The Crux Weekly: Churches Sue Trump, Wheaton Walks Back Congratulations, and the Violent Take it By Force
Plus: Diana Butler Bass on the politicization of the Church, and Tom Skinner Preaches to us from Urbana 1970
Friends! Ezra Klein from the New York Times noted last week, “flood the zone” is the strategy that the Trump administration is executing and researcher Jonathan Haidt has chronicled at length the anxiety-inducing nature of social media. Fortunately, Jesus speaks peace to the storms in the world and in our hearts, so can find our peace in the Prince of Peace. Praise God that the joy of the Lord is our strength, not a new strategy or information.
Here are 5 things we believe are worth your time:
The Violent Take it By Force is a Must-Read from Matthew Taylor
Political Discipleship is Necessary, Not Optional says Diana Butler-Bass
Churches and Denominations are Suing the Trump Administration
SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER
Reflecting on Tom Skinner’s Message from 1970
Tom Skinner preached a sermon at Urbana 1970 that could be preached at Urbana 2025. He was an influential African American evangelist, author, and speaker known for his work bridging racial reconciliation and evangelical Christianity. He grew up in Harlem, New York, and became a prominent voice in the civil rights era, challenging white evangelical complacency on racial justice issues. It should be encouraging to all of us who long and work for justice that we are not the first and that we will not be the last; but it is in this season that we root ourselves in the Good News and preach with word, deed and power. May we meditate on the words of those whose shoulders we stand on and prepare ourselves because the time is now for us to do the same for this generation.
STATISTICS
“The Violent Take it By Force” by Matthew Taylor is a must read
"The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy" by Dr. Matthew D. Taylor, former IV STAFF, examines the New Apostolic Reformation (NAR), a network of charismatic Christian leaders and believers who perceive themselves as engaging in large-scale spiritual warfare. Emerging over the past three decades, the NAR has gained significant influence, notably in galvanizing support for former President Donald Trump and other far-right figures globally. He delves into concepts like the Seven Mountains Mandate and the Appeal to Heaven flag, highlighting the NAR's role in events such as the January 6 Capitol riot, where symbols of spiritual warfare were prominently displayed. The research is solid, theology clear and background necessary for an informed conversation about the intersectional realities of our faith, universities and politics. Check out this interview and buy the book! We will feature him in our webinar on April 11!
STORIES
Wheaton College Walks Back Congratulations
Wheaton College initially congratulated their alumni Russell Vought for his appointment into the Trump Administration; but quickly did an about face trying to distance themselves from the political lightning rod. The alumni of colleges and universities lead many of the businesses and institutions that surround us. That includes Christian alumni from evangelical institutions like Wheaton College. Vought is beloved and reviled by many who claim to follow Jesus, are Wheaton Alum and are seeking justice and revival in the world. This event and the narrative of events are a prime reason why we need a robust political discipleship, not a reactive one.
Political Discipleship is Necessary, Not Optional
Diana Butler Bass argues that our faith has been politicized in ways that make political discipleship necessary and urgent. For decades we have heard, “the church and politics are separate” and “we just can’t do that”. Well, the church didn’t want to go into politics but politics has come into the church and it sits in the pews, serves in the soup kitchens and has opinions about whether or not the American flag should be up front and if the pastor is a DEI hire.She is an American historian, theologian, and author specializing in American religion and spirituality. She has written extensively on the evolution of Christianity in contemporary society, particularly focusing on progressive faith, spiritual renewal, and church history. So if you or someone you know is sitting on the sidelines holding faith and education while putting politics to the side, she is a good person to know as you step into these waters.
Churches and Denominations are Suing the Trump Administration
Jesus calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves and this is especially true when it comes to immigrants. The Trump Administration's many actions oppose that call and followers of Jesus from across denominations, organizations and backgrounds are committing to Micah 6:8 and the fasting that God calls us to in Isaiah 58. Read the lawsuit, sign the petition and forward both to everyone you know! It must never become normal in communities of faith to turn away those in need!
May God bless you as you seek to love and serve Him at the nexus of faith, education and politics. He is faithful!
– jonathan