I am trying to find the energy for a fight I never thought I'd have to fight...to not only protect, defend and rebuild5t democracy, but protect, defend and rebuild Christianity from the "Christian Nationalists" who are perverting the very faith they say they believe in. At 76, I vaccilate between hope and despair...but when I read of those, like you, who are gathering us together, I know we can do so much more together than alone. Thank you.
Those of us 65 and over witness the power of righteousness during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, we must remind our children and their children why we resisted then, and why they must resist now. Thank you for your service.
Yes. We must reclaim our religion from those who speak blasphemy in the name of power and oppression. I cannot for the life of me understand why pastors tolerate blasphemy against the teachings of Christ. Forgiveness is not a noble approach to evil. Repentance must be demanded - it never comes willingly from those in power (cf. King 1963). Until clergy stand up for Christ, lay people will follow the sinners.
I'm reposting on my @megpark.bsky.social and will refer to this in my Substack. Every Monday I post and record a brief meditation on spiritual formation. https://margaretjparkmdiv.substack.com. Those are called Monday Meditations.
Thank you for all you do, for all these years in the name of mercy, justice, and a humble walk with our God.
Dear Jim - Your podcast "The Soul of the Nation" has been my port since its inception until what was apparently the final broadcast on Nov. 8, 2024 titled "Grieve But Do Not Despair." Although there's been no formal announcement (that I'm aware of, anyway) regarding termination of the podcast and/or transition to your Substack column, I assume that is, indeed, what has occurred? If so, I'm disappointed that I (and so many others) will no longer have the benefit of listening to your wisdom, counsel and insight (as well as that of your guests), but I look forward to following you here, while continuing to support Sojourners and the vitally important work of social justice Christianity that you initiated so many decades ago. Thank you for all you do in the name of Jesus and for helping to keep us grounded and uplifted in these dark times.
The Catholic Church needs to ex-communicate JD Vance and all who openly claim to be Christian Nationalists. This may not do any good in the long run, but it will send a strong message to other Catholics. Christian Nationalist are unashamedly working to undermine Catholic and Protestant religions. Why can't people see this? Do they not care?
I truly believe this is a part of why young adults have lost faith in faith communities. We do not consistently hold ourselves and those claiming to be Christians accountable for our words and actions. They do not just see wickedness proclaiming Christ; they see hypocrisy within Christianity. I apologize is this is offensive to some.
I am so thankful to have found a community where we can lift each other up so that we can be energized for the work ahead. Thank you for this reading that instills hope.
I am trying to find the energy for a fight I never thought I'd have to fight...to not only protect, defend and rebuild5t democracy, but protect, defend and rebuild Christianity from the "Christian Nationalists" who are perverting the very faith they say they believe in. At 76, I vaccilate between hope and despair...but when I read of those, like you, who are gathering us together, I know we can do so much more together than alone. Thank you.
I'm ten years younger, but I too go back and forth with hope and despair. This is all so awful.
Those of us 65 and over witness the power of righteousness during the 1960s and 1970s. Today, we must remind our children and their children why we resisted then, and why they must resist now. Thank you for your service.
=== defend and rebuild Christianity from the "Christian Nationalists" ==+
Are we followers of Love? Let us teach our children.
Yes. We must reclaim our religion from those who speak blasphemy in the name of power and oppression. I cannot for the life of me understand why pastors tolerate blasphemy against the teachings of Christ. Forgiveness is not a noble approach to evil. Repentance must be demanded - it never comes willingly from those in power (cf. King 1963). Until clergy stand up for Christ, lay people will follow the sinners.
Your post makes me feel almost like I was at the conference.
I'm reposting on my @megpark.bsky.social and will refer to this in my Substack. Every Monday I post and record a brief meditation on spiritual formation. https://margaretjparkmdiv.substack.com. Those are called Monday Meditations.
Thank you for all you do, for all these years in the name of mercy, justice, and a humble walk with our God.
Thanks, Jim.
Dear Jim - Your podcast "The Soul of the Nation" has been my port since its inception until what was apparently the final broadcast on Nov. 8, 2024 titled "Grieve But Do Not Despair." Although there's been no formal announcement (that I'm aware of, anyway) regarding termination of the podcast and/or transition to your Substack column, I assume that is, indeed, what has occurred? If so, I'm disappointed that I (and so many others) will no longer have the benefit of listening to your wisdom, counsel and insight (as well as that of your guests), but I look forward to following you here, while continuing to support Sojourners and the vitally important work of social justice Christianity that you initiated so many decades ago. Thank you for all you do in the name of Jesus and for helping to keep us grounded and uplifted in these dark times.
THANK YOU!!
The Catholic Church needs to ex-communicate JD Vance and all who openly claim to be Christian Nationalists. This may not do any good in the long run, but it will send a strong message to other Catholics. Christian Nationalist are unashamedly working to undermine Catholic and Protestant religions. Why can't people see this? Do they not care?
I truly believe this is a part of why young adults have lost faith in faith communities. We do not consistently hold ourselves and those claiming to be Christians accountable for our words and actions. They do not just see wickedness proclaiming Christ; they see hypocrisy within Christianity. I apologize is this is offensive to some.
Well said, Jan!
I am so thankful to have found a community where we can lift each other up so that we can be energized for the work ahead. Thank you for this reading that instills hope.
Your book, God's Politics, changed me when I read it years ago. Thank you for it and for all you do.
Did you not address the attacks and marginalizing of LGBTQ persons?