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 to bolster her faith in these times. Philip Jenkins explores the narratives the church has been telling since the Council of Nicaea, keeping in mind that the winners write the history (and theology) books. Presian Burroughs notices the similarities between Trump and Roman emperors 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.
I’m thrilled about our video of the week. It features Cait West, whose article about her visits to Amish country 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.
Jon Mathieu Email me: Do you tend to think these are unprecedented times, or that there is nothing new under the sun? Click to schedule a Friday lunch chat with Jon Click to find Jon on (X/Twitter alternative) Bluesky
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
“The anxiety that people aren’t having enough children, which binds together the different factions of the contemporary right, now has a name: pronatalism.”
“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.”
