not that God plans suffering, rather I think God is always able to bring good from pain.

My favorite FST guy Jack Shitama just talked about our cultural anxiety on a recent podcast. Can our anxieties be a result of rapid technological change?

This book is so much more than I expected!

Note especially that last sentence!

This sounds very similar to Andrew Root’s point about Jesus being present in our suffering.

I wanted to post this yesterday for #NoKings but WiFi issues. Feels appropriate @michellevanloon.bsky.social

2,169 events across 20 countries. Millions of peope are standing up tomorrow to say with one voice: No Kings!

This is really good @michellevanloon.bsky.social I’d not thought of revivalism as a quick-fix

“Donald Trump’s America” — keep hitting that while contrasting a far more positive future with others in charge.

There’s real momentum behind the “No Kings” protests. Dems and progressives must stay disciplined and avoid the far-left overreach that’s hurt past movements. We need broad-based coalitions to build a better future—alienating swing voters now would be a costly mistake.

I’ve always wondered—do parachurch equivalents exist in the Mainline denominations?

This is not ok. Churches are sacred space. laist.com/brief/news/p...

I’ve spent too much time trying to convince people to value my ideas. Lately, I’ve been around folks who just do—and it’s incredibly refreshing.

I saw this take on Substack, but here’s my spin: Evangelicalism is the result of the rummage sale. It’s what emerged from the decline of denominational authority, growth of charismatic congregations, preaching and worship as the new sacraments. Really, nondenominationalism is the 4th wave

We’re going to have a Tiananmen Square situation.

I’m intrigued by this distinction @revchadbrooks.bsky.social

I’m seeing the ‘centrists are just closeted conservatives’ line making the rounds again. It’s lazy, reductive, and honestly a bit paranoid. Not everyone who doesn’t match your ideological checklist is secretly working for the other side. Some people just think nuance is worth holding onto.

Not playing out exactly as I laid out here, but the Trump v Musk meltdown does sound like a Eucatastrophe. open.substack.com/pub/lorenric...

This is basically my hang up with Process/OR Theology. God gets flattened to the point where I wonder if there is much divinity left.

Zahl sure does drop in some zingers.

For a project I'm working on: What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘theology’? What comes to mind when you hear ‘church admin’?

More than a century after the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, one of the most horrific episodes of racial violence in U.S. history, the city’s mayor announced a $105 million reparations package on Sunday. It is the first large-scale plan committing funds to address the impact of the atrocity.

This is an important point, and I think a challenge with Progressive Christianity, which doesn’t seem to think humanity is really in need of grace; we’re fine with or without God.

I’m grateful for the testimony of those in the LGBT community who have faithfully followed the way of Jesus and sought Him with their whole heart—even in the face of questions about their commitment to Christ.

Happy Gilmore 2 looks stupid and over the top. Sandler always seems to need to fit every single buddy of his into the movie.

Simple but important preaching advice!