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** The revival will not be televised
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Church trends can be confusing. For quite a while the narrative seemed to be that the mainline was in decline but evangelicalism was ascendant. Then suddenly all churches were struggling—perhaps secularism had decisively arrived. But then conservative Catholicism and evangelicalism made a comeback and now suddenly… the mainline is having a moment? Our newest Voices columnist, Ben Dueholm, considers the possibility of Christian revival ([link removed]) and what it might mean for our communities.

Whatever is happening in the US with churches, it seems clear that politics is increasingly playing a role. As denominations release statement after statement reasserting their commitment to social justice, Douglas Ottati wonders why theology doesn’t play a larger role ([link removed]) . He points to a more robust foundation for churches’ political engagement and justice work.

If you’re fully in Advent/Christmas mode, don’t worry, we have something for you. Brandon Ambrosino weighs in on the old debate about when to put up a tree ([link removed]) (and when to sing carols!) and spoiler alert: he starts celebrating Christmas in October. Our video of the week features Arthur Aghajanian, who chats with me about the unsettling intimacy of the Christ Pantocrator ([link removed]) icon. Plus even more great content below—including a lectionary essay from one of my favorite faith leaders ([link removed]) , Liddy Barlow!

Jon Mathieu
Email me (mailto:[email protected]?subject=Revival.%20What%E2%80%99s%20up%20with%20that%3F&body=Jon%2C%20) : What does religious revival mean to you?
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** Are we on the cusp of a revival? ([link removed])
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“If revival is possible, let alone underway, it confronts mainline Christians with the limits of our own understanding of secularization. We have been identified so closely with decline for so long that it has become a weight-bearing part of our self-image.”

by Benjamin J. Dueholm
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** This political moment demands theology ([link removed])
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“Now is no time to be passive or silent. We need to say how our theological vision of people—as children of God made in the divine image and as sinners graced with possibilities for good—illumines politics and the workings and organization of critical institutions.”

by Douglas F. Ottati
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** Sing Christmas carols during Advent. Put up the tree before Halloween. ([link removed])
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“Some people argue that to put up a tree and a nativity scene well before Halloween is to ignore the ancient wisdom that teaches us that Christ comes at an appointed time. But of course, such an appointment is only clear from this side of the timeline.”

by Brandon Ambrosino
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** In the Lectionary for December 21 (Advent 4A) ([link removed])
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Birthing takes a village. Our Christmas pageants recognize this truth.

by Liddy Barlow
Advent 4A 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]) .


** VIDEO: When an icon unsettles you with judgment and mercy ([link removed])
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Arthur Aghajanian chats with Jon about the Christ Pantocrator icon and the difficult intimacy it offers.


** When ableism and racism intertwine ([link removed])
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Black autistic pastor and disability scholar Lamar Hardwick shows how ideas around race and disability can cost people their lives.

Lilia Ellis reviews How Ableism Fuels Racism

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