One Little Word newsletter - October 31,2022
My thoughts on election season, Dr. Finn on higher education, Dr. Land on the separation of church and state, and the factors that destroy Christian unity
I’m writing this on a Sunday night after a great weekend. Three of my four kids were away at a youth group event at my church and one was with a friend, so Angela and I spent a few days in Waco, where I spoke to wonderful people at Grace Church and then we strolled around The Silos. I am amazed at the way Chip and Joanna Gaines have transformed this city. This time of year, to me, is the best time of year. The temps are cool, even in Texas, and out come the sweaters, the fleece, and the hot drinks.
Last week was a full week. My friend Nathan Finn, provost at North Greenville University, historian and author, delivered the Land Center lectures on Southern Baptist Cultural Engagement. You can watch the lectures on YouTube if you missed them.
My work:
My latest ERLC piece looks at the election season, and I offer three things to remember about politics.
I loved joining my friend Jordan Wooten on the LoveX2 Podcast to talk about the future of the pro-life movement.
I also joined the Every Thought Captive Podcast last week and discuss Christian engagement with culture and politics.
On my own podcast, The Way Home, I released a new episode with Alisa Childers as we discussed her newest book called Live Your Truth and Other Lies. Alisa is a really gifted teacher and communicator.
Of course, two of my books might be on your radar:
My kids book, The Biggest Best Light with Bri Stensrud is available now! A good gift for Christmas.
My Christmas book, The Characters of Christmas is always a good choice for your advent reading.
What I’m Reading:
This is a great point by Erick Erickson and something I highlighted in my World piece here:
Underappreciated news story: whether one agrees with @LindseyGrahamSC or not, his pushing the 15 week abortion ban forced Democrats onto defense over their extremist position of abortion until birth. Forced the media to ask Dems the question and Dems blew it.
Andrew T. Walker’s World editorial on Christian nationalism is excellent:
“I want a public morality influenced by Christianity but done so organically from the bottom up by the genuine and voluntary religious commitments of its people.”
Great piece by Nathan Finn on higher education and why it’s important for intellectual formation and not just career preparation.
Here’s a helpful essay by Dr. Richard Land where he examines what the separation of church and state means.
A great review by Jason Thacker on the new ethics textbook by Evan Lenow and Mark D Liederbach I'm using for my class at Texas Baptist College this winter.
Michael Wear has some thought-provoking things to say about “data driven” politics.
Greg Strand, chief theologian for the Evangelical Free Church, has a sobering piece on the factors that destroy Christian unity.
Books I’m reading:
About to read The Political Gospel by New Testament scholar Patrick Schreiner. I love Patrick’s work and look forward to his insights.
Working my way through Confidence Man by Maggie Haberman. Fascinating.