Century articles on facing the next 4 years, evolving views of the Bible, and more.
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** What does this moment call for?
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Last week I wrote about how, despite my sometimes cynical view of New Year’s Eve celebrations, I appreciate the annual opportunity at the turn of a year to evaluate, dream, and articulate goals. I find those reflective activities to be energizing and encouraging… in a normal year. But living in the US under what feels like layer upon layer of overlapping national crises, I am a little less excited to ponder the future.
Our editorial team decided to write our new From the Editors piece about exactly this tension. How do we look ahead, how do we shape our commitments and resolutions, in a political moment so fraught and discouraging? Together we came up with our most helpful (at least to us) ideas ([link removed]) about how to approach the year ahead and the three that will follow. I hope it resonates and helps spur your own ideas for building resilience and hope. I’d love for you to email me or write a letter to the editor to respond to our list or suggest your own ideas for flourishing.
Our video of the week is an exciting one! A Century essay from 2023 is a key part of a new book, and in a stroke of good timing, that book is available today. I spoke with the author, Liz Charlotte Grant, about its theme: returning to the Bible ([link removed]) (and the book of Genesis in particular) after one’s view of scripture has changed. Plus scroll down for even more great new content, including Peter Marty’s new piece about some promises that are better when broken ([link removed]) .
Happy New Year!
Jon Mathieu
Email me (mailto:
[email protected]?subject=Approaching%202025%20(and%20beyond)&body=Jon%2C%20) : What would you add to our list of ideas for how to approach 2025?
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** What now? ([link removed])
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How do we identify a sustainable approach to living ethically in these difficult times? The editors have no game-changing hacks to offer, but here are a few general ideas that we’re finding helpful.
from the editors
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** Made to be broken ([link removed])
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“Backing out of a commitment feels like a betrayal of trust or the worst kind of lie. But not every promise made is a good one.”
by Peter W. Marty
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** VIDEO: Returning to the Bible after faith deconstruction ([link removed])
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Liz Charlotte Grant chats with Jon about her new book, Knock at the Sky, and how she approaches the Bible after profound changes in her faith.
** In the Lectionary for January 12 (Baptism) ([link removed])
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As clear as John is about his role, he still relies on the community for a more robust expression of his calling.
by Charisse R. Tucker
Baptism of the Lord C archives ([link removed])
Get even more lectionary resources with Sunday’s Coming Premium, an email newsletter from the editors of the Christian Century. Learn more ([link removed]) .
** A study Bible for Anabaptism’s birthday ([link removed])
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“The really complicated but beautiful part of this Bible was an invitation to ordinary laypeople to gather around passages of scripture [to provide commentary].”
Dawn Araujo-Hawkins interviews John David Roth
** The Conversation ([link removed])
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“Early the next morning we walk the ruins of the Temple.
Mortals win the kind of eternity for which their lives prepare them, I told Jesus, quoting, I think, Socrates.”
poem by Gary Percesepe
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