Christianity--especially Lutheranism--is sometimes blamed for Nazism. It is true that the German state churches were Nazified. But the theology of that movement, known as "Positive Christianity," rejected the Bible, the Creeds, Christ, salvation, and virtually every other Christian--and Lutheran--teaching. This movement grew out of liberal theology, including the Higher Criticism of the Bible.
According to a recent poll, 80% of Americans believe that the country is "spiraling out of control." Not only does social order seem to be breaking down, Americans feel less in control of their own lives. This is dangerous, since social chaos often leads to totalitarian control.
A study of pet ownership has found that religious people are just as likely to own dogs as everyone else, but they are markedly less likely to own cats. Why is that? What is it about cats and dogs that provokes the different reactions from "cat people" and "dog people"? And what does religion have to do with it?
The post-liberal order is shaping up to be neo-feudalism: The role of the church is being taken by the universities and the "woke" cultural elite. The new aristocracy is the tech oligarchy, with its massive wealth and influence. The middle class has dwindled, and we are left with the skilled "yeomen" and the property-less "serfs," economically important but looked down upon by their superiors. So says Joel Kotkin in his new book.
The online services from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Adelaide, Australia, have such high production values and strong content that secular TV stations in Adelaide and Melbourne are broadcasting them. Here is a sample. This is not "digital church," nor should it be a substitute for what your own congregation is doing. But it demonstrates some possibilities for how churches can use technology effectively.
Both Joe Biden and Donald Trump have clinched their party's presidential nomination. Right now, Biden is leading, and President Trump has big political problems. But he still has a path for re-election.
A look at our current troubles--racism, police brutality, protests, and riots--from the perspective of the doctrine of vocation. Specifically, a look at the vocation of police officers and the vocation of citizenship, both of which involve loving and serving their neighbors.
Churches have implemented social-distancing and hygiene protocols for the COVID-19 epidemic. But even after this disease runs its course, other sicknesses are out there. Should churches continue their anti-coronavirus practices to keep people from getting sick?
The epidemic has forced churches to resort to online services. But now some church growth experts are hailing that problem as a new paradigm for "doing church." A look at the data about online worship, the arguments for "digital church," and why churches ultimately must be physical.
Nathanael Blake points out that we not only need to study Western civilization, we need to live it. Some suggestions about how to do that, including books to read that you will not only benefit from but greatly enjoy.
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