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** Always connected to the past
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One of the troubling aspects of this moment in the US is that things feel unprecedented. People tend to use that word often when describing current events. I don’t want to discount it completely—each time and place does have a particular, and perhaps unique, set of problems. But I don’t want to get so hung up on unprecedented-ness that I stop seeking the wisdom of those who have gone before us.
We have quite a bit of new content that delves into ancient writings and long-ago history to better understand and navigate our present. Rachel Mann returns to the wisdom of Julian of Norwich ([link removed]) to bolster her faith in these times. Philip Jenkins explores the narratives the church has been telling since the Council of Nicaea ([link removed]) , keeping in mind that the winners write the history (and theology) books. Presian Burroughs notices the similarities between Trump and Roman emperors ([link removed]) when it comes to promise-making. Mac Loftin draws from the theology of Cyril of Alexandria to diagnose the flaws in J. D. Vance’s obsession with the birth rate ([link removed]) .
I’m thrilled about our video of the week. It features Cait West, whose article about her visits to Amish country ([link removed]) is one of the most-read on our website recently. Plus scroll down for even more great content, like an excellent analysis from Julian DeShazier about the church’s DEI problem ([link removed]) .
Jon Mathieu
Email me (mailto:
[email protected]?subject=Unprecedented%20times%3F&body=Jon%2C%20) : Do you tend to think these are unprecedented times, or that there is nothing new under the sun?
Click to schedule ([link removed]) a Friday lunch chat with Jon
Click to find Jon ([link removed]) on (X/Twitter alternative) Bluesky
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** In times of fear, I return to Julian of Norwich ([link removed])
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“Julian invites us to dwell in the dignity, beauty, and truth of searching after God’s goodness. She insists—in the midst of a world spinning out of control—on attending to Jesus Christ the Prince of Peace and Bearer of Wounds.”
by Rachel Mann
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** Nicene myths ([link removed])
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“Of course the pro-Nicene party claimed that their own teachings were the authentic voice of the earliest church—how could they do otherwise? But we need not believe them in this.”
by Philip Jenkins
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** VIDEO: Why are evangelicals obsessed with Amish country? ([link removed])
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Cait West and Jon discuss an evangelical play about an Amish president, plus high-control religion, systems of abuse, and more.
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** In the Lectionary for May 18 (Easter 5C) ([link removed])
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Jesus’ new commandment isn’t about who we should love. It’s about how.
by Audrey West
Easter 5C 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]) .
** Trump’s imperial golden age ([link removed])
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“For free, wealthy, male citizens, Rome’s imperial world did indeed glitter brightly. However, the luxuries the few enjoyed required the exploitation, domination, and impoverishment of many members of creation.”
by Presian Burroughs
** Why does J. D. Vance want more American babies? ([link removed])
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“The anxiety that people aren’t having enough children, which binds together the different factions of the contemporary right, now has a name: pronatalism.”
by Mac Loftin
** The church has a DEI problem ([link removed])
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“Black people and women (among many others) get hired by a company, but then they hate working there because they are expected to work within processes and values that weren’t made for them. The implicit message is clear: You’ll thrive here if you become a White man.”
by Julian DeShazier
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