Inbal D.’s Post

The Center for Faith and Inquiry invites the Gordon community to The One and The Many: "On Black Fugitivity, Politics, and Christian Sociality." This event is open to the public on October 26, starting at 4 PM in the Ken Olson Science Center Chair's Room and Loggia. In this talk Steven Harris, Senior Director of Academic Programs at the Center on Faith and Justice at Georgetown University, will discuss the contradictions of American Christian history and the formation of what has been termed the black church. He will also explore the concept of fugitivity as a potential mode of evangelical existence. In this talk, Harris will walk through questions such as: What might it look like to disavow contemporary political binaries and constraints? How might we cultivate authentic community and Christian sociality? Does "the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3) have a sustainable future amidst such deep division and disagreement? Find out more here: https://lnkd.in/dm8bY9pf

“A Robin Hood Taking Over the Empire”: Donald Trump’s Revival - PDF: https://lnkd.in/gNntrEM7 Since the founding of the Northern colonies and the creation of the United States, conservative Christianity’s involvement in the political realm has followed cycles of activity and subsequent retreat into passivity. Donald Trump’s presidency, and the support he gathered from major religious right’s organizations as well as conservative Christian voters, represent the latest of such cycles of involvement and withdrawal. But if his defeat signaled the end of yet another participation cycle for the movement, Trump’s figure managed nonetheless to usher in the white Christian nationalist revival some his voters were longing for. White conservative Christians are a shrinking demographic group. What Trump represented is the new face of the relationship between religion and politics in the twenty-first century. In it, old and traditional elements still find their place, such as prophecies on the destiny of the nation, and the idea that it must purge itself of all evils to prevent God from punishing its inhabitants. The most important new element, which is not novel as much as it is now impossible to ignore, and which the religious right movement, as well as the rest of the nation, will have to face from now on, is the spread of a resentment-fuelled white Christian nationalism. This has now been established as the foundation upon which the next cycle of religious-political activity will resurge.

May is Jewish American Heritage Month when "we celebrate the immeasurable impact of Jewish values, contributions, and culture on our Nation’s character and recommit to realizing the promise of America for all Jewish Americans." Please join me in recognizing the contribution of Jewish Americans to the fabric of our nation and its culture and read a bit more in the White House's proclamation which tells of the contribution of the Jewish Community to the United States of America: "In 1654, a small band of 23 Jewish refugees fled persecution abroad and sailed into the port of modern-day New York City. They fought for religious freedom, helping define one of the bedrock principles upon which our Nation was built. Jewish American culture has been inextricably woven into the fabric of our country. Jewish American suffragists, activists, and leaders marched for civil rights, women’s rights, and voting rights. Jewish American scientists, doctors, and engineers have made scientific breakthroughs that define America as a land of possibilities. They have served our Nation in uniform, on the Nation’s highest courts, and at the highest levels of my Administration. As public servants, artists, entertainers, journalists, and poets, they have helped write the story of America, making it — as Emma Lazarus’ poem on the Statue of Liberty states — a home for the “huddled masses yearning to breathe free. https://lnkd.in/d_8Dn669 #Equity #Community #Inclusion #Diversity #Americans #JewishAmericanHeritageMonth #JewishAmericans #WhiteHouse

Celebrating Jewish Identity: Its Vital Role in Personal and Community Life Recognizing oneself as Jewish is more than a statement of religious affiliation; it's an embrace of an enduring heritage, a commitment to a set of shared values, and a deep connection to a community that has thrived against the odds. Why Identify as Jewish? Historical Continuity: Jewish identity is a bridge to a storied past, connecting individuals to their ancestors and the rich tapestry of Jewish history and traditions. Cultural Richness: Being Jewish is to be part of a culture renowned for its contributions to the arts, science, and thought; a culture that values education, dialogue, and ethical living. Spiritual Connection: Jewish identity offers a unique spiritual outlook that combines ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. Community Support: The Jewish community is known for its strong bonds and support systems, offering solidarity and a sense of belonging that can be powerful in today’s fragmented world. In conclusion, to identify as Jewish is to carry a legacy, to honor a living culture, and to stand with a community that has historically contributed much to the fabric of civilization. It’s a choice that empowers and obliges one to contribute positively to the future narrative of the Jewish people.

Absolutely! Let's dive into the work of **John Locke**: 1. **Second government agreement**: - In this important text, John Locke offers a powerful idea to preserve human rights and create a just and fair society. His ideas, written in the late 17th century, continue to shape our understanding of governance today. The text rejects the concept of divine right and advocates a government based on the sovereignty of the people. It was instrumental in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. 2. **Letter of Tolerance**: - Written in 1685 while Locke was in exile in the Netherlands, this essay had a major impact on the modern concept of separation of church and state. Locke advocated religious tolerance during a time of religious strife in Europe. He said that religious freedom should be respected, and the government should not infringe on it. Locke's ideas helped in the development of fundamental principles related to religious freedom¹². Both of these works are important for understanding the foundations of modern political thought and democratic principles. Source: Interview with Bing-Basekerufite didas 5/19/2024

The Pope is the leader of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome. He has a great influence and authority over millions of Catholics around the world, but he also faces many controversies and criticisms from within and outside the Church. Some of the main controversies surrounding the Pope are: - His silence or ambiguity on some moral and social issues, such as abortion, homosexuality, contraception, divorce, clerical abuse, and women's ordination. Some Catholics and other Christians accuse the Pope of being too liberal or too conservative, depending on their views. They also demand more clarity and guidance from him on these matters¹². - His involvement or lack thereof in some political and diplomatic conflicts, such as the Israel-Palestine dispute, the Iran nuclear deal, the Cuba-US relations, the China-Vatican relations, and the Rohingya crisis. Some governments and groups praise or criticize the Pope for his role in mediating or advocating for peace, human rights, and religious freedom¹²³. - His management or mismanagement of the Vatican's finances, administration, and reforms. Some cardinals and officials accuse the Pope of being too autocratic or too lenient, depending on their interests. They also expose or conceal scandals and corruption within the Vatican's bureaucracy¹⁴. - His interpretation or revision of some doctrines and traditions of the Church, such as the death penalty, communion for remarried divorcees, intercommunion with other Christians, and liturgical changes. Some theologians and scholars accuse the Pope of being too progressive or too rigid, depending on their perspectives. They also debate or dissent from his teachings and decisions¹². - His legacy or reputation in history, especially compared to his predecessors and successors. Some historians and journalists accuse the Pope of being too controversial or too irrelevant, depending on their agendas. They also highlight or downplay his achievements and failures¹²⁴. These are some of the controversies surrounding the Pope, but there may be others that I am not aware of. I hope this answer helps you understand him better. Source: Conversation with Bing, 10/24/2023 (1) Pope Francis' 5 Most-Controversial Comments | World News. https://lnkd.in/eWNNNFZC. (2) Eight of the worst popes in church history | CNN. https://lnkd.in/e2AjPKqP. (3) Pope Francis U.S. Visit: Five Political Controversies | Time. https://lnkd.in/e78Z4HiA. (4) What the Vatican’s Secret Archives Are About to Reveal. https://lnkd.in/e-MbqrQj.

Read an excerpt of PUBLIC CONFESSIONS: The Religious Conversions That Changed American Politics by Rebecca L. Davis, which is now available in paperback! https://bit.ly/47gspZA

It is my custom on this platform to wait until the exact anniversary of a historical figure's repose (re: death) or birthdate before making a post about them, but for Albrecht von Wallenstein (d. 25 February 1634) I wish to make an early launch. You might imagine that most Germans consider World War I or World War II to be their greatest national tragedy, and for some Germans it is. But for most of them, the greatest tragedy is the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), which both was and wasn't a religious war between Protestants and Catholics in Central Europe. (It frankly had as much to do with the dynastic rivalry between Catholic Habsburgs and Catholic Bourbons as it did with confessional disputes.) Wallenstein was an oddity in that story. He came from Bohemia (present-day Czech Republic), a region within the Holy Roman Empire that was pretty solidly Protestant. And yet, Wallenstein chose to fight in the War on the side of the Catholics. And he was very successful at it... until he realized that the War was ruining the entire Empire and he desired to make peace--for the good of his country. This the Catholic Habsburg emperor could not tolerate, and he arranged for Wallenstein's assassination. Wallenstein was martyred by his own side for pursuing religious peace. So if I had to rank my personal heroes, I think the list would come out as: (1) Claus von Stauffenberg [attempted Catholic assassin of Hitler], (2) all the members of the White Rose [a multiconfessional German Christian movement against Nazism], and (3) Albrecht von Wallenstein. Sure, in my ideal world everyone would see the value of Eastern Orthodoxy and convert to it. But I think Wallenstein was very smart to recognize that, where benign religious diversity already exists, it has to be respected. Germany did not really recover from the famine and pestilence and slaughter wrought by literally thirty years of religious war for almost TWO HUNDRED years. And as someone descended from ancestors who were subjects of the Holy Roman Empire, I find that to be Europe's greatest tragedy ever.

We are educating people just like you on their religious liberty rights, creating communities of like-minded people who want to stand up and make a difference, and changing the societal norm by covering cases that will have an impact among generations. This growing movement is called The Future of Faith and Freedom. F3 will help educate and equip Americans in their 20’s-40’s to know, assert, and live out their religious freedoms. Our goal is to get the word out that you are FREE to express faith without fear of consequences, that you can EXPAND faith in your community and that you can help SECURE the future of religious freedom in America for generations to come. Go to FirstLiberty.org/F3 to learn more and get involved.

New documents have shed light on the recondite origins and inner abstruse workings of the shadowy Society for American Civic Renewal (SACR), including methods for judging the beliefs of potential members on topics such as Christian nationalism, and indications that its founders sought inspiration in an apartheid-era South African white men-only group, the Afrikaner-Broederbond. These documsnts also show that Boise State University Professor and Claremont think tank scholar Scott Yenor tried to coordinate SACR’s activities with other initiatives, including an open letter on “Christian marriage”. One expert says that one of the new documents – some previously reported in Talking Points Memo – use biblical references that suggest a preparedness for violent struggle against the current “regime”. The SACR is a secretive far-right men-only organization with an emphasis on Christian nationalism and a desire to open branches across the US. #sacr #christiannationalism https://lnkd.in/ezXfFhPR