The Crux Weekly: Lectio 365, SPD Officer Fired for Killing Grad Student and What's the Point of Education?
PLUS: why you should Katharine Hayhoe on Faith and Climate Change and read the research on the mental and emotional impact of climate change.
Friends! 2025 has started much like 2024 left off for many of us – complicated and full! Fortunately, Jesus is lord over the chaos and brings love and shalom wherever He reigns. May you encounter His peace where politics, education and faith meet this week. And just a reminder: Come and pray with us TODAY at 12pm.
Here are 5 things we believe are worth your time:
SCRIPTURE AND PRAYER
Lectio 365 is a daily devotional prayer app developed by the 24-7 Prayer movement. It guides users through Scripture-based meditations using the ancient Christian practice of Lectio Divina (Latin for "divine reading"). The app aims to help individuals pause, reflect, and connect with God in a meaningful way. Key features include: Daily Themes, guided prayer, an audio feature and morning and evening options. Lectio Divina invites believers to read Scripture slowly and reflectively, allowing God’s Word to resonate deeply in their hearts. This practice shifts the focus from intellectual understanding alone to personal transformation. In a fast-paced world, spiritual disciplines promote stillness and mindfulness, helping us remain present with God throughout our day. Check it out!
STATISTICS
Professors and researchers Weigh in on Climate Change and Trauma
The piece features insights from Jyoti Mishra, an associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Diego, who has studied communities affected by significant wildfire events, including California's 2018 Camp Fire and the 2023 Maui blazes. Mishra emphasizes that "climate trauma" is a distinct phenomenon that requires dedicated study and awareness. Recognizing the unique aspects of trauma induced by climate-related disasters is crucial for developing effective mental health interventions. The article underscores the importance of addressing the mental health ramifications of climate-induced disasters like wildfires and advocates for comprehensive support systems to aid affected communities. As followers of Jesus committed to loving our neighbors well in the midst of long-term and acute suffering, it is imperative that we grow in wisdom and knowledge to love our neighbors and our planet well.
STORIES
When considering Faith and Climate, Learn from Katharine Hayhoe
You should subscribe to Katharine Hayhoe’s newsletter. She is a prominent Canadian climate scientist, professor, science communicator and follower of Jesus. She is known for her expertise in climate change research and her ability to communicate complex scientific topics to diverse audiences. As fires rage in California, floods rise and storms ravage communities, we must be grounded in knowledge and wisdom, and be able to navigate complexities with faithful guides who lean in when it’s difficult, not seeking easy wins or ways out. Hayhoe has done this with bold witness, helpful nuance and invaluable clarity. Check her out!
Mommsen Asks, What’s the Point of Education?
This article "Educating for Freedom," asks a profound question, “Has our society lost sight of how to raise young humans?” This is a profoundly important question as we seek to live together in a society that seems to lean towards comfort for self, cruelty to others and kindness to some. Peter Mommsen examines the current state of education, critiquing its focus on standardized testing and economic utility. Peter Mommsen is an American author and editor, best known for his role as the editor of Plough Quarterly, a magazine that explores faith, culture, and society. He is a member of the Bruderhof, an intentional Christian community that emphasizes communal living and the teachings of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. He advocates for a return to the educational philosophies of Friedrich Froebel, the founder of kindergarten, who emphasized holistic development through play, creativity, and moral growth. Mommsen argues that true education should cultivate free individuals capable of contributing to a just and harmonious society, rather than merely preparing students for the workforce. He calls for an educational paradigm that nurtures the whole person, fostering intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth. His argument is worth our time and attention as we engage a context that is constantly wrestling with its goals, purposes and outcomes.
Officer who killed Indian grad student in 2023 is fired
Millions of international students come to the United States every year filled with hope and the promise of a better life for them and their families. This was no doubt true for 23-year-old Jaahnavi Kandula, a graduate student from India studying IT at Northeastern University-Seattle. On January 23, 2023, Seattle Police Officer Kevin Dave struck her while traveling 74 mph. Last week he was fired and forced to pay a $5000 fine. Her family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city. The language used to describe her and the incident by another officer made headlines during that time and echo today. “She had limited value,” said Daniel Auderer, the Vice President of the Seattle Police officers’ Guild when asked about the incident. He was also fired. May the Holy Spirit whisper to every officer, student, faculty and staff that goes to and from campus communities that all are made in His image; and they hear and receive that truth.
May God bless you as you seek to love and serve Him at the nexus of faith, education and politics. He is faithful!
– jonathan