The religious communities of the Abrahamic traditions face several theological and ethical challenges as we try to become good neighbors in a global society that is, it seems, increasingly post-secular. Whereas a few decades ago many thought secularism would dominate the world through globalization, now secularism might be criticized as a tribal religion still found on universities in Europe and North America.

Is the use of some kind of conflict resolution tied to legal process sensible and justified (e.g., witnesses, defense, judges, independent appraisers, mediators, legal transcripts)? Many Christians object, at least in theory, to going to court or to using the methods of a constitutional state. They object all the more that Christians go to court against each other or use the methods of the constitutional state in connection with Christian activities or churches.

How did major evangelical Christian support for Donald Trump happen?

Now that he has failed to be reelected, what does that mean for their faith? The article by Richard T. Hughes, “The ferocious last gasps of the religion of Christian America” attempts to give us a comprehensive answer. Evangelical believers can be helpfully challenged by what he says, and then must work at the right answers.

This is a preliminary report on our ongoing survey of how churches that are connected to the WRF have responded over the last 10 months to the Covid-19 pandemic.  The preliminary report only brings you the direct data (distribution of responses) and analysis will come once the survey is completed.

I highly commend this new book by WRF member Dr. Diane Langberg – REDEEMING POWER: UNDERSTANDING AUTHORITY AND ABUSE IN THE CHURCH (Brazos, 2020).

The Solution to Christian Nationalism? Better Theology

(OPINION) The Capitol riot of Jan. 6 has both added urgency to and reshaped the discourse on how to heal our deep national divisions. Now, along with 'white supremacists', 'conspiracy theorists,' Trump and Antifa, fingers are being pointed at “Christian nationalism.” 

Introduction   It is always a puzzle for people in the Church how so many denominations came about. 

When we look at the Acts of the Apostles we find that, as far as we can see, there was only one church.  Sure, the book of Acts is not the whole story of how the church grew.  We don’t know, for instance, about Barnabas’s ministry with John Mark in Cyprus (Acts 15:39). 

The protests and riots that have exploded in the United States and even globally since the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, have taken my mind back to 2011, a year in which Time magazine declared “The Protester” to be its person of the year. ^[2] Few years in recorded history before 2011 were so strongly characterized by a sense that something is terribly wrong with the whole world.

If our hearts are our emotional houses, we have lived in them, as in our literal homes, too long and too exclusively the past few months. I can tell that people are losing their sense of proportion. Not only are tempers flaring online and in the streets among strangers, but I am seeing even mature believers and loving families snipping and sniping at each other over small things.

Everyone, it seems, has something to say about something – or someone. And what they have to say isn’t pretty. But must it all be said?

 “Mom!”

 “I left Trophimus sick at Miletus” (2 Timothy 4:20)

As some churches tiptoe back into corporate worship and ministries reboot in a post-corona mode, those who are immune-suppressed or elderly are being gently asked to stay home awhile longer. 

In our Bible reading this morning (6/20/2020), Susan and I came to the ninth chapter of Daniel. What we read seemed to be an appropriate prayer, with, of course, some adjustments, for the USA (and maybe some other countries) in light of present circumstances. Susan and I prayed that prayer and I copy it below for the consideration of other WRF members: