New Interview with Brother Bell

Check out the highlights at Read the Spirit.

Things You Hear at Seminary

Is it possible that a well known minister runs church services in Georgia and then hops on a private plane so that he can do a 6pm service in LA? It defies logic and reason and can you imagine the jet fuel bill? And, the carbon impact - our estimate is that it is about 110,000lbs. Tips for getting to the bottom of this one are welcome.

Defeat the Nihilists

David Brooks artfully addresses the leadership issue referenced in last nights economy post. Defeat the nihilists is our theme. Defeat them with faith, confidence, and trust that this country is stronger than our weakest leader. Join the movement of contagious confidence, join the generosity revolution.

A Different Kind of Response

Christianity Today's daily dispatch was themed to economic issues today. Reading the two lead stories before the market fell 777 points was mildly irritating. They seemed a little sanctimonious, one reported on how Christian banks and credit unions were doing better than others during the crisis because they didn't take the same risks on credit. The second, much longer piece, was written by the President of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. Rereading both articles after the market closed was more striking. Suddenly, the mildly annoying, holier than thou, you are being punished for your sinful, greedy hearts tone had new volume. It was an inescapable drum beat below the otherwise innocuous drone of opinion about the source of the economic meltdown. A day like today, one that the ends with no one feeling safe, is not a day for sermonizing or lecturing or chastising. It is a day for grace, for compassion, for a kind word, for encouragement. That's the BC challenge for tomorrow, as we all tiptoe into the day, waiting to see what happens next, let's chose to be generous in the face of our own fears and those of others. Nothing extraordinary, just find something simple. Give the dollar for breast cancer research at Vons or to animals at Petco. Buy a homeless person lunch. Tip better. Share. Simply share a little of what you have. Do it for the perspective or for the fun of it, do it because giving is a great reminder of how much we have. Do it to prove that the crazy ramblings of some random blogger have no merit or because you know that America is a country of leaders even when the elected ones aren't doing a lot of it. Whatever, just try a little care of your soul and the soul of another, confidence is contagious, generosity is revolutionary.

Coach Craig's Annual Huddle

Lifechurch.tv hits OKC. Coach Craig is seemingly in for a big week, it's the annual "October Event" when the Lifechurch campus leaders from across the country - Phoenix, Edmond, Oklahoma City, South Tulsa, Tulsa, NW Oklahoma City, South Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Hendersonville, Fort Worth, Wellington, and Albany - come together. In the six degrees of BC separation, Captain Bill is speaking to Groeschel's team. BC wants to know how we can score an invite. The coach and the captain in the same place?! It's better than Jovial Joel and Rick 4-O at the CGI. We know Craig and Andy "Zippy" Stanley are scheduled for the upcoming Catalyst conference. No Brother Bell conference sightings yet but we're keeping watch for him and for Kevin Bacon.

The Numbers are Out

Outreach magazine's annual list of the largest 100 U.S. megachurches is out although not readily available online. Maybe it is for the larger media agencies who can afford to purchase subscriptions. Alas, for little guys like us, we're relying on the Christian Post story. There's a lot of blog chatter about the decline in numbers at some of the big names like BC study subjects Lakewood, Willow Creek and Saddleback. A little background on the list. The data is culled from voluntary questionnaires. The principal researchers are Scott Thumma and Warren Bird from the Hartford Institute for Religion Research. Thumma is the master of megachurch research so we're anxious to dig into the underlying data comparisons across the years he's been conducting the study.

Vision

A little perspective never hurts. From our friends at Heifer, you know, the people who go to the truly hopeless places in the world and make a difference. Those guys. Included at the bottom of the email newsletter is a section called "What Are Heifer Recipients Saying." Here's the quote from September:

“My cow is my treasure and vision. No longer do I sit alone in total darkness, but work as a farmer.” – Lydia Chelangat-Mutai, a legally blind Heifer recipient, Kenya

The Story of Stuff

From a BC friend, good woman, and all around smartypants, here's an excellent use of 20 minutes thestoryofstuff.com. Check it out and pass it on.

Thank God for Gawker

If for no other reason than finding this video:



We wonder, did everyone else hear the line, "Jesus came and found me and touched me down inside." The lesson here is try as they might, parodies will never be as funny as the real thing. For the whole back story on the video, check out Hamilton Nolan's post at Gawker.

777

Seven is big number in the Bible, it appears over 600 times. Most suggest it represents completeness or even perfection. Maybe the Dow closing 777 points down is the demonstration of a perfectly complete failure and now we get to begin again. Recalling a favorite fragment of a Bible verse and line from the West Wing, "joy cometh in the morning." The rest of the verse may be less comforting but no doubt familiar. "For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Usually BC forbids the quoting of a single out of context Bible verse but it is an extraordinary day and we all need as much encouragement as possible to stave off the demons of anxiety that come from glancing at our bank accounts. So as we join together in line for applications to become WalMart greeters, we continue to hope and pray. Hard. Pray very, very hard.

If you are of the dark humor sort and want the tshirt pictured, you can find it at UK clothing company baseacid. com

Scofflaw Preachers Missing Point

"Pulpit Freedom Sunday" is over. It's hard to say how many pastors engaged in using their sermons to lobby for a candidate (read McCain). Our favorite quote comes from today's LA Times, "I am angry because the government and the IRS and some Christians have taken away the rights of pastors," Drake said to about 45 people at his service. "I have a right to endorse anybody I doggone well please. And if they don't like that, too bad." We hate to bother Pastor Drake with a silly fact but for the sake of sanity and reason, there is this. NO ONE IS STOPPING YOU FROM SPEAKING FREELY, WE'RE JUST REFUSING TO SUBSIDIZE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you are a pastor and you feel called to lead a church and your leadership includes direct advice on who to vote for, fine, do it. Live into the faith that God has called you to do this and trust that whatever resources you give up by not taking the benefits of tax exemption will be provided in some other way. Live the faith you proclaim. Please.

But that's not point, is it. Nope. Free Pulpit Sunday was designed for a higher purpose so let the lawsuits and IRS investigations begin. An old hymn captures the moment, "They will know we are Christians by our love." Yes, lawsuits, bating government agencies and media grandstanding, those are excellent reflections of the love of Christ. Yes, indeed, on a Monday morning when everyone is holding their breath in fear of further financial collapse, when issues of poverty, unemployment, lack of health insurance, and war threaten peoples lives, literally. These are the days when Christians hit the headlines, not with stories about the outpouring of love, care, support, and comfort for a troubled community. Nope, we're going use this moment to throw a tantrum about a rule that doesn't suit us.

BC commends this commentary from the religious guy who has had actual experience tangling with the IRS. Here he is free and making the real point.



Trouble on Mars

Just listened to last Sunday's sermon from our friends at Mars Hill. Filling in for Brother Bell was one of the church elders, David Livermore. BC was surprised and more than a little confused by the 39 minute and 50 second sermon. It was ostensibly a continuation of the study of Philippians but we're still not sure what it was actually about - somewhere between a public apology for a lack of leadership and communication and a good, old fashioned, recommit to the cause because even with all our issues, we really are great, pep talk. Looks like the Michigan Mars Hill community is troubled by leadership turnover and too much planning or too little planning, too much Rob Bell or too little Rob Bell, we couldn't tell what people were complaining about because it seems that they are complaining about everything.

Two things to say about this. First, Mars Hill is bigger than the group that meets in Michigan on Sundays. Even if the virtual tribe isn't much valued, it exists so if you're going to have a Sunday dedicated to inside baseball, let the rest of us know. Or even better, consider a preface. Some context for the newcomers or the people listening online. We're pretty regular followers of this place and we were confused, can you imagine the random stranger - either in person or online?

The second, and much more important point, comes in the form of a little tough love. To our beloved friends in the congregation and leadership at Mars Hill, SUCK IT UP! Radical love causes friction, not everyone can go at the same pace, deal with that reality, don't get crushed by it. From here, it looks like the Mars Hill community might be suffering from a little too much entitlement and a little too little grace. No place is perfect but this is a blessed community on the front lines of the revolution started by Jesus. Don't lose that, there are enough tame, self-satisfied, self-protecting, insular churches around to care for the people who are tired of the tumult of world changing risk. It's okay for people to go, it's loving for you to bless them in that choice. What isn't loving is to smother the spirit of Mars Hill in a blanket of appeasement. BC can't help but wonder how much Brother Bell can take, called to lead, tempted to please. Our prayer for everyone at Mars Hill right now is a simple one, may they lighten up on each other just enough to remember how good they have it.

E-Commerce Meets G-Commerce

If you are desperate to brand your little angel a "Jesus Freak," here's your chance. Our advice, for every dollar invested in Christian hairbows, put double in a special account for therapy. She'll need it. Take it from us, we know.

Johnny Vegas

Don't drink, don't smoke, don't chew and don't go with girls who do. Nothing in that golden rule of good evangelical behavior that precludes a little roll at the craps table. But there are so many rules, who can keep them all straight - let alone work them into easy to remember rhymes. Looks like the man representing the right isn't measuring up to the moral standard of the Christian base, don't worry John, in our experience few people do.

Disturbing News from the Research Team at Pew

"Fewer people than at any point in this decade assign high priority to such foreign policy goals as preventing genocide, strengthening the United Nations, promoting and defending human rights, and reducing the global spread of AIDS and other infectious diseases."

This is from a new national survey conducted by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press in collaboration with the Council on Foreign Relations. The implications of less interest are daunting.

No Faith at Debate

One of BC's favorite writers, Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Paulson, did the work to confirm what we thought we didn't hear last night. In the entire debate, there was not a single mention of God, faith, church or Christian. See Paulson for a thoughtful commentary. We're not sure if it's good or bad but it is striking.

Atheists and Christians Can Be Friends

There are a few interesting creative collaborations out from atheist/Christian friendship duos. The documentary Purple State of Mind by Craig Detweiler and John Marks is a compelling and smart film. Now in their early 40's, they met at a small Christian college in North Carolina. For Detweiler it was his first year as a Christian, for Marks, his last. The guys engage in a series of conversations, sometimes heated, always provocative, about the source and meaning of Detweilers' Christianity and Marks' atheism. BC highly recommends checking it out.

Also available is Jim and Casper Go To Church. BC hasn't read this one yet but we'll be picking it up in short order. The two friends, again a Christian and an atheist, tour the American church scene (including 3 BC study subjects). We enjoyed this review from blogger Brian D.

Rumor or is Rick (Over) Reaching?

BC is trying to confirm whether or not this is true but according to a site called virtueonline.org, Rick Warren is offering space to Anglican churches in the OC who decide to leave the Episcopal Church. We are hoping against hope that this isn't true. Rick's current sermon series is all about love, 40 days of love. The heart of his message is that we are here to practice loving God and loving our neighbors. The Anglican Communion is about relationship, a relationship that has survived most of the worst man and woman can offer - including a few wars. Maybe if the Christian community supported that, supported the churches that are in conflict and encouraged them to stay in relationship, we all might learn something. We might learn how to love God a little more, to love each other more. If people are at the edges, pulling at the frayed strands, it will inevitably unravel.

Well Said

BC says Amen! to this New York Times oped.

Video Made the Minister a Star

Another church for people who have no interest in church. Another church with rock music like U2 and Coldplay. Another church with a pastor who stands at the door interacting with the people he or she is speaking to. Wait, no. Everything but that last part. This new venture will stream the pastor from another state. In this case, the star of the big screen is none other than BC study subject Andy "Zippy" Stanley. Here's our advice for anyone interested in taking notes, learn shorthand. Andy's messages are very compelling but he talks really, really fast. Thankfully, the jumbotron approach is not new to Andy or many of the other study participants, they're all pretty comfortable preaching to the camera.

Talking with TD

Bishop TD Jakes stops by washingtonpost.com for a Q&A with religion writer, Sally Quinn. The charming and eloquent Jakes covers everything from out-of-wedlock pregnancy to why he is supporting Obama. BC has a soft spot for the prosperity preaching pastor. He is one of our favorites. We wanted to include him in the BC study but his sermons aren't easily available online.

Favor for Sarah

Not to pile on or get too political but we could not resist posting the Sarah Palin blessing video. While the witchcraft mention is getting all the attention, BC is a little concerned about the less culturally context specific aspects (see the Boston Herald story for some background on the witchcraft reference). Praying that God "makes way for Sarah even in the political arena...bring finances her way even for the campaigning in the name of Jesus" strikes us as a little, inappropriate? BC is all for praying, we do a great deal of it. We're all for blessing, we should be doing more of it. We are not for the abuse of the sacred for the benefit of political ambitions. We are not for candidates who treat Jesus like their campaign finance chairs. The more churches become places where it is impossible to have differing points of view, political or otherwise, the less the church looks like Jesus. And for the record, I've been talking to God regularly about this woman.

In the News

Some sacred-secular blurring from the other side of the Atlantic.

BC ranted a little about this yesterday. Here is the NYT take on the insurgent pastors.

This one may be a little off topic or maybe not given Sarah P is a self avowed Big Christian. We're not sure what is more disturbing the allegation (reprehensible if it is true) or the fact that she won't answer the question. Transparency is a value highly associated with Jesus. We're not going to say anything else because if you don't have anything nice to say it is better not to say anything at all. Right?

It Takes a Woman

Coach Craig has been doing a blog book tour promoting It: How Churches and Leaders Can Get It and Keep It. The chosen bloggers are allowed to ask one question. A quick side note on that, Craig is a man of clear boundaries when it comes to the single question rule, ruthlessly disciplined in the face of scofflaw interviewers obscuring multiple questions in a multipart format. The Q&A's have been pretty basic. They're helpful in giving a sense of the book but they lack a certain zest. Today was the last stop and to our surprise, the exception. Anne Jackson at flowerdust.net asked the Coach what It has to do with poverty. A good question from a smart and thoughtful writer. It is worth noting that out of an 11 stop tour, Jackson was the only woman blogger. Not sure what that's a commentary on but it's saying something.

Star Alert - Captain Bill

You know you're a celebrity pastor when an exuberant fan in Singapore blogs about getting an old copy of your book off ebay. We love the handwritten inscription. Very poetic, also good penmanship.

Since Jesus Was Born W Bankrupted America

Channeling longest serving Senator Robert Byrd, BC contributor (and my older brother) described the $700B bailout package as "700 dollars for every minute since Jesus was born." Byrd has used this line a number of times in his career and we like it.

Clay OUT-kin

We don't know how we missed the potential religical implications of Clay Aiken's big announcement but thankfully the LA Times bloggers are on top of it.

Jackpot for the Lawyers

501.c.3 organizations are prohibited from participating in political campaigns on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office. It's a good rule, it ensures that tax exempt money isn't used for taxable purposes. It's a fair rule, it assures donors that there are some boundaries around how their gifts are employed. It is an unambiguous rule, it applies equally to all organizations that benefit from exemption. Churches are 501.c.3's, in fact, they have a special status under the Internal Revenue Code, they are automatically granted exemption without filing a 1023, churches don't have to file 990's, and ordained clergy are granted additional benefits for things like housing. Here at BC, there are strong feelings about the free pass that churches get on reporting rules but that is a post for another day. Today's story in the LA Times about the pastors planning to break the law this weekend and intervene on behalf of (or more likely against) certain Presidential candidates enrages us. BC wonders,are these pastors getting checks ready to pay the American taxpayers back for the benefits they have received? Or are they just going to take those tax exempt dollars to pay their legal fees? Who wins here? Our bet is people who bill at $600 an hour.

Sound Marketing Choice?

Stumbled across the blog for the Christian Affiliate Marketers this afternoon. Their logo is a crown of thorns. Seriously. A crown of T-H-O-R-N-S, instrument of Roman torture. And we thought the fish was bad.

Colbert meets Cornel

Check out this hilarious (and sometimes comprehensible) Stephen Colbert interview of Cornel West.



It took Rick Warren 86 long minutes last Sunday to make the point Colbert does in about 3 seconds. BC especially loved West's definition of bling-bling as the "empty stuff" but the whole segment reached its zenith when West proudly proclaims himself an "unashamed Christian and a free black man." Amen, Cornel.

Don't Worry, We're Still with You, Rob!

BC is a little concerned about one of our study subjects. The already controversial, young, prophet from G-rap has put himself in the line of fire on several fronts. The scary religious blogosphere, a place of fear and loathing, is already attacking Bell's new Nooma video, "She". Not surprising, the exploration of the feminine image of God is not embraced warmly in all sectors.

An altogether different issue is Bell's infomercial for the Today's New International Version Bible. Part 300,001,221 of the translation war. For the uniniated, Christians spend an absurd amount of time fighting about the "correct" translation of Scripture. Bible wars are legendary and Bell has canon balled in with an endorsement of the TNIV. Recently, a prominent scholar said it was okay to use the NIV if you are 12 but any serious Bible sudent should use something else. Fightin' words! Here at BC, we go straight for the full paraphrase and use Eugene Peterson's Message.

Finally, if Bible wars and charges of rank and rampant feminism weren't enough, there's a new book by Bell and his friend and former colleague, Don Golden - a genuine leader in the fight for the disenfranchised. We have high expectations for Jesus Wants to Save Christians: A Manifesto for the Church in Exile. The title alone is worth some reflection. We were sad to learn Golden left Mars Hill to become the Senior VP of Church Engagement at World Relief in Baltimore. Golden seemed to bring focus and strong organizational leadership to Mars Hill, particularly the artful creation of the X,Y,Z ministry. Golden's new gig will tap into those change managment skills in a whole new way, we wish him all the best. In the meantime, our dear Brother Bell is at home facing the long, cold Michigan winter with a whole lot of angry Christian bloggers, armed and ready. Hang tough, Rob, BC's got your back.

"That's mad, that is mad."

New Yorkers always think they are the center of the universe, it seems today they might be right. On one end of the city, the UN General Assembly meets. Blocks away Wall Street continues to unravel. At a conference somewhere in the middle of the chaos stands the Irish rock star, who - like him or not - is pretty good with words.

"It is extraordinary to me that you can find $700 billion to save Wall Street and the entire G8 can't find $25 billion to save 25,000 children who die every day of preventable treatable disease and hunger," the U2 lead singer told Clinton's fourth annual philanthropic summit in New York. "That's mad, that is mad."

We agree. It is more than mad, it is unconscionable. BC is glad the episcopals are praying, we need it.

Pray. Fast. Now. Go.

The Episcopalians for Global Reconciliation are sponsoring a day of prayer, fasting and witness around the Millenium Development Goals. It looks like there are a number of programs going on at St John the Divine in New York City. Check out the website for more opportunities to get involved.

Matthew 25

A new PAC is born, this one drawing its name from no lesser of a source than the Holy Bible. We wonder if curious reporters and voters might check out the section of the big book to see from where this new group births. If so, they might be a bit confused by the parables about virgins wasting lamp oil and servants being tossed into the darkness "where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." BC is sure it is the latter part of Matthew 25 that the PAC is referencing. Officially, the parable of the sheep and the goats, it is a famous and moving passage where Jesus talks about Christian responsibilities for the the sick, poor, and disenfranchised. A quick check of the Matthew 25 website and we find:

"Christians across the country are answering the Gospel call to care for our neighbor, especially the most vulnerable, in a thousand constructive ways.We are building hospitals and clinics, feeding the hungry, conserving energy, caring for AIDS orphans, working to free sex slaves, mentoring children, encouraging racial reconciliation, and so much more."

And from their very, very long mission statement:

"Therefore, while no elected official will be without flaw, we come together as individuals to support candidates for public office who share the values of the Matthew 25 Network: promoting life with dignity, caring for the least of these, strengthening and supporting families, stewardship of God’s Creation, working for peace and justice at home and abroad, and promoting the common good.

BC can't help but note that in the original version, Jesus says:

I was hungry and you fed me, 

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, 

I was homeless and you gave me a room, 

I was shivering and you gave me clothes, 

I was sick and you stopped to visit, 

I was in prison and you came to me.
(The Message Version)

It seems the Matthew 25 network missed that last bit in their campaign literature. Maybe it didn't poll well.

Christian Bikers Bloody Brawl Update

While the above may represent what one conjures up when considering the words Christian biker gang, a much darker picture is emerging from the recent investigation into the Set Free Soldiers. Today's AP story follows up on the recent arrests of the pastor and other members after their brawl with the Hell's Angels. The article raises some interesting questions about the impact of the cultural milieu of biker gangs on the people ministering to them. BC notes that the source of the quote about the darkside of biker ministry is referred to as the "twice-ordained minister from Bikers for Christ." What is the significance of being ordained twice? Is the implication, he is twice as holy, twice as priestly? We imagine it may have to do with being ordained in more than one denomination or non denominational context but it strikes us as an odd detail to highlight.

Women, Baptists and Pink Shirts

Over at something called The Center for Biblical Spirituality, there is an article by Don Whitney entitled, "Clothing Tips for Ministers." In several paragraphs, young ministers are instructed in sartorial etiquette. We were especially amused by the advice about shirt colors, "After white, then a light blue, a thin blue stripe, and perhaps a very pale yellow (or ecru) or other pastel (such as a pale green) would be your next investments. Wear pink at your own risk." Everything else aside, BC is a big fan of pink shirts.

Another striking aspect of the article was the dearth of advice for women. The only footnote provided some insight. "As will become obvious, this piece is written from the cultural perspective of and most applicable to those who dress in traditional western masculine forms." While we would like to conclude that the author felt that women did not have the same need for Ebay suit buying tips, we suspect the Southern Baptist Convention position that the role of pastor is reserved for men is a more likely explanation. The recent controversy over the removal of Gospel magazine from the Southern Baptists bookstore chain, LifeWay, because its cover featured female pastors underscores their doctrinal position. One assumes that it is safe for women to wear pink but purchasing reading materials about women clergy possesses some hidden danger. Despite a fundamental difference of opinion with Dr. Whitney about the role of women, after spending time around young seminarians, BC commends him for doing God's work with this wrinkled t-shirt, shorts and baseball cap wearing crowd.

Perpetuating the Stereotype?

A thoughtful and challenging op-ed by Barbara Ehrenreich appeared in the New York Times yesterday. In making a deft and nuanced argument about the negative consequences of unrealistically positive thinking, Ehrenreich takes a swipe at "Oprah Winfrey, scores of megachurch pastors and an endless flow of self-help best sellers.." While it is evidence of the solidification of the megachurch as a cultural reference point, one can question whether, in fact, "scores" of the over 2500 different churches that are officially classified as mega, preach the gospel of positive thinking. Maybe it just seems that way because some of the largest and most famous do.

Gaming for Jesus

The move to claim a stake for Jesus in the video game business started with the Guitar Praise, a rip off/spin off of the popular Guitar Hero. When we sarcastically asked, "What's next, Grand Theft Soul?" we had no idea we were onto something.

Osteen Attends Clinton Global Iniative

Jubilant Joel is apparently in New York for the 4th Annual Clinton Global Initiative. A quick skim of the 14 pages of commitments evidence two noteworthy points: there are amazing people working together for the good of those who most need our care and the Christian community, large and small, is woefully underrepresented on this list. For a few minutes of inspiration, check out the good work coming out of the 2008 CGI. Still waiting to see what the pastor of America's largest church will commit - with the massive audience Osteen holds captive every week, just mentioning the issues of abject poverty or the importance of supporting the Millenium Development Goals could make a significant difference.

A Year with Rob, Bill, Andy, Craig, Rick and Joel

This will be a regular feature here at BC. We've launched a study of these six megachurch pastors. For the next year, we will be tracking their weekly sermons. The initial plan was to examine what they say about giving and money. Now that we are three weeks in, the bonanza of interesting themes, similarities and differences opens up a whole world of possible commentary. Check in for regular updates on our year with Rob Bell and Mars Hill, Bill Hybels and Willow Creek, Andy Stanley and North Point, Craig Groeschel and Lifechurch, Rick Warren and Saddleback, and Joel Osteen and Lakewood. Or, as we've come to affectionately don them: Brother Bell, Captain Bill, Zippy Stanley, Coach Craig, Rick 4-O, and Jubilant Joel.

What is the point?

Big Christianity is akin to big business. It’s the ubiquitous force that propels life whether or not we are agree with it, like it, or are even aware of it. For some it is a quiet coexistence, others despise the intrusion of Christianity on the affairs of public life and culture. The business of God seems to be reaching a new scale. There are Jesusfied versions of everything from Guitar Hero to the Twitter. Books, magazines, fundraising consultants, DVD’s and breath mints are just a few of the things you can buy in a Christian brand. The less-than-subtle construction of a separate world of commerce and culture and celebrity requires some scrutiny.

Here at Big Christianity, we attempt to pull together some of the noteworthy happenings from the land of the Christians and, when needed, provide a little cross-cultural translation. From the outset, BC recognizes (and is thankful) that there is no monolithic Christian culture. Like everything else in the 21st century, it is fractured and fractious, wrestling over the what some declare the dead metanarrative of modernity. Big business is imploding, once hallowed institutions are dying. Is Big Christianity in for the same fate? Will denominations fall like investment houses? Time will tell, but of this we are certain, it is worth paying attention to what is happening.