It’s funny how a seemingly innocent photo can reveal a cultural fault line. This photo of a sign on Taylor Street in Fort Wayne posted on Fort Wayne Observed was greeted with this response: I think it’s on “This is Why Young People Want To Leave Fort Wayne” Street. That is: Christianity, or a certain [...]
Tag Archives: Christianity
What is the most crying need of the church in America today?
by Jon Swerens on May 12, 2008, in Theology
Here is how Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, answers the question, emphasizing the importance of cities: I’m throwing in with Jim Boice on this one (cf. his Two Cities: Two Loves.) The evangelical church must stay true to its biblical foundations, and it must maintain and enhance the effectiveness [...]
This world is my home
by Jon Swerens on May 11, 2008, in Philosophy, Uncategorized
Sometime in the early 20th century, American Christians forgot the importance of the earth. The reasons are complex, but they boil down to a pessimistic view of the future and a vaguely Gnostic distrust of the physical. This view led not only to prohibitions on good things like alcohol, but also to an overemphasis of [...]
The architecture of altruism
by Jon Swerens on February 3, 2008, in Theology, Urbanism
(Jon) An article over on Comment magazine by Calvin College professor James K.A. Smith nicely encapsulates much of what we hope for in Fort Wayne. Below are lots of quotes from Loving our neighbour(hood)s: The architecture of altruism. It’s full of good stuff: The culture of “automobility” engenders a residential architecture where the three-car garage [...]
Great article: ‘Urban Paradox’
by Jon Swerens on January 9, 2008, in Philosophy, Theology, Urbanism
(Jon) Today I have the pleasure of pointing you to an excellent summation of what we’re hoping to accomplish here at The Good City. This article, called “Urban Paradox: Reconnecting Church and the City,” was published in byFaith magazine and written to a more general Christian audience, so it starts with a bedrock Biblical foundation: [...]
41 books to read in 2008
by Jon Swerens on January 1, 2008, in City culture, Culture
(Jon) My first New Year’s resolution is: Stop buying books. I have enough books on church, culture, cities and community on my shelves to last me at least through December. And they all came highly recommended by those who have a love for the city. Take a look: Home From Nowhere by James Howard Kunstler [...]
The fallacy of survey-driven theology
by Jon Swerens on December 29, 2007, in Theology
Is the American church judgmental, hypocritical and too political? That’s what most young non-Christians think. What should your church do about it? Local blogger Charles Langley asked me to read his post on the book “unChristian” and let him know what I think. I’m grateful he asked. I recommend you go there and read his [...]
It’s time for Christians to get over it and celebrate Halloween already
by Jon Swerens on October 25, 2007, in Culture, Neighborhoods, Theology
This is a repost from my own blog at www.jonswerens.com. Soon after my wife and I became Christians, the first holiday out the window was Halloween. It was obviously devilish, and we wanted our children to have nothing to do with it. Back in the ’80s and early ’90s, Satanism scaremongers like the now-discredited Mike [...]
It’s time for Christians to get over it and celebrate Halloween already
by Jon Swerens on October 25, 2007, in Culture, Neighborhoods, Theology
This is a repost from my own blog at www.jonswerens.com. Soon after my wife and I became Christians, the first holiday out the window was Halloween. It was obviously devilish, and we wanted our children to have nothing to do with it. Back in the ’80s and early ’90s, Satanism scaremongers like the now-discredited Mike [...]
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