Curated topics for a disillusioned church
Most Christians reject or accept Halloween without much thought. Those who don't like the holiday assume satanic origins while those who like the holiday celebrate with no critical thought. Before deciding whether to celebrate or not, please take the time to learn about the complex history of the holiday and the many ways Christians can redeem it.
In a nutshell, what are Halloween's roots and origins? What is one reason to celebrate Halloween? What is one reason not to celebrate Halloween? Should Christians celebrate Halloween? What are some ways to redeem Halloween?
Learn about Memento Mori and how a Christian can integrate the philosophy into everyday life.
John Hendrix’s The Faithful Spy is an engrossing and visually arresting account of Dietrich Bonhoeffer—a German pastor whose fierce moral clarity led him into the heart of a conspiracy to resist, and ultimately assassinate, Adolf Hitler.
The Ragamuffin Gospel is not so much a theological treatise as it is a wake-up call—one delivered gently but insistently to the soul that keeps trying to earn what Christ has already given. Manning’s premise is simple: most Christians do not actually believe in the incomprehensible, unearnable grace of God. We nod politely at grace in our Sunday best, but spend the rest of the week anxiously polishing our halos.
America's origin story is deeply tied to Thanksgiving and the Pilgrims. Unfortunately much of what we have been taught in school is not true. Below are our favorite resources to relearn Thanksgiving.
The documentary With God on Our Side takes an incisive look at the uncritical support many evangelical Christians in the West, particularly in the U.S., have given to Israel. At its core, the film examines the theological underpinnings of Christian Zionism, its historical evolution, and its very real geopolitical and human consequences.
Israeli historian Benny Morris provides an Israeli viewpoint on the longstanding conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Morris delves into the origins and evolution of the conflict since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, discussing the foundational principles of Zionism and the demographic challenges that have influenced the region's history. He examines the complex nature of the conflict, addressing the deep-seated emotions and opinions it evokes on all sides. Throughout the conversation, Morris explores the numerous obstacles to achieving a resolution, considering whether a solution is attainable or if the conflict remains intractable.
Dr. Yara Hawari, a senior policy analyst at the Palestinian think tank Al-Shabaka, delves into the intricate history of the Israel-Palestine conflict from a Palestinian perspective. She emphasizes the significance of understanding the historical context, particularly from the end of the British Mandate in 1948 to the present day, to grasp the roots and evolution of the conflict. Dr. Hawari discusses the impact of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, known to Palestinians as the Nakba or "Catastrophe," which led to the displacement of approximately 700,000 Palestinians and the establishment of the state of Israel. She also touches upon subsequent events, such as the Six-Day War in 1967, which further altered the territorial and political landscape. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Hawari highlights the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians, including issues related to displacement, settlement expansion, and the quest for self-determination.
Despite the seemingly insurmountable conflict between Israel and Palestine, New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman sheds light on the intricate, compassionate narratives of Arab Israelis, Jaffa Palestinian refugees, and Israeli Jewish individuals collaborating for peace.
You must be logged in to post a comment.