29 Aug /cul•tured :: the art of engaging
The world around us is ever-changing and, at times, can feel as if it’s spinning out of control. As believers in Jesus, we must discipline ourselves to set our hope in eternity and to rest in the sovereignty of God.
However, we must also learn to be “in the world but not of the world.” How do we engage the culture around us? How do we think well about relevant, current issues in order that we can speak truth?
This monthly blog post is designed to help us think well, to root ourselves in truth, and to “be ready to give an answer for the hope that we have.”
Media : Arts
Design Should Matter More to Christians
-Christopher Smith, Relevant Magazine
“The Gospel of Jesus is much more than a few Scripture verses or a few ideas about God; it is a way of being in the world and living our everyday lives.
As creative Christians, we need to be especially attentive to all facets of our work: design, form, content, function. Does our work bear witness to the goodness of Jesus, and particularly to the sacrifice and humility He embodied for us?”
Economics : Politics
Mercy Would Make America Great Again
-Vince Mille, Desiring God
“Are we, as Christians, known for being neighborly — for consistently, intentionally, and generously loving our neighbors — even while our nation elects officials we do not trust and trends in directions that alarm us?
In conversations about candidates, policies, and platforms, we should follow Jesus’s example, and ask good questions to try and understand the reasons for our neighbors’ deeply held beliefs. Make an effort to understand how they came to their conclusions and convictions, and then reason with a respectful attitude. Put on the impartial compassion of a Good American.”
When Abortion Suddenly Stopped Making Sense
-Frederica Mathewes-Green, NationalReview.com
“And the fact is, an unborn child, from the very first moment, is a new human individual. It has the three essential characteristics that make it “a human life”: It’s alive and growing, it is composed entirely of human cells, and it has unique DNA. It’s a person, just like the rest of us.”
Social Issues : Cultural Changes
How to be a Peacemaker in a World of Conflict
-Thomas Christianson
“Christians have said they are done with easy things. Otherwise, we wouldn’t follow a messiah who invited us to take up our cross and follow him. This world could sure use a billion peacemakers. You, who are filled with the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, can absolutely be one of them.”
When Glorifying God means Coming in Last Place
-Stacie Fletcher, Cru.org
“Through these trials, Abbey has realized the place that running has in her life – second to Christ. What she wants most is for Christ to be first in her life. When asked what a successful Olympics would look like for her, Abbey responded, “I hope my experience here is a reflection of that.”
Meet the Teenage Syrian Olympic Swimmer Who Saved Refugees from Drowning at Sea
-Relevant Magazine
“I want everyone to think refugees are normal people who had their homelands and lost them not because they wanted to run away and be refugees, but because they have dreams in their lives and they had to go. Everything is about trying to get a new and better life and by entering the stadium we are encouraging everyone to pursue their dreams.”