Even though for many there is no longer a need to conform to conservative or Christian values, the felt needs to conform towards normalcy are no less intense. Just look to the popular MTV show Catfish. This docudrama details the all-too-common scenario of fake personalities online engaging in emotionally invested relationships that also happen online. The hook of Catfish is that the hosts bring both parties in the online relationship together, in person, for the first time. To no one’s surprise other than one of... Read more

“When trapped in a power-based system where the dominant entity dictates cultural normalcy, anything outside the traditional realm of what is commonly understood as acceptable is automatically viewed by those in charge as sketchy and unreliable. It is almost as if it is their job as “protectors of the way things are” to undermine any new work and cut off any potential uprising against their beloved system of selected power and chosen systemic oppression. Many of these gatekeepers are quick to blame, accuse, and lie... Read more

“Current culture war ideology says with correctness comes power. Add on to that the fact that many in today’s power-based culture believe that power is the key factor which influences the masses. However, something more important trumps power: impact. Having power is one thing. Having the ability to earn high levels of buy-in by the masses who then turn around and tangibly work to influence change within a particular setting or people group is a more important role than the... Read more

The pressure to convince the other of your correctness fosters defensiveness. Commitment to the long view of sustained in-person interaction between strongly opposed worldviews is never an easy process. Yet, sustainable connections almost always rearrange false assumptions. This does not mean all will agree. It does mean that a new awakening of deeper levels of engagement is possible. — Andrew Marin, Our Last Option, Chapter 5 Read more