I’ll be processing this experience for a long time, but for now I’ll share just a few key words that focused my thoughts during and after the trip.
Truth Listening in the American South Read More »
Calvin events, cultural commentary, memoir, politics
Depending on which corners of the church you hang around in, you might notice anything from heavy-duty activism to climate denial. So I’ve been wishing for a long time for hard data. What are the numbers on what actual church people are actually doing and thinking about climate?
Why Does Religion Get in the Way of Climate Action? Read More »
climate change, politics, theology
I want to focus on the power of meaning-making narratives. In the wearying events of the last few years, we’ve seen two tiny little denominations struggle to figure out (once again) what narrative we are living into. Is the future of our denominations a game where one side wins and the other side loses? Is it a war? Is it a detox operation? And what story-ending are we aiming for?
The Best Story Wins Read More »
cultural commentary, politics, theology
Because when you live on the fault lines, you learn to draw boundaries.
Living on the Fault Lines Read More »
cultural commentary, politics, theology
Earth: Look, I try not to pay much attention to human politics. I have so much to do, what with plate techtonics and weather systems and sustaining various kingdoms and phyla of creatures. Plus I operate on loooooong time scales, you know? Still, my current staff tells me that the new US president could definitely help, if people let him.
An Interview with the Planet Earth: Outlook for a Biden Presidency Read More »
climate change, politics, silly
What does a vote mean? What do we think it does? What is, you might say, our theory of voting? It seems to me that we Americans operate out of a variety of confused, mostly unconscious, somewhat conflicting theories.
Our worry about fake news is more corrosive to our trust in media and in institutions than actual fake content has been. We wonder if we can trust anything we see.
From Fake News to Civic Glue: Media Trends and Imagining News as a Community Asset Read More »
Calvin events, politics
While I am normally happy to flop on the sofa and watch mindless TV on Friday nights, last night I pulled myself together and attended the 21st annual Paul B. Henry Lecture, sponsored by the Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics. The lecture was a high point in a festival of heady discussion and distinguished
Journalists Ponder a Fluid Moment for Faith and Politics in America Read More »
Calvin events, politics
But perhaps individual virtue-modeling (what we used the call “the character question” in American politics) is not the only question. What if we also ask whether our leaders create an atmosphere that cultivates virtues?
Tragic Virtue Ecologies Read More »
cultural commentary, politics
Shakespeare is right to show us that there is no guarantee of reward for choosing integrity and mercy. Over against the example of his sources, Shakespeare eschewed a reparative ending. In Shakespeare’s final scenes, the noble among the younger generation pay a heavy price for the foolishness of their elders.
The Weight of This Sad Time Read More »
college life, cultural commentary, politics, review