Funding, interfaith dialogue, and more

As I have transitioned from evangelicalism to more progressive and mainline settings over the last five years, I have noticed several challenges that seem somewhat unique to more liberal and inclusive communities. One is funding: in the US, money and religious zeal (the kind that leads to huge donations) both seem to be correlated to conservatism. Brian Bantum, whose wife’s church shifted to greater inclusivity and paid for it, explores this connection in a fascinating new essay.

Another of these challenges/opportunities is interfaith dialogue. In my evangelical days, this wasn’t even a meaningful category. The only reason to engage with someone of another faith was to convert them; it was more of a monologue than a dialogue. But for Christians who see both civic and spiritual value in building relationships across faith lines, there is reason to take up the work of dialogue—even when it is difficult. Amy Frykholm documents a 20-year effort between groups of Mennonite and Shi’a scholars to relate to one another.

Plus more great new content below. Scroll down for a reflection on Willy Wonka’s holy absurdity, a personal tribute to writer Letha Dawson Scanzoni, a podcast interview about who actually wrote the New Testament, and more.

Email Jon: What is the biggest challenge your faith community is facing?

Jon Mathieu
[email protected]

Can inclusive churches grow and thrive?

“For communities that become affirming, money questions are always looming. My spouse’s church was fortunate because only a small portion of the congregation left in the midst of the shift. But among that number were most of the major givers.”

The slow work of dialogue

“Over the course of eight dialogues, the Mennonite and Shi’a scholars had identified topics of shared interest that highlight both differences and shared concerns: the challenge of modernity (2002), religion and authority (2004), peace and justice (2009), and youth and religion (2019). The topic for this 2023 dialogue: What is religion?”

A holy fool with chocolate

“The church might take a cue from Willy Wonka’s holy absurdity in seeking to live the gospel beyond its walls.”

by Gabe Tiberius Colombo

In the Lectionary for March 24 (Palm Sunday B)

Jesus moves in the same direction as other pilgrims but at a pace and purpose that is his own.

by Yvette Schock

In the Lectionary (Passion Sunday B)

We fix our gaze on the cross because if we look away we will miss something vital.

My evangelical feminist friend Letha

“Describing her friendships to me, Letha Dawson Scanzoni used the image of a train. Some people get on and ride for a while, but at some point they get off. But there are others who get on the train, find a seat, and stay for the entire journey.”

by Kendra Weddle

Who wrote the Bible?

In the latest episode of the In Search Of podcast, host Amy Frykholm interviews Candida Moss, scholar of early Christianity, about the origins of the New Testament. They discuss the most recent publication of ancient papyri, what they say about women’s history in Christianity, Moss’s new book, and more.