Around the web this week…
+ For some time, it has been apparent that the government of Russia was taking steps back toward its old Cold War ways, with its saber-rattling along the European border and tough talk towards the US. Now it appears the retreat of democratic freedoms is extending to religion as well—and especially Protestants. The New York Times reported last week that the Russian Orthodox Church has re-emerged as the state church, endorsed and protected by the government. Other groups, including Baptists, are being watched, harassed, marginalized and even shut down. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Russia.
+ Check out this map, which shows the prevalence of various religions in regions, graphically showing the dominant church identification in each county across the Unites States. As you might imagine, we’re in a predominantly Baptist area. But that doesn’t mean everybody’s reached here—just that there are a bunch of churches. As a matter of fact, being “over-Baptist-ized” may make it more difficult to reach people who assume a culturally accepted version of Christianity is the same as a saving encounter with Jesus. We have work to do.
+ In light of that work and an earlier post this week about a disturbing annual report from Southern Baptist Churches, check out these compellingly honest conversations with SBC missiologist and researcher Ed Stetzer.
+ Interesting commentary / teaching from Ben Witherington of Asbury Seminary on the relationship between human action & decisions, and God’s eternal purposes. Though I think he skates pretty close to the open theism guys, it will make you think.
+ I’m not a huge football fan and even less of the NFL, yet I was interested to see where the celebrated UK players went in the draft. Sort of shocked that Andre Woodson dropped to the 6th round, where has to compete with Jared Lorenzen for a spot on the Giants roster, but I also understand the concern that he is a bit slow to make a read and get out of the pocket. Not shocked that Jacob Tamme was the first Kat chosen or that he went to Indy. Tony Dungy likes guys with high character and smarts, and Jacob fits on both counts.
Posted in Monday Meanderings
