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.”
Articles of the Week
A Quiet Exodus: Why Black Worshipers Are Leaving White Evangelical Churches, Campbell Robertson. This enlightening article describes the social reality that many of our African-American brothers and sisters have experienced in the past few years. Once hopeful about the prospects of racial reconciliation, many believers of color—those who were bold enough to enter white church settings as pioneers—have grown disheartened and weary by the lack of progress, silently slipping out to re-join congregations that are more comfortable for them. Those of us in the majority culture need to take note and change many of our ways if we hope to live out the beautiful diversity that God has promised for us. (Side note: In the coming weeks, we’ll be interviewing some of the African-American leaders of the Summit to hear their thoughts on this article and how it relates to their experience here. Be on the lookout!)
What Creates Satisfied and Successful Kids, Tim Elmore. The Harvard Grant Study is the longest longitudinal study in history, and it has been churning out social wisdom for years. As Elmore points out, much of this wisdom is rather predictable: Better outcomes in life fall to those who grow up in stable homes with caring parents and close friends. But some are more counter-cultural in today’s parenting environment. One element that Elmore (and the Harvard gurus) want you to pick up is the ancient tradition of chores. Actually, I guess this is a tradition they want your kids to pick up.
Five Ways to Get the Most Out of a Book, Bruce Ashford. We have written elsewhere about the importance of reading a book in the right way (to wit), but there’s always more to say on the subject. One of our directional elders—and a swell pal—Ashford has five critical tips if you’re going to get the meat out of your non-fiction books. (Please, for the love of all things sacred, don’t approach fiction with these principles. If you do, you will miss the unique joy of fiction. And, perhaps more importantly, you will incur my wrath.)
The True Sin of American Evangelicals in the Age of Trump, David French. Polls show that most American evangelicals see themselves as a persecuted religious minority, which was a large motivating factor that led them to vote for Mr. Trump in 2016. Fears of what might happen had Mrs. Clinton taken office outweighed the manifold and obvious dangers inherent in a Trump presidency. While many in the media find this narrative of fear absurd, French points out that it’s founded in reality. But here’s the kicker: While evangelicals may have had reason to vote for Trump, they should never become part of his tribe. “The true tragedy of Evangelical support for Trump is that a group of Americans who have a higher call on their lives—and faith in a far greater power than any president—now behave (with notable exceptions) exactly like simply another American interest group.” May the tribe of “notable exceptions” increase.
Are You a Contender? Rebecca Stark. You know what is surprisingly common? Mothers saving their children’s lives from mountain lions. You read that right. Google that phrase now and you’ll find several examples, some of them, most likely, pretty recent. The most rational and cautious mother will suddenly transform when her beloved children are threatened, even fighting to the point of her own death. Here’s why that matters for you, whether you’re a mother or not: God wants us to feel the same way about protecting and defending the gospel.
On the Lighter Side
Little Girl Regrets Trying Wasabi. This doesn’t end how you might expect.
