Civic Spirit的动态

Now on CHURCHx! Placing Ourselves in Colonialism Part 2: How do we get out of here? A 4-part series from United in Learning starting Tuesday, February 4, 2025. Sessions run from 7:00 to 8:30 pm ET. In 2023, the United Church of Canada's Indigenous Ministries and Justice collaborated with the Anti-Racism and Equity program to offer a webinar series for settlers and newcomers called “Placing Ourselves in Colonialism.”? Featuring the work of Elaine Enns and Ched Myers, the course was a hands-on deep dive into family history and its role in the ongoing colonialism that marks North American life.? The participants in the initial series found many similarities as well as numerous points of difference. They shared some theological reflection and we were left thinking, what’s next? Part 2 is what’s next. Theological reflections will be offered in four sessions.?Michael Young will reflect on generational work, Deanna Cox will reflect on the?Exodus story and ask, “What does it mean for God to have promised occupied land to God’s people?” Nobuko Iwai will reflect on how she has benefitted from colonialism and been harmed by racism. And Sara Stratton will?reckon with her comfort with white supremacy.? The sessions are open to all (participation in the previous series is not required) and the cost is $9.99. Register now on CHURCHx: https://lnkd.in/gDtZD4ee #colonialism #decolonizing #unitedchurchofcanada #theologicalreflections #unitedinlearning

New Episode: https://lnkd.in/ge_p6m-B As we count down to the release of the limited series After America, we are revisiting some past episodes of Deep Dive to help lay the groundwork for this important project that will attempt to answer the question - What would it actually look like if American democracy were to fail? Dark Tales: Music by Rahul Bhardwaj from Pixabay ------------- Can Christian nationalism reshape America? In this episode, I chat with Dr. David Gushee, a leading authority in Christian ethics, to tackle this pressing question and more. We navigate the intertwining paths of faith and politics, examining the alarming rise of authoritarianism within certain factions of American Christianity. We discuss how political figures have amplified the dangerous merging of religious fervor with political power, posing a significant threat to democratic values and equality. Our conversation delves into the historical and cultural dynamics fueling this phenomenon, exploring whether this radical shift represents a natural evolution or a distortion of Christian teachings. As an ordained minister, Dr. Gushee reflects on how the perceived loss of influence in traditionally dominant Christian cultures has led to a surge in hysteria and demagoguery, both threatening democracy and the essence of Christianity itself. We unpack the ways non-democratic ideologies are being nurtured within homeschool and Christian school settings, raising concerns about the future leaders who may undermine our democratic foundations. Finally, we explore the intricate relationship between authoritarianism and religion, looking at the historical evolution of Christianity and its struggles with adapting to democratic principles. Our discussion culminates in a call to action, emphasizing the urgent need for a recommitment to the values of kindness, empathy, and inclusivity rooted in Christian ideals. Join us as we lay the groundwork for our new series, "After America," and strive to build compassionate communities that honor both our democratic heritage and faith tradition. #christian #christianity #gop #maga #trump #republicans #church #christiannationalism #evangelical #farright #extremism #god #jesus #lgbtq #abortion #dobbs #authoritarianism #dictator #democracy #deepdive #afteramerica

The new Faith & Civic Life Policy Circle Brief is live. Please take a moment to read and share. Even better, host a conversation with your friends, network or congregation. #circleup #thepolicycircle

Think about the groups you’ve been a part of—whether in your community or beyond. How have they shaped your sense of belonging and connection? ?? Now, consider how religious groups, in particular, have shaped civic life in America. Regardless of whether one has a faith tradition, we have much to learn from how faith-based organizations have fostered trust and social capital in the U.S. and why they are vital to slowing the civic decline in our nation. ???????? The latest brief from The Policy Circle in partnership with Ambassador Enterprises, LLC explores this topic, from early settlers to civil rights to modern-day efforts like refugee resettlement and educational initiatives. ?? See more about the brief below. ???? #CivicEngagement #SocialCapital #FaithInAction #CommunityBuilding #Leadership Leslie Hiner Kate Carney Eric Baxter

Exploring Jewish Heritage: Values of Justice and Inquiry Join us as we dive into the Socratic method of questioning and the rich Jewish cultural emphasis on learning. Discover the connection between Jewish history, social justice movements, and the pursuit of truth that resonates within us. #JewishHeritage #SocialJustice #SocraticMethod #CulturalWisdom #RacialJustice #Feminism #LearningJourney #HistoryMatters #PrideInHeritage #JusticeForAll

Q. What relevance does the history of the Church England's relinquishment of monopoly power have for the official state church in China and the government policies surrounding it? What historical insights can be applied here? The history of the Church of England's relinquishment of its monopoly power in the United Kingdom provides a multifaceted perspective on the relationship between church and state, which can offer several insights into the situation of the official state church in China and its government policies: Historical Context of the Church of England: Disestablishment in the UK: The Church of England, once the sole state church with significant influence over both religious and political spheres, experienced disestablishment in parts of the UK due to political and social pressures. For example, it was disestablished in Ireland in 1871 and Wales in 1920, reflecting a move towards religious pluralism and secular governance. This shift was largely driven by the need to address the religious diversity within the UK, which was not uniformly Anglican. These changes highlight how state-church relationships can evolve in response to societal changes and political pressures.

Confronting Racism and White Supremacy in the USA - Twenty-First-Century Theological Perspectives ( National Council of Churches ) - a collection of essays on contemporary issues in the ongoing fight against racial oppression and inequality in the USA. With contributions from ecumenical leaders, scholars of religion, and Christian activists - with insights about the role religion can and must play in advancing justice and equity - the book offers constructive theological reflection for resisting racism and white supremacy in the United States of America - https://lnkd.in/egjy6sRh

The Master's University Chancellor Dr. John MacArthur sat down this week to discuss his new book, "The War on Children," with @realDailyWire's Ben Shapiro. The conversation covers the role biblical morality has played in shaping United States history and culture, Christ as the only way to salvation, the role of politics in the Christian life, and more. Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/gr7GWEwD

Gudhlanga, E. S., Madongonda, A. M., & Manyonganise, M. (2023). Realist literature, gender and gullibility in African Pentecostalism: The case of Chiundura Moyo’s Kereke Inofa.?HTS Teologiese Studies/Theological Studies,?79(3), 8258. Abstract: There is a consensus among religious scholars that Pentecostalism has risen phenomenally in Africa and Zimbabwe is no exception. In most cases, Pentecostalism has been presented as a sophisticated brand of Christianity while members of African Independent churches are shown to be gullible. The newly founded Pentecostal churches are more focused on gospreneurship while the media is busy with cases of cheating, dishonesty and the sexual abuse of women in these churches. Thus, academic scholars have begun to pay attention to gullibility in Pentecostalism. Unfortunately, not many scholarly works have looked at literary texts that bring out the gullibility of members of Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe. This article seeks to bridge this gap by analyzing Aaron Chiundura Moyo’s?Kereke Inofa?[The Church Can Die]. The main purpose is to bring out the significance of literary texts in projecting societal ills, specifically the gender power dynamics in Zimbabwean Pentecostal churches that may be difficult to deal with directly. The focus is on how women and some men are victims of the whims of some Pentecostal church leaders. The article is informed by the socio-historical approach, which states that artists derive the material for their works of art, subject matter, images, and artistic languages from the life experiences of their societies. The socio-historical approach enables the researcher to understand the prevalence of gullibility in Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe. The article relies heavily on content analysis of Moyo’s?Kereke Inofa’s?presentation of deception, and infidelity in Pentecostal Churches being performed on members who are projected in this play as ‘gullible’. CONTRIBUTIONThis article’s contribution lies in its critical analysis of gender and gullibility in African Pentecostalism in Zimbabwe. It is significant as it utilizes a literary text to project the ills in Pentecostal churches and women’s sexual vulnerabilities.