The 11 Splinters of the Christian Brand—
And Why Brian’s Book Ends with Hope

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MILLIONS OF “CHRISTIANS” are heading to the exits of their churches until more than 1 in 4 Americans now answer “none” when they are asked by pollsters to name their religious affiliation. Their reasons for leaving vary widely, but the experience nearly always is marked by regret and often by anger. This week, we welcome best-selling Christian author Brian McLaren for an interview about his new book that asks the question so many are asking: Should I Stay Christian? Brian’s book is both a fresh and insightful analysis of why Christianity is splintering—and an inspiring overview of why millions are choosing to remain. Please, enjoy this cover story that ultimately is marked by Brian’s relentless hope—and share this column with friends via social media or email.

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From Our Authors—

Bill Tammeus

And on a related note …

THREE OF OUR REGULAR COLUMNISTS have posted thoughtful commentaries this week that are related to Brian McLaren’s analysis of the crisis within Christianity. First, there’s veteran religion journalist Bill Tammeus with two columns about global spiritual challenges:

• Is humanity simply incapable of avoiding evil?
• And, Should religious leaders keep their jobs for life?

Then, also related to the theme of Christian conflict, this week, we have this thought-provoking column from Dr. David Gushee …

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David Gushee

Is the Far Right in America ‘Fascist’?

IN HIS BAPTIST NEWS GLOBAL column this week, best-selling Christian ethicist Dr. David Gushee addresses a question we are hearing frequently these days: Is the term “Fascist” accurate when describing America’s Far Right? Dr. Gushee’s approach to finding an answer to this question is very much in keeping with his principles as a scholar. In his column, he asks: “Is it possible for scholars to help us answer this question analytically rather than emotionally?” If you would like to learn more about Gushee’s approach to analyzing controversial contemporary issues, please read his book Introducing Christian Ethics: Core Convictions for Christians Today.

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Lucille Sider

‘You teach me how to be when I grow up.’

THEN, YES, LUCILLE’S CAREGIVING column, this week, also relates to themes found especially in the second half of Brian McLaren’s new book in passages such as Chapter 21: Include and Transcend. As if embodying some of the principles McLaren summarizes in that chapter, Lucille’s column describes how she moved from serving as a pastor for seniors to serving as a senior herself. Please, enjoy and share this column with friends.

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Holidays & Festivals

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS columnist Stephanie Fenton reports on this second year that Juneteenth is an official national holiday across the U.S.

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WANT TO SEE ALL OF THE UPCOMING HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS?—It’s easy to find our annual calendar of global observances. Just remember the web address: InterfaithHolidays.com

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Faith & Film

ED McNULTY, for decades, has published reviews, magazine articles and books exploring connections between faith and film. Most of his work is freely published. Ed supports his work by selling the Visual Parables Journal, a monthly magazine packed with discussion guides to films. This resource is used coast-to-coast by individuals who love the movies and by educators, clergy and small-group leaders.

Here are some of Ed’s most recent free reviews and columns:

• THE BOOK KEEPERS—Ed writes, “This documentary by a father and son team is a different kind of road trip film in that it deals with sorrow and healing that ends in a surprising way—not only to us viewers, but to the two book keepers as well.”
• MARIAN ANDERSON—THE WHOLE WORLD IN HER HANDS—“Rita Coburn’s contribution to the PBS documentary series American Masters is more than a tribute to a great American icon; it is also a delightful love story, a glorious medley of music, an historic triumph over Jim Crow, a testament to the power of faith and family, and a recognition that every great achievement is made with the love and support of many others.”
• SUNKEN ROADS—Ed marks the June anniversary of World War II’s D-Day, this year, by recommending a moving documentary film: Sunken Roads—Three Generations after D-Day. You won’t find this film in theaters, but it can be rented for home streaming for $2.99 via Amazon.
• TOP GUN—MAVERICK—”Tom Cruise still exudes the charm that first attracted his fans, mellowed by the years that stripped away some of the earlier arrogance of his character. Little wonder that this has become a box office smash.”
• MONTANA STORY—”Writer-directors Scott McGehee and David Siegel set their story in Montana and include a beloved horse, but their film is neither a typical Western nor an addition to the Black Beauty genre. Instead, it centers on the relationship of a brother and a sister, once very close but then ruptured by a terrible event several years earlier.
• ON GUN VIOLENCE—Ed also recommends viewing three films about gun violence in America. First, he reaches back and points out that the 1989 documentary Bowling for Columbine is as relevant today as it was when originally released. More recent is the documentary 91%, which features interviews with a wide cross section of Americans and makes the point that there is nearly unanimous consensus on the need for more effective background checks on gun buyers. Finally, he recommends Behind the Bullet, a documentary that explores the impact of guns from the perspective of people who have fired them.
• SERVANT OF THE PEOPLE—Netflix now is streaming two dozen episodes of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s 2015-19 TV series, Servant of the People. Ed McNulty writes about the “life-imitates-art” experience of watching this series in the midst of Russia’s attack on Ukraine. There are two parts: Here is Part 1: Ed’s commentary on the opening episodes. Then, here is Part 2: Ed’s follow up, focusing on later episodes.

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