In 2010, like many other mid-twenty-somethings, I started a blog called The Unitive. The name came from a term coined by Richard Lovelace, a twentieth-century historian known for his prophetic insight and spiritual depth. Lovelace argued that a mark of true spiritual renewal was what he called “unitive evangelicalism”—the idea that legitimate renewal would bear the fruit of uniting different types of Christians. I took the name as my own because, as a college pastor, I kept seeing young adults formed by divisive Christian voices. In discipleship conversations, I’d try—with mixed success—to offer a touch more gray, a bit more nuance. I wanted them to appreciate other theological traditions and hold their own with humility. I wanted them to see this as part of their spiritual formation.
I am always puzzled by these double descriptors Are people saying they are Christians who happen to have nationalistic opinions or nationalists who happen to identify as Christian? It seems to me to be an impossible oxymoron. I believe the phrase soils the word Christian by association with the word nationalism.
Good take Bryan. When people talk about not having a blueprint for Renn's negative world, I too have thought "What about the Epistle to Diognetus? What about 1 Peter 2:12, Colossians 4:6, Jeremiah 29:7?". I also appreciated Jon Tyson's answer of the church being a "Creative Minority" which he turned into a short book.
I am always puzzled by these double descriptors Are people saying they are Christians who happen to have nationalistic opinions or nationalists who happen to identify as Christian? It seems to me to be an impossible oxymoron. I believe the phrase soils the word Christian by association with the word nationalism.
100% agree, JD. Any time "Christian" becomes an adjective or is relativized by adjective... there is, at least, a need to wonder why.
Definitely planning to attend the Culture Theology class … sounds perfect/timely.
Love that you'll be there. :)
That’s goooood!!
Thanks, Sarah. :)
Great thoughts, Brian!
Glad it resonates, my friend.
Reminds me of Resilient Faith by Sittser. Such a good resource for the church!
The “great tradition” term was borrowed from Jerry. 👍🏻
So good 👏
Thanks, Eugene. 🙏🏻
Love the Carl Henry quote 🙏🏻🙌🏻
It’s a good one, for sure.
Good take Bryan. When people talk about not having a blueprint for Renn's negative world, I too have thought "What about the Epistle to Diognetus? What about 1 Peter 2:12, Colossians 4:6, Jeremiah 29:7?". I also appreciated Jon Tyson's answer of the church being a "Creative Minority" which he turned into a short book.
DAN!
Agreed, on all fronts.
The class I'm going to teach at Anchor will drawn from the Sacks/Tyson position, along with others.