That's just a line from Hamilton, but it also captures my love for public theology. In my former church and tradition, we had a moratorium on political issues. Nearly any topic that had to do with legislation or policy—immigration, race, LGBTQ equality, gerrymandering, voting reform, etc.—was off-limits in the pulpit, the church lobby, and the Bible study group.
There is something diseased about this divorcing of our faith and our thoughts about society. This is why it has been so refreshing for me to engage in spiritual communities committed to social engagement and activism. My Christian beliefs can now be in conversation with my desires for my world, nation, and city (now officially Chicago).
This is also one more reason I love the Century. Our writers think and feel deeply about our society and how it's governed. This week's content makes that clear. In this email you'll find a reflection on the harms of US imperialism, a response to some recent anti-CRT legislation, and a book review connecting the apostle Paul's imprisonments to our own carceral state. Plus more!
What issue are you currently passionate about? (Feel free to email me your answer.)
“Numerous political leaders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, seem willing to elevate comfort above truth, historical integrity, and what’s optimal for healing our nation’s historic wounds.”
“Abject Joy shows that the economic and racial biases behind who gets repeatedly locked up today look a lot like what happened to Paul—and this challenges Christians to engage in the same sort of resourcing, re-narration, and risk that marked the church at Philippi.”
These photographs showcase Silver's unique vertical panoramic images of church interiors. This approach reveals variation in architectural style and decorative detail in churches from 52 countries.
