It seems these days, Christians have been asked to stand behind their political perspectives with unprecedented fervor. Even within the Christian community, there is stark contrast and heated discussion. And whether you find yourself aligning more closely with the views of Senator McCain or Obama, it’s likely that your decision was not made lightly.

So, does this make the Christians appear defensive and too political, in the eyes of the general public?

Gabe Lyons and Dave Kinnaman have re-released their chapter speaking into these compelling discoveries of unChristian. This chapter, called “Too Political,” includes research regarding the perception of Christians and their role in the current political environment. Hear the authors discuss new research on this very timely topic in a Fermi Podcast, here.

The free chapter, called “Too Political,” is available for download as a PDF on www.unchristian.com.

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There’s kind of a global taboo on talking about poop. [You wouldn’t know that hanging out at our house, with two boys aged 8 and 5, but it’s true.] The reluctance to talk about sewage, latrines, and toilets has put the cause of improving sanitation in the world’s poorest countries years behind where it should be.

2008 is the UN’s International Year of Sanitation (did you know?), and in Stockholm last month leaders described the challenges ahead in improving sanitation systems for the world’s poor. In contrast to clean water provision, sanitation has lagged behind. This year, the number of people without access to clean(ish) water is down to less than a billion (the number was 1.4 billion last year). Half the world’s population now has a pipe with improved water coming into their house.

However, 2.5 billion people still lack adequate sanitation systems for their families, resulting in millions of premature deaths every year from diarrhea and other related diseases. Prince Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands reminded the Stockholm gathering that “it is hard for [people with fancy flush toilets] to imagine how unsafe — not to mention embarrassing — it is to relieve oneself in public, in the middle of the street, or for women in rural areas waiting for sunset to find a bush or faraway field, with high risks of physical assault or rape.”

Christian ministries like Tearfund have taken up the challenge of providing such systems and in advocating for increased aid funding. You can read their report on the global issue, called “Sanitation Scandal” at their website.

Also, Jeff and Darcy Anderson with Lifewater International maintain a great blog on global sanitation issues called “When you gotta go”. You should go check it out. It’s great bathroom reading.

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Andy Crouch is so thoughtful on describing our current cultural malaise and helping Christians sort through their role in the renewal of all things. His book, Culture-Making is one of my favorite books of 2008. Its a must read for any Christian considering their responsibility in society. You can hear my interview with Andy on the latest Fermi Podcast where he describes what the Christian approach to culture ought to be.

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Many of you are already taking the challenge to incorporate new ideas and practices into your lives for the sake of others in your communities. At the 2008 Q Conference, we filtered through numerous submissions and chose several projects to be described in three minutes each. Listen and learn.

Posted in Q, Q Speakers, Video | 3 Comments »

Recently, we sat down with Jim Wallis who is a renowned author and founder of Sojourners Magazine. His work in the political world has provided a platform for government leaders to talk about their own faith and values. During our interview Jim discusses the desire of a new generation, what happens when politics fail, and some insight about the next election. Listen to the interview HERE

Posted in Fermi Podcast, Front Page, Uncategorized | 1 Comment »

In the world of journalism, the New York Times is a mover. Its newspaper and website set the standard for all other news organizations. Indeed, the New York Times often leads the charge when it comes to reporting the most important events in our culture. So what happens when a bright young Christian is hired to help readers understand the role of faith in politics and world events? Listen as Michael Luo discusses the nature of political journalism and the impact our faith can have on how we understand and engage politics.

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After spending the last few days in Austin, TX, I’m pretty stoked about Q laying down Texas roots (at least for a few days), April 27-29, 2009. After our first two years were hosted in Atlanta and Manhattan, we now head west to Austin. Austin represents a smaller city (very much like most of America) that is in the business of culture creation. It boasts a beautiful mix of tex-mex culture with brisquet, barbeque and music for everyone.

I hope you can join us for another great Q gathering next Spring, the rates are the lowest they will be for the next two months. http://www.fermiproject.com/Q

Posted in Front Page, Q | 1 Comment »

When it comes to politics, Christians often feel frustrated. How can we make a impact against the immovable mountains of injustice, poverty, war, and the degradation of human life? Jim Wallis believes that the answer comes from a new, yet historical perspective on the nature of movements.

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I guess the theme of the last few posts is humbly listening and learning from others who have something to say about life, truth and the heart, regardless of whether we share the same beliefs. With Alanis Morisette (Grammy winning singer/songwriter), I don’t know what type of “spirituality” she practices, but her deep understanding of the need for self-awareness and righting one’s own soul before trying to turn others is a great reminder of how a Christian ought to think….don’t you think?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCl3Ut5GHVw&feature=user

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Christopher Silber, award winning screenwriter shares his perspective on story and what makes a great film in my recent interview with him for the Fermi podcast. Christopher recently moved with is family from Germany to Brooklyn, NY and he continues to work on major television shows in Germany while writing and advising on film scripts in the U.S. Any writer or artists will appreciate his rich experience and perspective

Listen here

Posted in Arts and Entertainment, Fermi Podcast, Front Page, Uncategorized | No Comments »