Wisdom for Your Weekend is your regular installment of what we’ve been reading (and watching) around the web. Presented to you by Chris Pappalardo, with occasional guidance from Pastor J.D., this is our attempt to reflect Proverbs 9:9: “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser; teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.”
Video of the Week
How to Think, Alan Jacobs, Jonathan Rauch, Pete Wehner, and Yuval Levin. We could use a whole lot more of this in our pluralistic times. Thinking well leads to communicating well, which will only become more important in our “world at odds.” If you’re pressed for time (or if you want a teaser to convince you to dive into this entire video), don’t miss Justin Taylor’s summary of this rich conversation: Four Smart Guys Sit Down to Talk About “How to Think.”
Articles of the Week
Why Asian Americans Struggle Feeling at Home in White-Majority Churches, Steve S. Chang. When we hear about multi-ethnicity in the church, many of us think in terms of black and white. But what is the experience of Asian minorities in white predominantly churches? Chang gives a helpful inside look, reminding us that our white churches are whiter than we realize, but also that Asian Americans are more Asian than they admit. Very helpful advice to both groups here.
No, Christians Don’t Use Joseph and Mary to Explain Child Molesting Accusations, Ed Stetzer. Judge Roy Moore has recently been accused of sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl. Disturbingly, some self-labeled Christians have defended Moore—not by saying that the allegations were false, but by implying that child molestation isn’t a big deal. One man even went so far as to invoke Joseph and Mary in an attempt to say that sexual advances against minors are legitimate and biblically allowable. This is astounding and disgusting, miles away from anything resembling Christianity. Thankful for Stetzer standing up to say what should be obvious.
Why Church Shootings Don’t Intimidate the Church, Russell Moore. Almost two weeks ago, the largest church shooting in our nation’s history happened in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Almost 30 people were killed, including the shooter himself. We may not know precisely what motivated the gunman to perform such heinous violence. But as Moore reminds us, terrorism won’t stamp out God’s church. Are we vulnerable? Yes. But powerless? Not in the least.
Netflix Thinks You’re Bored and Lonely, Trevin Wax. To which you may reply, “Well, I am bored and lonely.” Fair enough. As Wax points out, Netflix shouldn’t be trying to cure boredom—because it’s not actually a problem. Nor should they be trying to cure loneliness—because they don’t have the capacity. Boredom and loneliness may be pervasive today; if you open your eyes, that’s a tremendous opportunity for the church.
On the Lighter Side
Pastor Monday Morning Press Conference, John B. Crist. Another one that’s uncomfortably close to true. Be sure not to miss the “upcoming stories” on the left and the scrolling stories on the bottom. Solid.
