The New Face of American Christianity

Gabe Lyons, Jon Tyson, Tyler Wigg-Stevenson, Shannon Sedgwick Davis and Nicole Baker Fulgham recently talked with ABC News about the new face of American Christianity.

A great conversation!

I love their posture and their thoughts. No left or right. No young or old. Just people who want to make a real difference in the world in the name of Jesus.

They talk about adoption issues, education, nuclear proliferation, AIDS, poverty, Joseph Kony and more.

The upcoming generation of Christians will not be defined by one or two issues — and I believe we’re interested in looking more outward than inward.

No more us vs. them.

And I firmly believe that the world should be better because followers of him live in it. Everyone should live better lives because they live by Christians.

And that goes beyond just “Christians.”

I hope that you live a better life because you know me — or live by me — or read something I wrote along the way. It’s not an egotistical thing. I just take ownership of this broader idea and hope that I’m making your world better in some form or fashion.

“I’m excited about a church that shows up… and shows up on time… living out tenants of justice and mercy that is thick in the Bible that I believe in — and one that’s daring and courageous and willing to jump off a cliff for it.”

– Shannon Sedgwick Davis

If the video doesn’t show, watch it on ABCNews.com.

(HT to Charles Lee for the video)

Also, if you’d like to find out more about Tyler Wigg-Stevenson, and the great work he’s doing with the Two Futures Project, be sure and check out his recent interview on our podcast.

#justicefriday – Healthcare and Imagination

Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove dreams a new dream for healthcare and the church.

Read more of his thoughts at Sojo.net.

May we all BE the Church we dream of.

(HT @zoecarnate)

Simeon and Levi

Stories You Won't Hear in Sunday School - http://www.flickr.com/photos/army_arch/4300999929/
Stories You Won't Hear in Sunday School | Original Photo From army.arch

Another story you won’t hear in Sunday School (from Genesis 34)…

When Jacob’s daughter Dinah was out visiting the women in her neighborhood, a young man named Shechem son of Hamor the Hivite (who was ruler of the area) decided to have his way with her and raped her.

Hamor, realizing what his son had done, went to Jacob to make marriage arrangements with Jacob.

Hamor told Jacob and his sons, “My son Shechem is head over heels in love with your daughter—give her to him as his wife. Intermarry with us. Give your daughters to us and we’ll give our daughters to you. Live together with us as one family. Settle down among us and make yourselves at home. Prosper among us.”
Continue reading Simeon and Levi

25 of the Best Songs of Summer

Feb 2009 Cruise
Enjoying the beach views in Progreso, Mexico | Photo by Laurie Blundell

The heat’s pounding the pavement here in Texas — and the windows are just begging to be rolled down as you cruise through the neighborhood with your tracks blasting (is it still OK to do that if I’m 31?).

Thought I’d revisit some of those great songs of summer I can remember cruisin’ to back in the day…

  1. Gangsta’s Paradise – Colio & Amish Paradise – Weird Al
  2. I Can See Clearly Now – Johnny Nash
  3. Boot, Scoot and Boogie – Brooks and Dunn
  4. Sign – Ace of Base
  5. Magaritaville – Jimmy Buffett
  6. Saturday in the Park – Chicago
  7. Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams
  8. Low Rider – War
  9. Joy to the World – Three Dog Night
  10. Little Deuce Coupe – Beach Boys
  11. Car Wash – Rose Royce
  12. Good Vibrations – Beach Boys
  13. Hey Ya! – Outkast
  14. Are You Gonna Be My Girl – Jet
  15. Highway to Hell – AC/DC
  16. Schools Out for the Summer – Alice Cooper
  17. American Woman – The Guess Who or Lenny Kravitz
  18. Smells Like Teen Spirit – Nirvana
  19. Welcome To Paradise – Green Day
  20. Buddy Holly – Weezer
  21. Walk This Way – Run DMC and Aerosmith
  22. Summertime – DJ Jazzy Jeff & Fresh Prince
  23. Ice, Ice, Baby – Vanilla Ice
  24. California Girls – Beach Boys
  25. Wipe Out – Beach Boys and Fat Boys

TAG – You’re it!

What are your favorites?

Keep the campground clean

Stories You Won't Hear in Sunday School - http://www.flickr.com/photos/army_arch/4300999929/
Stories You Won't Hear in Sunday School | Original Photo From army.arch

As summer arrives, many folks will spend time camping outdoors. As a friendly reminder…

Mark out an area outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourselves. Along with your weapons have a stick with you. After you relieve yourself, dig a hole with the stick and cover your excrement.

– Deuterononmy 23:12-13

Good advice. Keep the campground clean!

(HT Shaun Groves for the idea)