CAUTION: SOME CONTENT IN THIS BLOG MAY BE UNSETTLING OR DISTURBING! But it’s been said that the test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.

Someone else commented: When you only read authors…you agree with, you aren’t going to be challenged.  Defending an elegantly crafted argument from the opposing side will teach you far more about an issue than simply nodding your head along with your favorite writer.

 So…I hope you keep reading.

I’ve been thinking about power recently. Andy Crouch, executive editor of Christianity Today and author of thought-provoking, and thus occasionally disturbing, books, suggests that “the most transformative acts of our lives are likely to be the moments when we radically empty ourselves, in the very settings where we would normally be expected to exercise authority.”

Much rhetoric heard over the recent very long months—from all sides of the political spectrum and from people of all colors—was polluted by the pursuit of power. Upraised fists, voices raised to unbelievable decibels, printed posters with disgusting slogans, illegal and destructive actions.

Some would say they are pursuing power to help the powerless. A noble pursuit, one even sanctioned by the prophet Micah: What does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. But acting justly and loving mercy is not accomplished in a vacuum; justice and mercy must have objects and those who deeply desire to bring about change must act. You and I might disagree with the tactics but at least these people are on the front lines of what they believe.

As an experiment, I’m suggesting that you read a blog by Dr. Christena Cleveland. Before the title of her article sends you into orbit, let me suggest that you quietly and thoughtfully read it several times (maybe print it out), and then write down the points with which agree and disagree. What does she say that make you uncomfortable? Why? Where do you see yourself in her descriptions? (Avoid seeing others…just yourself!) After reading the article (and before knowing anything about her), what do you assume about Dr. Cleveland? Why?

You can Google the title of the article (Trump, the White Man’s last gasp, and the Resurrection) or go to her blog (www.christenacleveland.com) and look for the March 21, 2016 article.

*Photo accompanying this blog is used by permission.