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 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. 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 (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 icon. Plus even more great content below—including a lectionary essay from one of my favorite faith leaders, Liddy Barlow!
Jon Mathieu Email me: What does religious revival mean to you?
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
