Sojourners in the News feed

Southern Baptist official faces uncertain future

Jack Palmer — Tue, 29 May 2012 14:07:25 +0000

May 28, 2012

Related Author:

Bob Smietana

Press Source:

USA Today

Source Link:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/religion/story/2012-05-28/richard-land-future/55242716/1

At Princeton, Land learned to get along with people who held different beliefs. That remains one of Land's strengths, said Jim Wallis, a progressive Christian preacher and author who founded Washington, D.C.-based Sojourners magazine. Wallis and Land disagree on politics but often speak together at conferences, such as the Q gathering of evangelicals in Washington, D.C., in April, where their talk was titled "What Can We Agree On?" After they speak, they often go out to dinner and talk late into the night. By contrast, Wallis' television appearances with other leaders of the Religious Right, such as the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, were basically shouting matches. "We were always pitted against each other, like gladiators in the arena," Wallis said. "Jerry Falwell would never talk to me off camera."

How can we create policies that bless people for generations?

Jack Palmer — Thu, 24 May 2012 14:43:28 +0000

May 24, 2012

Related Author:

Lisa Sharon Harper

Press Source:

bread.org

Source Link:

http://www.bread.org/what-we-do/resources/newsletter/may-june-2012/my-ancestors-stories.html

Politics is one of two things for the most of us. For some, it is a high-level battle of ideas fueled by ideology, philosophy, and sometimes theology. For others, politics is about public policies that shape the flow of life on the ground, and it is personal. For me it is the latter.

Walter Wink, Theologian and Author, Dies at 76

Jack Palmer — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:10:27 +0000

May 19, 2012

Related Author:

Douglas Martin

Press Source:

The New York Times

Source Link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/20/us/walter-wink-theologian-who-challenged-orthodoxy-dies-at-76.html

In 16 books and hundreds of scholarly articles, Dr. Wink became “one of the most important social and political theologians of the 20th century,” in the words of Sojourners, an ecumenical Christian magazine.In 16 books and hundreds of scholarly articles, Dr. Wink became “one of the most important social and political theologians of the 20th century,” in the words of Sojourners, an ecumenical Christian magazine.

Evangelical Leaders Split Over Violence Against Women Act

Jack Palmer — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:06:56 +0000

May 18, 2012

Related Author:

Tobin Grant

Press Source:

Christianity Today

Source Link:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/mayweb-only/evangelical-leaders-split-over-violence-against-women-act.html

Leaders from Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, World Relief, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, the National Latino Evangelical Coalition, Sojourners, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, the World Evangelical Alliance, the Christian Community Development Association, the NAE, and other prominent faith-based groups sent an open letter to Congress opposing the new provisions.

Virginia Theological Seminary awards diplomas, honorary degrees

Jack Palmer — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:08:20 +0000

May 18, 2012

Press Source:

Episcopal News Service

Virginia Theological Seminary celebrated its 189th Commencement today, awarding 53 students, representing more than 24 dioceses and five countries, with degrees of Master in Divinity, Master of Arts, Master of Arts in Christian Education, Doctor of Ministry, Post-Graduate Diplomas in Anglican Studies, and the Licentiate in Theology. The commencement address, given by the Rev. Jim Wallis, president and CEO of Sojourners, was streamed live to over five countries including Cambodia, Jamaica, and Greece.

Despite difference on gay marriage, spiritual adviser stands by Obama

Jack Palmer — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:05:02 +0000

May 17, 2012

Related Author:

Perry Bacon Jr.

Press Source:

The Giro

Since he has entered office, Obama has not formally joined a church or closely associated with one pastor. Instead, he has occasionally sought on advice on policy matters that also have a religious component from a group that includes Hunter and T.D. Jakes, an African-American pastor who runs a church called the Potter's House in Dallas. He has also held prayer phone calls with these leaders, who also include the Rev. Jim Wallis and the Rev. Kirbyjon Caldwell, according to the New York Times.

Thank you, Sisters

Jack Palmer — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:03:13 +0000

May 17, 2012

Related Author:

Thomas Bushlack

Press Source:

Catholic Moral Theology

Source Link:

http://catholicmoraltheology.com/thank-you-sisters/

Two recent articles regarding the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith’s Doctrinal Assessment of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious have struck me as expressing a particularly important sentiment of support in these times. The first is the recent piece by E.J. Dionne, writing for Commonweal online – Quit the Church? Thanks but no Thanks. The second is Jim Wallis’s piece for Sojourners in support of women religious in the U.S. – Having the Sisters’ Back. Please take a minute to read both of these.

In face of faith-based attacks, Obama campaign hires faith outreach director

Jack Palmer — Tue, 15 May 2012 20:51:54 +0000

May 15, 2012

Related Author:

Dan Gilgoff

Press Source:

CNN Belief Blog

Source Link:

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/05/15/in-face-of-faith-based-attacks-obama-campaign-hires-faith-outreach-director/

“They could have gone with someone who’s been in Washington for 30 years,” said Tim King, the communications director for Sojourners, a progressive evangelical group.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend: ‘The Spirit of America: Promise & Reality’

Jack Palmer — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:27:53 +0000

May 14, 2012

Related Author:

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend

Press Source:

Independent Voter Network

Source Link:

http://ivn.us/2012/05/14/kathleen-kennedy-townsend-the-spirit-of-america-promise-reality/

And, the left is also rediscovering faith – with new groups forming such as Catholic for the Common Good, and Faith and Politics, following the example set by Jim Wallis and Sojourners in Washington, DC.

Studying Public Religion

Jack Palmer — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:43:18 +0000

May 14, 2012

Press Source:

America (The National Catholic Weekly)

Source Link:

http://americamagazine.org/content/article.cfm?article_id=13411

Over two millennia Christians have taken a variety of postures toward the state: from sectarian disengagement to the social gospel and from the imperial papacy to state churches. The current wave of conservative American evangelical politics followed long periods of political disengagement, but evangelicals are not uniformly conservative. The evangelical community includes liberals like Jim Wallis and moderates like Richard Cizek and Ron Sider.

After Obama’s Decision on Marriage, a Call to Pastors

Jack Palmer — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:11:32 +0000

May 13, 2012

Related Author:

Peter Baker

Related Author:

Rachel L. Swarns

Press Source:

The New York Times

Source Link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/14/us/politics/on-marriage-obama-tried-to-limit-risk.html

The Rev. Jim Wallis, another religious adviser to Mr. Obama and the president and chief executive of Sojourners, a left-leaning evangelical organization, said that he had fielded calls since the announcement from pastors across the country, including African-American and Hispanic ministers. Religious leaders, he said, are deeply divided, with some seeing it as the government forcing clergy to accept a definition of marriage that they consider anathema to their teachings.

My Neighbor's Faith: A Test of Character

Jack Palmer — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:03:02 +0000

May 11, 2012

Related Author:

Jim Wallis

Press Source:

The Huffington Post

Source Link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/a-test-of-character_b_1501616.html

In the fall of 2010, we saw a disturbing rise in religious intolerance in the U.S. From the much-politicized opposition to a proposed Muslim community center near Ground Zero in New York City to a fundamentalist pastor's threat to burn Qurans, a wave of Islamophobia appeared to be sweeping the country.

Environmentalism as a religious cause

Jack Palmer — Thu, 10 May 2012 13:58:38 +0000

May 10, 2012

Press Source:

Minnesota Public Radio

Source Link:

http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2012/05/10/daily-circuit-environmentalism-religion/

Environmentalism is increasingly becoming a moral and religious cause. Many religions argue that humans must protect the earth because God gave it to us. How does this mindset fit into the larger debate about the environment and does it cross political divides? Lisa Sharon Harper, director of mobilizing at Sojourners, will also join the discussion.

Interview with Shane Claiborne on Jesus for President

Jack Palmer — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:27:00 +0000

May 9, 2012

Related Author:

David Crumm

Press Source:

Read the Spirit

Source Link:

http://www.readthespirit.com/explore/2012/5/9/interview-with-shane-claiborne-on-jesus-for-president.html

As my friend Jim Wallis says: The U.S. budget is a moral document. It shows our heart and our priorities as a people. Now, that’s close to the heartbeat of our Jesus for President campaign.

Creating A New Vision Of Islam In America

Jack Palmer — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:02:01 +0000

May 9, 2012

Press Source:

NPR

Source Link:

http://www.npr.org/2012/05/09/152192549/creating-a-new-vision-of-islam-in-america

"The heroes of that story were our Christian friends, our Christian evangelical friends. At that time, [the] Rev. Jim Wallis called me up ... and explained how [the evangelical community] did not want me to engage with this person. They said, 'This is not your problem. This is a problem within the Christian community. Let us deal with him.' And they were the ones, in fact, when he came up trying to meet me, [they] met him at the airport and forced him to back down."

Learning To Be a Leader From My Mom

Jack Palmer — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:39:11 +0000

May 8, 2012

Related Author:

David Grosso

Press Source:

The Huffington Post

Source Link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-grosso/learning-to-be-a-leader-from-my-mom_b_1497069.html

Through her encouragement and guidance, I volunteered at Sojourners Neighborhood Center, tutoring youth in an after-school program. I also accompanied refugees from El Salvador returning to their homeland from Honduras, traveling to El Salvador three times in one year.

Obama pastor Jeremiah Wright’s message for young Christians

Jack Palmer — Tue, 08 May 2012 13:45:20 +0000

May 7, 2012

Related Author:

Michelle Boorstein

Press Source:

The Washington Post

Source Link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/under-god/post/obama-pastor-jeremiah-wrights-message-for-young-christians/2012/05/07/gIQAHGRa8T_blog.html

While the former Obama pastor is the most controversial name, the conference includes some of the best-known names among progressive American pastors, including Sojourners founder Jim Wallis, writer Brian McLaren and dreadlocked Christian activist Shane Claiborne.

New form of Christian civic engagement

Jack Palmer — Mon, 07 May 2012 14:41:18 +0000

May 6, 2012

Related Author:

Jonathan Merritt

Press Source:

USA Today

Source Link:

http://www.usatoday.com/news/opinion/forum/story/2012-05-06/evangelical-christians-politics-religious-right-2012/54791418/1

So Christians increasingly long for a substantive change in tone. This desire has led to efforts such as conservative Christian and Romney adviser Mark DeMoss' Civility Project and liberal Christian Jim Wallis' Civility Covenant, which was signed by more than 100 Christian leaders and denominational heads. Today's Christians are not seeking ways to "divide and conquer" but to "partner and achieve." Unafraid to collaborate with those they may disagree with on other issues, young Christians and their leaders are showing up throughout the public square and working on common-ground agendas.

Why all the shouting?

Jack Palmer — Mon, 07 May 2012 16:13:12 +0000

May 6, 2012

Related Author:

Gregg Davison

Press Source:

Times-Republican

Source Link:

http://www.timesrepublican.com/page/content.detail/id/549246/Why-all-the-shouting-.html?nav=5004

We are headed into our next presidential election. I hope I am wrong but I am anticipating this to be a very ugly brawl. My guess is that both President Obama and Governor Romney are going to paint each other with a broad brush, that they will quote each other out of context, they won't lie but they will not tell the whole story, and they will give us the impression that if you really care about America your choice is clear. Well, things are rarely clear there are many ways to understand and address an issue. We face many challenging and complex issues and I want the candidates for president to reflect that challenge and complexity by seriously defining and articulating their views and not to shout at each other. I am tired of all the shouting in our society. There are very few moderate voices these days. I am to the point where it doesn't matter if I agree with your position or not, if you are going to "SHOUT AT ME OR OTHERS" or be "RIGHTEOUSLY RIGHT" I will be hesitant to get on board. Here are some values that I think we should lift up as followers of Christ. I have adapted these from the Sojourners Community Covenant.

Evangelical Christian leader Jim Wallis preaches principle over party

Jack Palmer — Tue, 01 May 2012 13:49:19 +0000

May 1, 2012

Related Author:

Joe Frolik

Press Source:

The Plain Dealer

Source Link:

http://www.cleveland.com/opinion/index.ssf/2012/05/evangelical_christian_leader_j.html

Just as this year's political wars started getting loud, Jim Wallis went silent. Wallis, one of the most prominent voices in the progressive wing of the evangelical movement, took a sabbatical in January from his duties at Sojourners, the Washington-based Christian ministry he helped start in 1971. Wallis says he needed time away from the capital's toxicity to work on a new book -- his 11th -- and, more important, to reset his body and mind. First stop: a monastery in northern California overlooking the Pacific.

Paul Simon: God's Chronicler

Jack Palmer — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:40:47 +0000

May 1, 2012

Related Author:

Jonathan D. Fitzgerald

Press Source:

Patheos

Source Link:

http://www.patheos.com/Progressive-Christian/Paul-Simmon-Gods-Chronicler-Jonathan-Fitzgerald-05-02-2012.html

The thing about Paul Simon's songwriting, a thing that he himself has expressed recently, is that you don't ever really know exactly what he's on about, but you know he's on to something. His latest album, "So Beautiful or So What" is all about God. I mean, it's right there in every song, and yet it took reading a write up by Cathleen Falsani of Sojourners in order for Simon to realize it. He was so amazed by her discovery that he called her. Paul Simon. Called her. To talk about his songs.

John Stott, C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien: Why American Evangelicals Love the British

Jack Palmer — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:25:27 +0000

May 1, 2012

Related Author:

Molly Worthen

Press Source:

Religion and Politics

Source Link:

http://religionandpolitics.org/2012/05/01/john-stott-c-s-lewis-j-r-r-tolkien-why-american-evangelicals-love-the-british/

“You cannot explain English-speaking evangelicalism in the 20th century without crucial reference to the massive influence of John Stott,” Albert Mohler, the conservative president of Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, told Christianity Today. “Both his keen intellect and his deeply authentic spirit made a powerful impact on me,” wrote Jim Wallis, a progressive activist and spiritual adviser to President Obama, who ranked Stott second only to Billy Graham in his influence over global Christianity. Rick Warren called him “one of my closest mentors.”

Going Native

Jack Palmer — Wed, 02 May 2012 15:56:23 +0000

April 30, 2012

Related Author:

James Taranto

Press Source:

The Wall Street Journal

Source Link:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304050304577376101472733714.html?mod=djemBestOfTheWeb_h

A reader calls our attention to a March 2004 interview that Cathleen Falsani of the Chicago Sun-Times conducted with Barack Obama, then an Illinois state senator and candidate for U.S. Senate. In 2008 Steve Waldman, then editor of BeliefNet.com, republished the interview, which he described as "the most detailed and fascinating explication of Barack Obama's faith." This part caught our interest: Falsani: Do you believe in sin? Obama: Yes. Falsani: What is sin? Obama: Being out of alignment with my values. This is a tad ambiguous. Is Obama declaring himself the ultimate moral arbiter, so that you are a sinner if you are out of alignment with his values? That would be an uncharitable construction. It seems more likely that he is declaring himself his own moral arbiter, so that he is a sinner if he is out of alignment with his own values. To our mind it is not a recognizably Christian conception of sin.

As politicians talk more about faith, voters seem to want less

Jack Palmer — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:58:31 +0000

April 27, 2012

Related Author:

Lisa Desjardins

Press Source:

CNN Belief Blog

Source Link:

http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2012/04/27/as-politicians-talk-more-about-faith-voters-seem-to-want-less/

Is Washington a holy city? It might seem that way, with all the talk about religion and morality in the 2012 election. But all that God talk may be rubbing voters the wrong way. "It's getting ugly out there," said Tim King, an evangelical Christian who works for the progressive religious group Sojourners. "There are a lot of Christians who are using their faith as a political weapon, which it's never meant to be." King, who calls himself "politically homeless," says that while both parties talk about faith and invoke Scripture, he and other young evangelicals he knows sense an undercurrent of political gamesmanship in all the religious talk.

Paul Ryan's Budget Inspired by Ayn Rand, Not Jesus Christ

Jack Palmer — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:10:49 +0000

April 27, 2012

Related Author:

Brad Bannon

Press Source:

US News

Source Link:

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/blogs/brad-bannon/2012/04/27/paul-ryans-budget-inspired-by-ayn-rand-not-jesus-christ

The New Testament chronicles Jesus Christ's concern for the poor. In his haste to devour "The Fountainhead," Ryan apparently didn't have time to read it. So here are some of the highlights for Congressman Ryan courtesy of Jim Wallis, the author of God's Politics. In the Magnificant, Mary discusses the meaning of the coming of Jesus when she says, "He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly: he has filled the hungry with good things; and sent the rich empty away." In his gospel, Matthew writes, "Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me." You get the idea. A little more Bible study and a lot more compassion for the poor would go a long way for Romney, Ryan and other Republicans.

Arizona Immigration Law Has Its Day in Court

Jack Palmer — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 17:33:27 +0000

April 26, 2012

Related Author:

Christine A. Scheller

Press Source:

Urban Faith

Source Link:

http://www.urbanfaith.com/2012/04/arizona-immigration-law-has-its-day-in-court.html/

“This legislation is not just ethically bankrupt but undermines basic Christian values and American ideals. The court will decide whether it is legal, but it is already clear it isn’t moral,” wrote Jim Wallis and the Rev. Max Rodus at The Huffington Post.

Polarizing Politics by Defending the Declaration

Jack Palmer — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 17:59:06 +0000

April 25, 2012

Related Author:

Andrew Walker

Press Source:

Christianity Today

Source Link:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/april/polarized-politics-review.html

And secular elites aren't the only ones writing social conservatism's obituary, or lamenting its influence. Liberal evangelicals like Jim Wallis insist that younger evangelicals have moved beyond abortion and gay marriage to matters of immigration and economic justice. Many main-stream Republicans complain that social conservatives hold the party hostage to a divisive agenda. Happy to court social conservative votes, they sweep social conservative causes under the political rug once victory has been attained.

Arizona's Immigration Legislation Undermines Christian Values

Jack Palmer — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:15:52 +0000

April 25, 2012

Related Author:

Jim Wallis

Related Author:

Max Rodas

Press Source:

The Huffington Post

Source Link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/arizonas-immigration-legi_b_1453141.html?ref=latino-voices&ir=Latino%20Voices

Today, the Supreme Court is hearing a case about the constitutionality of Arizona’s anti-immigrant legislation, SB 1070. It will be months before the case is decided but a broad spectrum of the Christian community already has their minds made up. This legislation is not just ethically bankrupt but undermines basic Christian values and American ideals. The court will decide whether it is legal, but it is already clear it isn’t moral. We are both evangelical Christians. One of us is white and one of us Hispanic. It is our common faith commitment, not the color of our skin, that unite us on the need for comprehensive immigration reform and in opposition to patchwork punitive legislation like we have seen in states like Arizona and Alabama.

Religious Left Holds Prayer Vigil at Supreme Court Over Immigration Law

Jack Palmer — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:19:10 +0000

April 25, 2012

Related Author:

Napp Nazworth

Press Source:

The Christian Post

Source Link:

http://www.christianpost.com/news/religious-left-holds-prayer-vigil-at-supreme-court-over-immigration-law-73891/

It will be a "sad day in the life of America" if the Supreme Court upholds Arizona's immigration law, Lisa Sharon Harper told The Christian Post in a Wednesday interview. In particular, Harper was concerned about "the most heinous pieces" of the law "that legalize racial profiling." Harper is the director of mobilizing for Sojourners, one of the groups that participated in the vigil.

Having the Sisters' Back

Jack Palmer — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:44:46 +0000

April 25, 2012

Related Author:

Jim Wallis

Press Source:

The Huffington Post

Source Link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-wallis/having-the-sisters-back_b_1451791.html?ref=yahoo&ir=Yahoo

After an official investigation, the Vatican seems pretty upset with the Catholic Sisters here in the United States. They have reprimanded the women for not sufficiently upholding the bishops' teachings and doctrines and paying much more attention to issues like poverty and health care than to abortion, homosexuality and male-only priesthood.

Jim Wallis speaks at Fairmount Church April 25

Jack Palmer — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:17:30 +0000

April 24, 2012

Related Author:

Joe Mosbrook

Press Source:

Heights Observer

Source Link:

http://www.heightsobserver.org/read/2012/04/23/jim-wallis-speaks-at-fairmount-church-april-25

Bestselling author, theologian and public ethics commentator Jim Wallis speaks Wednesday night, April 25, at 7:30 at Fairmount Presbyterian Church in Cleveland Heights.

In Advance of SCOTUS Hearing, National Religious Leaders Kick off 48 Hour Vigil to Stop Arizona’s Harsh Anti-Immigrant Laws

Jack Palmer — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:53:11 +0000

April 24, 2012

Press Source:

Interfaith Immigration Coalition

Source Link:

http://www.interfaithimmigration.org/index.php/2012/04/24/press-release-in-advance-of-scotus/

Lisa Sharon Harper, Director of Mobilizing for Sojourners, stated, “Senate Bill 1070 is nothing less than a social and racial sin. A social sin because the law serves only to divide communities in Arizona, preying on fear and distrust of individuals. Racial, because it encourages discrimination against people based on how they look or how they speak. And trust me, the ‘reasonable suspicion’ that a person might be undocumented rarely comes from their works or deeds; ‘reasonable suspicion’ is aroused because of the shallow, hurtful and frankly offensive expectation that someone who has skin of a certain color, or a certain accent, might not be American.”

Millennial Fellows Examine College Students’ Values

Jack Palmer — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:42:24 +0000

April 20, 2012

Related Author:

Emma Hinchliffe

Press Source:

The Hoya

Source Link:

http://www.thehoya.com/news/millennial-fellows-examine-college-students-values-1.2855090#.T5GZG6tDzTo

In addition to the formal discussions, fellows are invited to a panel featuring authors Joshua Foer and Sharifa Rhodes-Pitts and founder of the Christian social justice organization Sojourners Jim Wallis, as well as a dinner with University President John J. DeGioia and Special Olympics CEO Tim Shriver.

'The Big Lebowski' Religion Founder Talks 'The High Holiday' Of Dudeism

Jack Palmer — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 17:26:13 +0000

April 20, 2012

Related Author:

Ellen Killoran

Press Source:

International Business Times

Source Link:

http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/331301/20120420/big-lebowski-420-dude-dudeism-dudely-lama.htm

The statements on dudeism.com relate Dudeism to Eastern religions like Taoism. But at least one Lebowski scholar believes there is a stronger connection to Jewish mysticism. In her book "The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers," Cathleen Falsani argues that the Dude fits the criteria for a lamed-vovnik -- one of 36 righteous people on whom the fate of the world rests. According to the Talamud: "It is said that at all times there are 36 special people in the world, and that were it not for them, all of them, if even one of them was missing, the world would come to an end." A lamed-vovnik is usually humble, and doesn't know he's a savior. Does that sound like The Dude to you?

Sojourners Breaks Myth of Monolithic Christian Vote

Jack Palmer — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:40:26 +0000

April 19, 2012

Related Author:

Nick Sementelli

Press Source:

Faith in Public Life

Source Link:

http://www.faithinpubliclife.org/blog/sojourners-breaks-myth-of-monolithic-christian-vote/

Sojourners is launching its new “Voting for Us” campaign highlighting the way that Christians (particularly young Christians) are concerned about a broad array of issues that go beyond traditional stereotypes about “values voters.”

Can young evangelicals move beyond the Religious Right?

Jack Palmer — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:55:41 +0000

April 18, 2012

Related Author:

Tim King

Press Source:

The Washington Post

Source Link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/guest-voices/post/can-young-evangelicals-move-beyond-the-religious-right/2012/04/18/gIQAhoK4RT_blog.html

This is why Sojourners has kicked off our “Voting for Us” campaign with this video. We think there is an opportunity to build a “post-candidate” paradigm for engaging this election. It’s an approach that starts with people and issues instead of personalities or parties. We hope to engage young Christians in issue-based advocacy but at the same time re-brand for the rest of the country what it looks like to be a Christian engaged in politics. It doesn’t need to be replica of the old Religious Right with just a different list of policy concerns, and we don’t need to bow out of the electoral process all together. It’s not easy, but it’s worth doing because it matters to our service members overseas, to the clean air and drinking water of future generations, to those who are out of work, to the world’s poorest 1 billion people and to the young and to the old. It matters to all of us.

Budgets are moral documents

Jack Palmer — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:35:56 +0000

April 17, 2012

Related Author:

Robert Dodge

Press Source:

Taunton Daily Gazette

Source Link:

http://www.tauntongazette.com/opinions/x1549975847/GUEST-OPINION-Budgets-are-moral-documents

This week the nation funds our priorities as we pay our annual tax bill. “Our budget is a moral document and it is either going to reflect the best of who we are or the worst”. This was so eloquently stated by the Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners. Tax expenditures thus speak to who we are as a people. They define the sacrifices and choices we are willing to make as we look to the future for our nation and citizens young and old alike. Each expenditure is by necessity a critical affirmation of meeting the nation’s needs.

A New Generation of Matthew 25 Christians

Jack Palmer — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 13:52:25 +0000

April 16, 2012

Related Author:

Shanta Premawardhana

Press Source:

SCUPE

Source Link:

http://scupe.org/a-new-generation-of-matthew-25-christians/

“Gospel for the Common Good is almost a foreign idea,” said Jim Wallis of Sojourners, “that will be sacrificed on the altar of winning in this election cycle, by both sides.” The hope we have is in new generation of Matthew 25 Christians, who understand the gospel’s engagement with social justice.

American Exceptionalism

Jack Palmer — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:50:48 +0000

April 15, 2012

Related Author:

William Crawley

Press Source:

BBC

Source Link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ni/2012/04/american_exceptionalism.html

One of the chapters in Land's book The Divided States of America deals with America's special status in the world. America, he says, is not like any other country: it's less a piece of geography and more like a cause ("and that cause is freedom"). Land believes that "America's particular fortune has not been fortuitous; it is a sign of divine blessing". God, he says, has a particular and special interest in the American project: America is called to be a beacon of freedom in the world and God is personally looking out for it. Many in Europe will see that attitude (sometimes called "American Exceptionalism" or the doctrine of "manifest destiny") as part of the problem. Jim Wallis, founder of Sojourners, equates it with a "theology of empire". But Land dismisses those critiques: just look at the history of the United States, he says, and you'll find all the evidence you need that God is unusually interested in the progress of this place.

Land, Wallis agree: Election could get ugly

Jack Palmer — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:54:14 +0000

April 13, 2012

Related Author:

Tom Strode

Press Source:

Baptist Press

Source Link:

http://www.sbcbaptistpress.org/BPnews.asp?ID=37591

Richard Land and Jim Wallis don't see eye to eye on a variety of issues, but they do agree on the potential nature of this year's election campaign: It could get really ugly.

Cornhuskers vs. Keystone XL Pipeline: Next Steps?

Jack Palmer — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:55:22 +0000

April 13, 2012

Related Author:

Rose Marie Berger

Press Source:

The Huffington Post

Source Link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rose-marie-berger/nebraska-keystone-pipeline_b_1421065.html

Wednesday afternoon the Nebraska state legislature approved a bill (LB1161) that will allow Nebraska to proceed with a $2 million study to find a route for TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline through the state. Gov. Dave Heineman is expected to sign the measure into law. It's a case of Big Red going for the black by jeopardizing the green. But what does this mean?

Q'ing Evangelicals

Jack Palmer — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:49:05 +0000

April 12, 2012

Related Author:

Mark Tooley

Press Source:

The American Spectator

Source Link:

http://spectator.org/archives/2012/04/12/qing-evangelicals/print

Conservative philanthropist Roberta Ahmanson discussed art. Southern Baptist leader Richard Land conversed with Evangelical Left activist Jim Wallis. NPR's Barbara Bradley Hagerty peered into the future of religion and the media. American Enterprise Institute President Arthur Brooks defended capitalism, almost provoking an approving smile from the dour portrait of former Treasury Secretary and financier Andrew Mellon that graced the auditorium's entrance.

Jim Wallis & Richard Land To Take The Same Stage At ‘Q’ Evangelical Cultural Conference

Jack Palmer — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 19:22:45 +0000

April 10, 2012

Related Author:

Billy Hallowell

Press Source:

The Blaze

Source Link:

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/progressive-conservative-evangelicals-seek-common-ground-at-annual-q-conference-in-d-c/

Q, a non-profit organization based in New York City, describes itself as “a place leaders can explore what that might look like and how God’s intention is showing up in the lives of their peers and the cultural projects they create.” This, of course, means that a diverse set of Christian ideals are considered when it comes to tackling issues pertaining to sin in the world. So conservatives like Richard Land and liberals like Jim Wallis will be sharing the same stage, but will likely be illustrating very different ideals. Still, they will be seeking out areas of agreement. In fact, according to the Sojourners web site, Wallis and Land will be appearing on stage together for a special, moderated discussion: Jim Wallis, President and CEO of Sojourners, and Dr. Richard Land, President of The Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, will engage in a lively moderated conversation about the important issues that are at stake in the 2012 presidential election. While Wallis and Land often hold opposing political opinions, this dialogue will reveal some surprising common ground between these Christian thought leaders.

Q conference seeks to present different face of evangelical activism

Jack Palmer — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 19:13:04 +0000

April 9, 2012

Related Author:

Yonat Shimron

Press Source:

Religion News Service

Source Link:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/on-faith/q-conference-seeks-to-present-different-face-of-evangelical-activism/2012/04/09/gIQALFsQ6S_story.html

Part Clinton Global Initiative, part TED Talk, the conference is designed to highlight the best ideas rather than condemning the nation’s ills. Presenters are allocated three, nine, or 18 minutes to talk. Participants sit at round tables instead of rows, and time is built in for participants to reflect and talk about what they’ve heard. That kind of format allows Q to include both Richard Land from the religious right and Jim Wallis from the religious left; both will share the stage Tuesday to discuss areas of potential agreement.

Family Research Council and a Denial of Partisan Christianity

Jack Palmer — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 16:27:16 +0000

April 5, 2012

Related Author:

Jonathan Merritt

Press Source:

The Huffington Post

Source Link:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jonathan-merritt/family-research-council-a_2_b_1404627.html

A 2010 study conducted by the Paul B. Henry Institute showed that while 44 percent of evangelical pastors said they publicly supported a political candidate in the last election, 40 percent of mostly liberal mainline protestant pastors said the same. Progressive Christian author Donald Miller shamelessly campaigned for Barack Obama in 2008, and Jim Wallis gave the Democratic weekly radio address after the 2006 midterm elections. They certainly have the right to engage in such things as private citizens, but as Christian leaders, must also recognize the implications of their actions.   

Daily Links, April 3: Dinosaurs, deception, and disturbing details

Jack Palmer — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:24:04 +0000

April 3, 2012

Related Author:

Scott Alessi

Press Source:

U.S. Catholic

Source Link:

http://www.uscatholic.org/blog/2012/04/daily-links-april-3-dinosaurs-deception-and-disturbing-details

Now for some not-as-good news: Someone trying to discredit the Industrial Areas Foundation, a community organizing group, created a failed hoax to "expose" an IAF affiliate. Tim King of Sojourners says that this is an example of casting those who don't agree with us as "evil" rather than just respecting our differences.

Divining the Fate of the Affordable Care Act

Jack Palmer — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:06:58 +0000

April 2, 2012

Related Author:

Christine A. Scheller

Press Source:

Urban Faith

Source Link:

http://www.urbanfaith.com/2012/04/divining-the-affordable-care-act.html/

LaVonne Neff sounded a similar warning at Sojourners, but was almost as non-committal as everyone else on the fate of the affordable care act, except when telling four stories of people struggling to get or stayed insured. “Maybe the Affordable Care Act is constitutional and maybe it’s not. If it turns out to be constitutional, maybe it’s good legislation and maybe it’s not. In any case, it’s looking increasingly likely that the Supreme Court, come June, will strike down at least the requirement that everyone buy health insurance. And if the mandate goes, two other requirements will most likely go with it: Once again insurers will be able to reject or refuse to renew applicants. And once again Americans with pre-existing conditions will be uninsurable,” said Neff before telling those stories, all of which sound a lot like my own.

Gratitude and reverence

Jack Palmer — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:08:54 +0000

April 2, 2012

Related Author:

Mardi Tindal

Press Source:

The United Church Observer

Source Link:

http://www.ucobserver.org/features/2012/04/gratitude_reverence/

As we began that autumn, I was struggling to discern a heavy vocational question and trying to be a good parent to sons in their late teens. Abundant love was threatened by cramping anxiety in both circumstances. I was ripe for a fresh approach, one that would help me enter into the intentions of Jesus, intentions of love that were in me but had become obscured by daily worries. In a 1991 article in Sojourners magazine, Monika K. Hellwig observed, “Much of the reflection in the [Ignatian] Exercises is geared to an effort to share the vision of Jesus and understand what he was and is trying to do in the world and its history.” And, I would add, what he’s trying to do in us and in the church.

The Faces of Christian Politics

Jack Palmer — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 19:40:17 +0000

April 2, 2012

Press Source:

Newsweek

Source Link:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/galleries/2010/12/09/religious-leaders.html#slide9

If such a thing as the evangelical left exists, Jim Wallis is flying its flag. The evangelical minister, who heads the Christian social justice group Sojourners, argues in his magazine, books, and speeches for liberal policies on matters like social justice, the war in Afghanistan, nuclear-arms reduction, and most recently the decision to block the Keystone pipeline. That’s made him popular with some religious Democrats. But scholars of the evangelical and conservative Christian movements question the depth of Wallis’s support, claiming that his true success lies in publicity-seeking, not proselytizing, and that he’s essentially a media creation. (The same goes for other liberal and moderate evangelicals like Brian McLaren, a pastor who supports tolerance–if not outright acceptance–of gays, and Richard Cizik, a moderate and former lobbyist for the National Association of Evangelicals who was drummed out of his job after backing gay marriage.) The reality is somewhere in between, argues John Green, a political scientist at the University of Akron. “From my perspective, ‘liberal’ evangelicals really do exist, especially among young and well-educated evangelicals,” he says. “However, they make up only a small portion of the evangelical community as a whole.”

White churches on sidelines of Trayvon Martin outrage

Jack Palmer — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 19:39:36 +0000

March 28, 2012

Related Author:

Jeff Brumley

Press Source:

Associated Baptist Press

Source Link:

http://www.abpnews.com/content/view/7264/53/

Other white Christians have spoken out. The National Council of Churches and Sojourners, both groups with a large white membership, are among the groups that have expressed concern about the circumstances of Martin’s killing.