• ARTICLES
  • Q TALKS
  • DISCOVER Q
  • EVENTS
    • Q Washington, DC 2012
    • Past Events
  • RESOURCES
    • Books
    • Studies
    • Bible
    • Church Leaders
    • Speaking
  • PARTICIPATE
    • Collaborate Online
    • Praxis Accelerator
    • Host Conversations
  
Church Business Education Social Sector Arts + Entertainment Science + Tech Government Media Cities Gospel Restorers

Q believes that exposure to old and new ideas is the best way to stimulate imagination for ways the Gospel can be expressed within our cultural context.

477 Results Listed
Science + Tech

Where Angels Cannot Tread: Science in a Fallen World

by Jason E. Summers

Christians should  listen to what wise men say and proceed thoughtfully and with prudence where angels cannot tread. In our efforts to study and learn from the creation and in our critiques of others' efforts to do the same, we should seek to reflect and embody a right understanding of the theology of science, the nature of  scientific practice in a pluralistic society, and the role and authority of institutions of science within that society...

Read Article

Social Sector

On Motherhood

by Q Ideas

In celebration of Mother's Day, here is a roundup of the discussions on motherhood.

Read Article

Social Sector

Out of the Mouth of Babes

by Rebekah Lyons

Somewhere in the clouds over Colorado, the natives were getting restless. The 5-hour flight from New York City to Park City, Utah required musical chairs. It was Pierce’s turn to sit with me, so we decided it was time for “The Life of the Lyons’ Kids” slide show on my laptop. Hundreds of images began to roll across the screen in poetic fashion. In and out, one after another...

Read Article

Social Sector

On Marriage

by Q Ideas

Same-sex marriage is once again filling headlines across the nation. President Obama announced his personal support for same-sex marriage the day after North Carolina voters amended their constitution to limit marriage to one man and one woman. We want to help inform your discussions by giving you access to several of the conversations we've been having around this issue and other issues of marriage and sexuality.

Read Article

Cities

The Church and The City

by Q Panel

There’s a lot of talk about the Church’s role in advancing the common good, but it often remains theoretical. In Portland, this isn’t just an idea; it’s a case study. Kevin Palau sits down with Portland Mayor Sam Adams, Commissioner Diane McKeel, and Imago Dei Community Pastor Ken Weigal to discuss their partnership. Witness the impact of a church committed to the common good of its city.

View Video

Church

Overcoming the Merely Therapeutic

by Rev. Gregory Jensen

In Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers (2005), researchers Christian Smith and Melinda Lundquist Denton argue that for many young adults in America, the spiritual life is understood in moralistic terms. But where orthodox (and Orthodox) Christianity focus on the necessity of "repentance from sin, of keeping the Sabbath, of living as a servant of a sovereign divine, of steadfastly saying one's prayers …" -- many teenagers don’t see it that way...

Read Article

Church

Napa Valley on Leadership

by Margaret Feinberg

Wine. It's a theme woven throughout Scripture. Indeed, vines and vineyards provide a backdrop to some of the Bible's most memorable stories. So, what happens when a curious author actually visits world famous vineyards and talks with expert vintners? A new vision for leadership emerges.

Read Essay

Church

Art in Theology

by Dan Siedell

“There exists the icon of the Trinity by St. Andrei Rublev; therefore God exists.” This statement by Fr. Pavel Florensky is not the apologetic strategy that Christians in the West are used to. To say that our tastes run toward the intellectual is an understatement. Florensky's argument sounds woolly, mystical, or patently irrational. This is so, not simply because we have inherited a very different tradition of apologetics, but because we also have inherited a very different tradition of art.

Read Article

Gospel

Cultural Commission

by Charles Colson

In our continued tribute to Chuck Colson and his influence on Q, we are sharing his Q Talk for the first time since Q New York. In this exclusive 18-minute presentation, he argues that everybody has a worldview. Everyone has a grand story that forms what one believes about oneself, life, the world, and reality. He then challenges us to embrace a worldview that addresses not only individuals, but also God’s redemption of entire systems and cultures.

View Video

Restorers

Chuck Colson's Legacy In His Own Words

by Charles Colson and Gabe Lyons

With sadness, we reflect on the loss and legacy of Chuck Colson by offering a telling interview I conducted with him in 2007. You will hear a few of his prolific thoughts that influenced me and shaped Q from the very beginning. Near the conclusion of the interview, Chuck describes, in his own words, the legacy he hopes to leave behind. Listen now.

Read Article

Church

How to Save the Bible

by Glenn Paauw

The Bible is a rich collection of songs and letters, stories and prophecies—all forged in the crucible where people’s lives meet God’s Spirit. At its core, Scripture is a great drama, highlighting God’s battle to win back his rebellious children, overcome evil, and restore life and wholeness to our world. The invitation to us is to find our place in its ongoing narrative. So why do most of us treat the Bible not as a world-transforming drama, but as a holy reference book?

Read Article

Restorers

Conversations on the Common Good | Q Washington DC Round-up

by Q Ideas

Where do you hear discussions on Humility, Power, and crack-houses-turned-coffee-shop-churches in gilded halls of grandeur? At the 5th anniversary of the Q gathering at Q Washington, D.C.. Watch the free live stream here. Day Two was full of provocative presentations on racial justice in our legal system, trauma as a place of service, the role of tradition in the the church, and others.

Read Article

Restorers

Free Live Stream to Celebrate 5 Years of Q

by Q Ideas

To commemorate Q’s Five Year Anniversary, we are providing a free LIVE stream of Q’s opening day. Join us April 10th from 9am – 10:30am EST, and again that evening from 7pm – 8:45pm. Invite your friends and click here to RSVP to join us virtually at the Mellon Auditorium on the Washington D.C. mall.

Read Article

Gospel

The Cross in Culture

by Jon Tyson

The cross is one of our most robust, timeless, cultural symbols. No matter how dark our culture may grow, it just won’t go away. Artists mock the cross, Christians boast in it, others ignore it. But after 2000 years, it continues to define our faith. Is it a sign of offense, grace, or a window into a whole new order of things? Jon Tyson, author of Rumors of God and Pastor of Trinity Grace Church NYC, helps us see the counter-cultural message of the cross in a new way.

View Video

Social Sector

Poetry and the Common Good

by Zach Terrell

American poet Aaron Belz once wrote: “In our country, it has become a rare notion that poetry might change a civilization’s direction, but the authorities in China and Saudi Arabia are right to assume that every 72-word or 140-character text stands a chance to affect political realities.” If oppressive governments silence their poets, what are we missing by not listening to ours?

Read Article

Education

Vocation is Integral

by Steven Garber

Many people today see their job as nothing more than a paycheck. But is one’s calling more than that? Steven Garber says yes. He says there is an intimate connection between one’s faith, vocation, and culture. “Vocation is integral,” he says, “not incidental to the missio Dei.” Steven explains how most of what God is doing in the world happens in and through the vocations of his people.

View Video

Science + Tech

Are We Poisoning our Children?

by Mitch Hescox

Approximately 1 in every 6  babies in the U.S. are born with harmful mercury levels in their blood. Many Christians are unaware of this important threat to the unborn child that must be addressed: mercury pollution and poisoning. Just as we successfully dealt with lead and other toxins in gasoline as a society, so must we now deal with mercury. Gabe Lyons sits down with Mitch Hescox, President/CEO of The Evangelical Environmental Network, to discuss this life-threatening yet unknown poison.

View Video

Church

Live the Gospel, Restore the World

by Q Ideas

If you’ve ever wondered why Q is what it is, this might help. We believe that God wants shalom to permeate our world and that He chooses to show up through people. Imagine that: God being stuck with us to show the world His vision for how things should be. But some Christians are confused; unsure of their role in our world, unclear about how the Gospel relates to the “real” world. We see it differently.

Read Article

Government

The Sanctity of Human Life

by David P. Gushee

Most Christians at least give lip service to the idea that human life is sacred. Indeed, after a generation of fighting over issues such as abortion, stem cells, and euthanasia, the sanctity of life has become a slogan wielded by many Christians as justification for their positions. Yet, the concept is much more complex in its origins and its implications than is commonly understood. And it won’t be sufficient for Christians to continue mouthing a slogan without thinking through what it means and how it really affects our worldview...

Read Essay

Government

Contraception and the Devolution of Human Rights

by Joseph Loconte

Thomas Paine once observed that a political crisis could be a clarifying moment that “sifts out the hidden thoughts of man.” The argument over the availability of contraception and the religious sensibilities of the Catholic Church falls into the crisis category. Over the last several weeks, the “hidden thoughts of man” have been sifted and reveal an intellectual corruption of “human rights” so deep that it threatens the entire social fabric. If that sounds like fiery, fund-raising flapdoodle, keep reading.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Fashion and Its Statements

by Cherie Harder

After a generation’s worth of conversation about cultural engagement, little is being said about fashion and its role in the pursuit of the common good. This silence is a mistake. Fashion trends shape and define what society in general, and youth culture in particular, regard as attractive, socially acceptable, and worthy of emulation.  If the fashion industry is a potent cultural force, and fashion trends speak to our national character, how should those seeking to more thoughtfully engage our culture respond?

Read Article

Social Sector

Sex Trafficking is Closer Than You Think

by Caitie Hlushak and Ted Sangalis

A common misbelief about sex trafficking is that the United States is only a destination country, that all of the victims of sex slavery within the U.S. have been carried across international borders. The truth is that literally untold numbers of U.S. citizens are trafficked within our own borders and in our neighborhoods every year.

Read Article

Church

The Restorer-Minded Church

by Rick McKinley

What would it look like for a church to not only release its people into the world to fulfill their mission but to come beside them to enable their dreams? In Portland, one of the most progressive and unchurched cities in America, Imago Dei has learned how to empower their people to do more than show up on Sunday mornings. They train them to become restorers. Learn from Pastor Rick McKinley the principles that have made his community a beacon of light in the midst of a fog of disbelief.

View Video

Social Sector

Why are the Women Fading?

by Rebekah Lyons

It's 3:45 a.m. and you have been lying awake for almost an hour, plagued by self-doubt and anxiety. It begins with your son’s dropping grades at school, and how he is losing his confidence. This rabbit trails to your daughter’s heart, and the defiance that leaves you exhausted. You blame yourself and how you are failing to reach her. The clock keeps ticking and you move on to other stressors: you don't call your parents enough, your siblings are far away, you have an inbox that never empties...

Read Article

Restorers

Unleashing Restorers in Your Church

by Gabe Lyons

The new edition of The Next Christians: Seven Ways You Can Live the Gospel and Restore the World released today in paperback with a new chapter, subtitle and cover design. Watch Gabe and several church leaders share how churches can unleash restorers through out their entire community.

Read Article

Gospel

Reading and Being Led

by Adele Konyndyk

Adele Konyndyk has often heard the famous C.S. Lewis line: “We read to know we are not alone.” Here, she offers three authors that were instrumental in guiding her and helping her gain perspective during a rough time of transition: Jean Vanier, Ronald Rolheiser, and Henri Nouwen.

Read Article

Church

Are Christians Too Sheltered?

by Margaret Feinberg and Q Ideas

Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world; but according to what David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons found in researching their book UnChristian, something has gone terribly wrong. Here, Gabe Lyons interviews author Margaret Feinberg on the perception that American Christians are too sheltered.

Read Article

Media

Truth Can’t be Oppressed

by Euna Lee

How far would you go to tell the world the truth? That was the question Euna Lee had to ask herself when she and a fellow journalist, Laura Ling, were detained in North Korea after they crossed the border without a visa while researching a controversial story. They remained in captivity until August of 2009 when they received a pardon from the North Korean government. Hear the story of her incredible journey as she reflects on what it means to be a truth-teller in a broken world.

View Video

Science + Tech

The Subjects of Our Study and Our Witness

A Sermon by John Stott

by John Stott

I think it was Sir Francis Bacon, the seventeenth-century essayist, who was the first to say that “God has, in fact, written two books, not just one. Of course, we are all familiar with the first book he wrote, namely Scripture. But he has written a second book called creation.” That is to say, God has revealed himself both in the created order and in Christ and the biblical witness to Christ...

Read Article

Church

Watch Eugene Peterson Q | Session Practices Videos Now

Practicing Sabbath and Immersed in Scripture

by Q Ideas

Click HERE to watch both of the free, one-hour live streams of Eugene Peterson and Gabe Lyons on Practicing Sabbath and Immersed in Scripture.

Read Article

Church

Q Session Videos of Eugene Peterson Are Now Available

Q Sessions | Practices

by Q Ideas

Click HERE to watch both of the free, one-hour live streams of Eugene Peterson and Gabe Lyons on Practicing Sabbath and Immersed in Scripture .More than a hundred of us woke up before our normal alarms and skipped our normal routes to work. We came early and stayed for two days to hear the wisdom of his 80 gathered years, most of which were spent pursuing A Long Obedience In The Same Direction...

Read Article

Education

Ancient Future Education

by Davies Owens

Most people don’t know that current educational practice is less than a century old. Paradoxically, the harder we try to produce great thinkers similar to those of the past, the further we move from the style of education that produced them. Some now advocate a return to “classical education,” a system which teaches kids to use reason, logic, and rhetoric rather than modern techniques relying on technology and random sequences. Davies Owens of Heritage Preparatory Academy explains why newer isn’t always better.

View Video

Social Sector

Is It Stealing To Occupy Vacant Homes?

by Stephen Hale

Sabrina Morey hasn’t been able to find steady work for 12 years, and what work she has found has been in the fast-food industry. She told Chicago's NPR outlet she often has to choose between paying rent and buying food for her four children. Recently, with the help of Communities United Against Foreclosure and Eviction, she moved her family into a vacant home that had been foreclosed upon. Some might consider this action theft, even as it's now part of a growing Occupy Our Homes movement...

Read Article

Church

Diversity in the Church

by Dave Gibbons

Dave Gibbons is the founding pastor of New Song Church, a mutli site, international church with campuses in inner city L.A., North Orange County, Irvine, Bangkok, among others. In an interview with Gabe Lyons, Dave shares his incredible perspective on real cultural, ethnic, and economic diversity in the church and what we miss in homogeneity.

Read Article

Church

Discipling Urban Youth

by Tyler Staton

While smugly sitting through Bible college, I couldn’t have envisioned my first ministry job in New York City going the way it has. I was confident that my experience in youth group had been far too based on hype and "cool" events; now that I was a youth pastor I was going to somehow figure out high school ministry the “right way.”I was quickly humbled.

Read Article

Science + Tech

The Future of Health Care

by Dr. Isaac Jones

Deadly, preventable diseases and disorders are at an all time high. As we debate who is responsible for providing and purchasing healthcare, Dr. Isaac Jones argues that we need a new understanding of what caring for our health entails.The future of healthcare, he says, is not in treating symptoms but in treating systems.

Read Article

Church

Take It and Tweet It

by Matthew Nickoloff

It wasn’t quite St. Augustine’s famous “take it and read it” conversion moment in his "Confessions." But hearing Rev. Keith Anderson discuss social media and pastoral practice was a kind of repentance for me. Because now, I’m officially a believer in the gospel of “digital ministry.” I’ve long been a skeptic of the salvation promised by the story social media tells. Looking around...

Read Article

Science + Tech

Stewardship or Blight on God's Creation?

by Adele Konyndyk

Before my family and I pulled into our cottage in the Huron country town of Goderich, Ontario, we passed a large field of wind-powered electrical generators – a wind farm. I didn’t know the exact function of these massive, almost alien-like machines then, but I knew the words forming in my mind to describe their appearance: obtrusive, unnatural, abnormal ... ugly.

Read Article

Church

Christianity Is Not a Boys' Club (or is it?)

by Karen Yates

Recently, I was chatting with a girlfriend when she mentioned John Piper’s statement that “Christianity has a masculine feel.” We talked at length about the ramifications such a statement can have on a woman’s perception of the Church and those of us that call ourselves Christ-followers. Is Christianity a boys' club? And if I ask that question, does it make me a feminist?

Read Article

Cities

Finding Redemption at Penn State

by Dan Nold

The news trucks have not left our streets since November, since the Penn State child sex abuse scandal broke open and revealed the junk in Happy Valley. For those outside of State College, PA, it’s been a sensational news story. For those in our community, it’s been a gut-wrenching season. The question now before me, a pastor, is the question of redemption. How do we partner with God to live as agents of redemption in our very broken city?

Read Article

Social Sector

To Cade and the Eight Percent

by Gabe Lyons

My son Cade is a survivor. Eleven years ago this week, Rebekah and I celebrated the birth of our first-born. Despite his Down syndrome diagnosis, we were overjoyed to welcome this new life into our family.But not everyone welcomes children like Cade. It’s no secret. People with Down syndrome have been targeted for extinction...

Read Article

Social Sector

Curbing Environmental Corruption

by Gary Bergel

Romans 8:22 says, "For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now." In light of this revelation, what does stewardship look like for followers of Jesus in the midst of global climate shifts and natural disasters?

Read Article

Church

Humility: The Starting Point

by John Koon

Sitting in a meeting in our hotel’s conference room outside of Kathmandu, Nepal, I found myself distracted and disengaged. A wave of anxiety, the afterbirth of the release of that odious phrase “dominant culture,” had crept up and smothered me. These two words, uttered just moments before, were reverberating like an obstinate pinball through the alleyways of my mind. And though the air continued to buzz with discussion and thought on the role of North Americans in the mission of Word Made Flesh, I remained silent, held prisoner by my worry...

Read Article

Gospel

The Appetite of North America

by Kyle Luck

The Bible depicts the early church as a flourishing community: a body of individuals devoted to Christ and committed to each other. Believers were of one heart and one mind, sharing everything that they had–even going as far as selling their land and houses in order to redistribute wealth to those who were in need. Imagine that. Imagine your world today: your house, your car, your laptop, and your cell phone shipped to a stranger, becoming homeless so someone else can be housed...

Read Article

Government

He Said, She Said on Health Care

by D. C. Innes and Lisa Sharon Harper

Engaging ideas that you don't agree with is a crucial aspect of intellectual maturity and demonstrates the posture of being provoked and not offended. In Left, Right & Christ, Lisa Sharon Harper and D.C. Innes explore how the Christian faith speaks directly to American politics but often leads to different applications. In this chapter excerpt, Ms. Harper (from the Left) and Dr. Innes (from the Right) explore the topic of Health Care in the United States. Please make sure you read both of their excerpts before adding your voice to the conversation.

Read Article

Church

Local Church Transforms City

Andy Crouch interviews Chris Seay

by Chris Seay

Chris Seay is among the most creative and surprising pastors in America. His church, Ecclesia, is in Houston's Montrose District, but it is really much more than a church. It's a multifaceted and creative community that is part of the fabric of their neighborhood. Here, Andy Crouch interviews Chris about what happens when a Church is more than a Sunday commitment.

Read Article

Gospel

A Serious Theology of Play

by David Naugle

Social critic H. L. Mencken once quipped that “puritans,” referring to serious-minded Christians, are “people who have a deep, foreboding fear that somebody, somewhere, might be having a good time.” Philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche once observed that Christians “have no joy.” He also said, should he ever come to believe in God, he would only believe in a “God who danced” (40). Sadly, he was never able to locate such a God...

Read Article

Government

NYC Churches forced to Vacate Neighborhoods

by Stanley Carlson-Thies

It’s a sad irony, really. December 8th was the thirtieth anniversary of the US Supreme Court decision, Widmar v. Vincent. In Widmar, the Court firmly set out the constitutional principle that government may not exclude religious groups from public spaces and other benefits on account of their religious speech or activities. And yet, only a few days before, on Monday, December 5th, the very same Court declined to review the Bronx Household of Faith case...

Read Article

Science + Tech

Q Review | Science and Origins

The Soul of Science: Christian Faith and Natural Philosophy and The Language of Science and Faith: Straight Answers to Genuine Questions

by Byron Borger

For anyone following the conversations about faith and science, it is obvious that one of the major trends—and a matter of great contentiousness—is how some scientists are doing deep research to dismantle the Darwinian notion that changes evolving in God’s creation happen randomly, by utter chance. Networks of scientists and philosophers of science, such as those loosely affiliated with what has come to be called the Intelligent Design movement, are increasingly respected, known for rigorous research...

Read Article

Social Sector

Preemptive Love

Remaking the World through Heart Surgery

by Jeremy Courtney

What does it take to save the lives of 30,000 children waiting in line for lifesaving heart surgery? Or to pursue peace between at-odds groups in a country at war? Jeremy Courtney draws from his last five years as a Christ-follower in Iraq’s most dangerous cities to establish “preemptive love” as the way to unmake violence, establish an enduring peace, and remake the world around us to the good of humanity and the glory of God.

Read Article

Science + Tech

What Technology Wants

by Kevin Kelly

We live in an age of innovation, and a debate is raging about whether technology is improving our lives or making them worse. But Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine, says we’re not asking the right questions. He believes we need to find out what technology is really after. Can technology be a force for the greater good, and if so, how do we thoughtfully engage new inventions? Kevin will attempt to construct a radically fresh answer to one of culture’s nagging questions.

View Video

Arts + Entertainment

Do Our Favorite Movies Tell the Truth?

by Greg Veltman

Films serve a number of purposes in our society. Mostly, they tell stories, entertain audiences, and help us imagine the world in new and creative ways. The creators and distributors of films also contribute to our economy. But an often-overlooked purpose of film is that it should serve the common good. As a form of mass communication...

Read Article

Gospel

Spiritual Conversations: Understanding the Cultural Language

by Ron Martoia

Finding spiritual conversations in American culture is not hard, but conversations about the Christian God can be a different story. Consider the Gospel as a 4-part story and be introduced to a new language that can bring Christianity back into the spiritual conversations of our day.

Read Essay

Business

How to Cope with a Toxic Boss

by Glenn Young

I’ve counted 24 bosses over the course of my career. The longest I ever worked for one boss was four years. The shortest was for a few months. I’ve had good bosses and bad. I’ve had capable, competent bosses, and bosses who weren’t. I’ve had bosses I liked, and ones I didn’t. I’ve had bosses who were scrupulously fair, and ones who played favorites. Of all the varieties of bosses and boss experiences, there were two – fortunately, only two – that I would call toxic...

Read Article

Social Sector

How Can You Forgive a Killer?

Forgiveness and Reconciliation in Rwanda

by Laura Waters Hinson

If it's hard to forgive the guy who cuts you off in rush hour traffic, how much more difficult is it to forgive those who kill your loved ones? What can we learn from the forgiveness that is happening in Rwanda? How can the church get involved in advancing reconciliation? Filmmaker, Laura Waters Hinson talks with Gabe Lyons about her film, As We Forgive, developing the craft of storytelling, and the latest projects she’s been working on.

Read Article

Business

Rediscovering Whimsy

by Bob Goff

With so many global problems at which to aim our collective passions and resources, the work of restoration can become nothing more than a job. As time goes on, even good work can steal our imaginations. How can we rediscover a compulsion for finding creative, audacious ways to discover our dreams? Bob Goff, Founder of Restore International, will help us recover our sense of imagination and know how to unleash it in those around us.

View Video

Church

What Do We Mean by "Prophetic"?

by Chris Heuertz and Sarah Kim

Go to most Western Christian bookstores, and you will encounter countless titles claiming to have a prophetic message or a handle on explaining prophecy. Competing extremes claim that the prophetic is qualified by the supernatural and miraculous, or that the prophetic is very grave and ominous with a harsh message and merciless tone.There is a crisis in our contemporary understanding of the prophetic...

Read Article

Media

What Should You Read in 2012?

by Alissa Wilkinson

For years, I’ve spent some time at the beginning of the new year thinking about the books I’d like to read in the months ahead. Book lists help me order my reading. They let me dream about what I’ll do in the next year. And even when I end up copy-and-pasting half of last year’s list into this year’s, they help me remember who I want to be in the next twelve months...

Read Article

Gospel

Top 11 Q Ideas of 2011

by Q Ideas

At Q, we believe that followers of Jesus have the responsibility to create culture and contribute to the common good of our society. In a mix of videos and essays, here is a brief look at the top culture-shaping ideas that Q has helped to cultivate and spread over the course of 2011.

Read Article

Gospel

Announcing Q Sessions | Practices with Eugene Peterson

in New York City

by Q Ideas

It’s no secret that our lives are too busy. If we don’t become more efficient, produce more, get ahead and stay ahead then it seems our culture will leave us behind. But as our outer lives continue to expand and upgrade, our inner lives are lost and neglected. On February 28-29th, 2012, Q hosts its next limited event in New York City, Q SESSIONS | PRACTICES, featuring Eugene Peterson.

Read Article

Restorers

Top Ten Culture Shaping Moments of 2011

by Q Ideas

Is culture really getting any better? Where’s the proof that all the dialogue and collaboration Q is committed to is having any impact? We’ve heard it all and we get it. Many think the work of “cultural renewal” is elusive, and understandably so. It’s not easy to show concretely how culture is changing over time. But in the following Top 10 List, we attempt to put on display that in mainstream culture, a movement is afoot.

Read Article

Church

The Reality of Christ's Birthplace, Then and Now

by Andrew Haas

Sleepy. Bethlehem was and is a drowsy town to this day, but not by choice. Jesus’ birthplace has been forced into a “deep and dreamless sleep,” the kind that descends upon a man or woman with a dwindling future, little livelihood and vacant hope. That’s not to say there is not an abundance of life. The streets of Bethlehem are an LED-lit extravaganza during this advent season. Muslims and Christians alike...

Read Article

Gospel

The Return to Sexual Holiness

An Excerpt from The End of Sexual Identity

by Jenell Williams Paris

Sexual identity has become an idol in both the culture at large and in the Christian subculture. And yet concepts like "gay" or "straight" are relatively recent developments in human history. We let ourselves be defined by socially constructed notions of sexual identity and sexual orientation--even though these may not be the only or best ways to think about sexuality. Anthropologist Jenell Williams Paris offers a Christian framework for sexual holiness that accounts for complex postmodern realities.

Read Essay

Government

John Witherspoon, The American Founding and the First American Family Bible

by Jimmy Lin

To promote true religion is the best and most effectual way of making a virtuous and regular people. Love to God and love to man is the substance of religion. Founding Father John Witherspoon was a man who lived out his beliefs and who prayerfully made the most of every opportunity.

Read Article

Church

Nuclear Duck and Cover

Being Prepared for the Worst

by Tyler Wigg-Stevenson

Earlier this year, the Two Futures Project launched the Know Shelter initiative. They've spent four years engaging Christians to advance policies that will help prevent nuclear weapons from wreaking their awful havoc and the mass killing of innocents. But with Know Shelter, they're adding preparedness to the mix, to help churches equip their cities with the two critical steps that can save lives in the event of nuclear terrorism.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Q Reviews | Young Adult Fiction

by Byron Borger

Young Adult Fiction has changed dramatically over the last ten years with the releases of several blockbuster fantasy series. Where are the novels that maturely and naturally weave entertaining stories with important, biblical truths? Byron Borger reviews two authors who write young adult and children’s literature that plumbs the depths of human experience while still crafting engaging stories.

Read Article

Social Sector

What's Your Secret?

by Rebekah Lyons

Secrets. We all have them, don't we?Tucking my son in at bedtime has become quite the confessional. It all started when he remembered taking a pen a year earlier from his teacher’s desk in hopes of surprising his sister later on the bus. Then, as if the dam had broken, a few nights later he remembered, “picking up" a box of crayons and putting them in his backpack. I wondered if my usually buttoned up son was on his way to a life of kleptomania...

Read Article

Cities

Announcing Q 2012 | Washington, D.C.

by Gabe Lyons

In a presidential election year, we felt there was no better place for Q to host 700 cultural leaders than our nation’s capital. Q is no ordinary gathering—it is a calling to all Christian leaders to be thoughtful and faithful as we engage a rapidly changing culture. As a part of this community, I hope you’ll seriously consider joining us...

Read Article

Business

Unions and the Common Good

by Brian Dijkema

2.8%: That is the difference between the rate of union membership and the rate of unemployment in the US. Union membership in the US is so low that many Americans aren’t even familiar with unions. What are they? What do they actually do? Unions are institutions in which workers organize together...

Read Article

Science + Tech

Science and Religion: Mixed Results

by Rusty Pritchard

Science and religion are at war. Or, at least that’s the impression you might get from bloggers who watch the spectacle of Republican primary candidate debates. Columnists at the New York Times and the Washington Post are up-in-arms at the hostility toward, and ignorance of, science on the part of the candidates, who seem to be vying to outdo each other in their anti-intellectualism...

Read Article

Gospel

Contemplative Activism as a Model for Mission

by Phileena Heuertz

The signs of the time can be troubling. Poverty, exploitation, war, global warming and over-consumption plague our planet. It seems like domination and exploitation are commonplace almost everywhere we turn. Christians, too, are often implicated in the violence. How can we offer a different kind of presence in the world and really make a redemptive impact? Contemplative activism must root us in offering the good...

Read Article

Gospel

Losing our Language

Reflections on Giving Thanks

by Ann Voskamp

If Thanksgiving is only for a day, we lose our selves–and our souls. New York Times bestselling author Ann Voskamp reflects on what we lose in the brevity of Thanksgiving celebrations.

Read Article

Gospel

Embracing Suffering

Healing through Acknowledging Loss

by Silas West

Catherine Piwang is no stranger to suffering; she saw an entire generation, including nine of her siblings, go missing in Uganda because of the HIV/AIDS crisis. Catherine has since devoted her life to helping thousands find healing from the loss of this middle generation. On a recent visit to northern Uganda, which has been devastated by years of civil war, she found another lost middle generation...

Read Article

Government

Innovation, Intellectual Property, and the Constitution

by Jason E. Summers

Innovation within markets relies on defined and enforced patent rights, which enable innovators to recoup development costs through the exercise of temporary monopoly. The Constitution grants Congress the power “to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing...inventors the exclusive right to their...discoveries.” Current debate over these protections centers around the question of whether...

Read Article

Science + Tech

The Beginning of the End of AIDS

by Mark Brinkmoeller

Today is World AIDS Day. After 30 years and 30 million funerals, the end of the global AIDS epidemic is suddenly, unexpectedly, within sight. It would be a final victory for this clever killer if Americans were too preoccupied...

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

PBS 'Prohibition' and the Complexity of Sin

by Bethany Keeley-Jonker

The new Ken Burns series “Prohibition” aired recently on PBS. I had done some reading on the history of the 1920s but before my research, I thought that prohibition was a total failure. It didn’t prevent people from drinking and it fed organized crime. But what I did not know is that Prohibition, along with the temperance movement that led to its institution, did change the culture of alcohol...

Read Article

Education

Where are the Christians in Academia?

A Talk between Gabe Lyons and Duane Grobman

by Q Ideas

The Academy is unique in a lot of ways, both as a place of opportunity and also complexity and challenge for people of faith. Here, Gabe Lyons interviews Duane Grobman, Executive Director of the Mustard Seed Foundation and Director of the Harvey Fellows Program, a fellowship that sponsors Christians in diverse academic fields.

Read Essay

Restorers

Consumerism

by Chris Seay

There is a counterfeit story that culture is telling us: when we get what we want, we will be happy. How can we get beyond faux happiness and realize authentic joy in pursuing a Kingdom oriented way of life? Consider how a deeper understanding of the Gospel could reshape your decision-making in a consumer-driven society.

View Video

Social Sector

Feminine Identity and Sexuality

by Caitie Hlushak

Our great-great-grandmothers dreamed of seeing their daughters and granddaughters stand side by side with men: equal in dignity, respect and achievement. Our culture tells us that the Women's Rights Movement, the Feminist Movement and the Sexual Revolution unlocked our cages and set us free to be man’s equal. But have we really achieved equality?

Read Article

Business

Your Company Will Save the World!

by Bradley J. Moore

I reached down from my sunny lounge chair on the deck and pulled a random issue of Harvard Business Review from my briefcase stash, turned to the cover story and started reading. The first few lines were like a smack up the side of my sunburned head. The essay was called, "How to Fix Capitalism," by famous Harvard Business School Professor and strategy guru, Michael Porter, and he opens with this bleak assessment: Business is increasingly viewed as a major cause of social, environmental and economic problems. Ouch...

Read Article

Restorers

Cycle of Hope

by Tom Ritchey

Tom Ritchey is one-of-a-kind. From building bicycle frames as a teen to leading Ritchey Designs thirty-five years later, Tom is credited with pioneering the mountain bike movement that has since swept the globe. But, he always knew there was more work to be done. While pedaling 10,000 miles each year, he discovered the next place that could use his ingenuity—the heart of Africa. In this Q Portland talk, see first hand what one man’s calling looked like when his greatest talents confronted the burdens of a culture.

View Video

Arts + Entertainment

What is a Picture Worth?

by Cara Davis

My mother has no fewer than 40 photographs of my daughter—her only grandchild—on display in her home. When you walk into her three-bedroom, ranch-style home, there is little question who her heart orbits around.It's often said a picture is worth a thousand words, but to her, one word is worth a thousand pictures: Madilyn. I cannot imagine what it must be like for many people who never have pictures taken–formally or informally. But for most, it's a luxury ill afforded when you're struggling to put food on the table or maintain a roof over your head...

Read Article

Government

President of "This Nation, Under God"

Abraham Lincoln

by Jimmy Lin

“I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had nowhere else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me, seemed insufficient for that day.” These are not words coming from some helpless beggar or an uneducated man. These are the words of the sixteenth President of the United States. Abraham Lincoln is considered the greatest President of the greatest nation in the world, yet he reveals that all his security, intelligence, and strength rest on...

Read Article

Cities

Postmodern Wells: Creating A Third Place

by Mark Batterson

The church is no longer the center of community life. Rather than admit defeat, Mark Batterson believes the church has an obligation to create new ways to engage our communities. Hear the story of one church that has created new places for their community to connect both with each other, and also with God.

Read Essay

Government

Social Mobility and Power

Interview with Michael Linsday, Sociologist and President of Gordon College

by Andy Crouch and Michael Lindsay

Recently named the 8th president of Gordon College, Michael Lindsay has been a leading expert on religion and public life over the last several years. As a sociologist and professor at Rice University, Lindsay has interviewed hundreds of Christ followers who are in positions of cultural power. In this interview, he and Andy Crouch explore the relationship between Christians, social mobility, and power.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Margin Call and the Banality of Evil

by Josh Larsen

The new Wall Street drama Margin Call is only slightly less boring than a quarterly report. And that’s exactly what makes it so frightening. Set at an imploding investment firm on the eve of the 2008 financial collapse, Margin Call means to capture the panic of that moment and raise our moral hackles over the dubious decisions surrounding it.

Read Article

Media

Fiction for the Common Good

The Calling of Christian Writers

by Richard Doster

Ask your neighbors for an off-the-cuff reaction to the words “Christian literature” and you’re likely to hear them stumble through a list of belittling adjectives. Despite the swelling ranks of able Christian writers, the reaction demonstrates that we are now viewed as an inconsequential presence in the world of literature. We have banished ourselves to the “inspiration” section at the back of Barnes & Noble. And by doing so, we may have left literature in the hands of writers who’d leave them hopeless...

Read Article

Media

Q Reviews | Memoirs

Book Reviews of The Seven Story Mountain and Lit: A Memoir

by Byron Borger

In listing an old and a new book in a common genre, the idea of writing about memoirs thrilled me.  I've got many recent favorites. If I were to pick one memoir from decades ago, however, it is this remarkably popular story of a restless Columbia University literature student who, famously, left it all to become a Trappist monk...

Read Article

Government

Crisis in the Horn of Africa

Famine, War, and Drought

by Chris LaTondresse

One of the worst humanitarian crises in more than six decades has struck more than 13.3 million people in the Horn of Africa. Some experts estimate that over 30,000 kids have died in the past four months alone. In fact, by the time you finish reading this post, another child will be dead. Lack of rainfall, soaring food prices and a violent extremist movement in Somalia have combined forces...

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Unsettled Questions

by Dave Bazan and David Dark

In a wide-ranging conversation interspersed with song, author of The Sacredness of Questioning Everything David Dark and musician Dave Bazan (formerly, of Pedro the Lion) will discuss the struggles of a questioning faith. They’ll wrestle with the joys and tensions of attempting to sustain a creative and neighborly livelihood without lying or going crazy. Their back-and-forth will include their appreciation of the witnessing work on offer by contemporary truth tellers, David Simon, Cormac McCarthy, Leonard Cohen, and the Brothers Coen.

View Video

Social Sector

Christians Should Put Up or Shut Up

On Adoption

by Jason Locy

When the Arkansas Supreme court struck down a voter-approved initiative that banned co-habitating straight and gay couples from adopting orphaned children, the Christian community predictably erupted. Byron Babione of the Alliance Defense Fund, attributed the April ruling to a “political movement afoot to undermine and destroy marriage.” On one hand, these comments aren’t surprising. Conservative evangelicals have decried “the anti-family gay agenda” for decades.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Making Giving Easier

by Steven Paletta

What happens when a 43-year-old real estate developer from Bedford, NY wins a million dollars? Does he spend it on himself or give it away? This was the question facing Stephen Paletta, winner of “Oprah’s Big Give,” in 2008. Today, as founder of The Give Back Foundation, he helps fund charitable causes around the world through a groundbreaking giving structure focused on average, every day Americans. Listen as Paletta shares how the biggest corporations in the world will give to your foundation so you can fund your vision.

View Video

Gospel

Upending Einstein

by Caryn Rivadeneira

I don’t normally catch up on the world of physics before I start my day. And yet, the other morning this headline got my very first click: “Speed of light maybe not fastest after all." Perhaps it was because I had just been talking to my youngest son about why we see lightning before we hear thunder. Perhaps because I correctly sensed this was, actually, big news...

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

A Song of Hallelujah

Purpose in George Frideric Handel's Music

by Jimmy Lin

The Hallelujah Chorus, within the oratorio called Messiah, is an easily recognizable piece of music and is often played throughout the Christmas season. Its creator was George Frideric Handel, a famous classical music composer and recognized as one of the most famous of the Baroque period in the 1700’s, whose other popular works include Water Music and Music for the Royal Fireworks. His earthly father called him to the study of law, but his heavenly Father called him to make a greater impact...

Read Article

Social Sector

Animals: Should We Care?

by Wayne Pacelle

When we speak of our “humanity,” it’s grounded in our capacity as humans to exhibit empathy for others. It’s our innate empathy that prompts us to care not only for members of our families or our friends and neighbors, but also for those we’ve never met, especially the needy. This altruistic instinct motivates so many good works in society, and there are millions who help by sheltering the poor, feeding the hungry, or curing the ill...

Read Article

Social Sector

An Apologetic of Justice

A talk between Gabe Lyons, Andy Crouch and Gary Haugen

by Q Ideas

Matthew Arnold says that culture is "the best which has been thought and said in the world." Gary Haugen, founder, President and CEO of International Justice Mission and a former member of the State Department, disagrees. Here, Gabe Lyons sits down with Haugen to discuss the role of believers in culture.

Read Article

Government

The Shape of the State

Q reviews God and the Constitution: Christianity and American Politics and Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit

by Byron Borger

Election season often feels like a constant storm instead of a cyclical cornerstone of our government. As we pull on our political galoshes, we should seek to remember what our best faith traditions suggest about the role of the State. Byron Borger reviews two timeless books that do just that.

Read Article

Business

The Single Most Important Element in Business

by William P. Robinson

Occupy Wall Street is now spilling out onto other streets across our nation. What one thing can business leaders do to maintain the integrity and elasticity of their operations amid our economic and social instability? William Robinson, president emeritus of Whitworth College, looks to Rembrandt's artwork and discovers the most important element in business.

Read Article

Government

Middle East Uprising

by Todd Deatherage

As Libyan revolutionaries rejoice in overthrowing Muammar Gaddafi's brutal reign, Egyptian and Tunisian protesters continue to rebuild their countries. Revolution came to the Arab Spring from within, and it continues to brew throughout the Middle East. How can we cut through the noise to understand the role the U.S. plays in this unstable region? Todd Deatherage of the Telos Group sifts through the chaos to explore these events through the lens of our common humanity and God’s kingdom.

View Video

Church

The Rise of Exiles

by David Kinnaman

How do you train up a child in the way he should go when his cultural paths are constantly shifting? After spending 5 years researching the generation just coming of age, David Kinnaman has discovered three patterns of how young people are relating to faith as they make their own way in the world. One group in particular—the exiles—demands our special attention because they will define the faith for years to come.

Read Article

Government

Founding Father

Benjamin Rush

by Jimmy Lin

Only a few of our Founding Fathers focused their lives exclusively on politics. Many contributed to the common good in a variety of other ways. On top of being known as a Founding Father of the US, Dr. Benjamin Rush is known as the Father of Public Schools, the Father of American Medicine, and the Father of American Psychiatry. Jimmy Lin explores Rush's diverse and lasting contributions.

Read Article

Social Sector

Narcissism

Integrating Faith and Psychiatry

by Allan Josephson, M.D.

Narcissists' inflated view of themselves frequently masks a hidden sense of emptiness and inferiority. Allan Josephson, M.D., says that those who are in relationship with a narcissist “by definition become depleted or depressed, because life always has to reflect the grandeur, the beauty, the intelligence of the narcissist.” Here, Josephson explores what spiritual health looks like in a culture that celebrates narcissism.

Read Article

Science + Tech

Our Nomadic Existence: How Electronic Culture Shapes Community

by Shane Hipps

New technologies are transforming our world every day. In our search to find genuine community, we've become wandering nomads. How did we get here and what should we do about it? In this original Q Essay, Shane Hipps, pastor and author of Flickering Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith, makes the case for understanding and using technology instead of avoiding it.

Read Essay

Arts + Entertainment

Why Fashion Matters to You

by Cherie Harder

Fashion is at once the most visible and overlooked industry. More than giving us what we wear, the runway reflects our history, projects our future, and brands our deeply held beliefs about who we are and who we strive to be. Cherie Harder, President of the Trinity Forum, explains why we must engage this influential and philosophy-laden industry.

Read Article

Government

Faith in Public

A review of The Naked Public Square and A Public Faith

by Byron Borger

As we begin to descend into the whirlwind of political campaigns, it can be easy to get lost in all the heated debates and catchy slogans as we pursue a principled public square. Byron Borger provides two excellent and foundational must-reads on how faith does—and must—shape public life. He reviews Richard John Neuhas's The Naked Public Square and Miroslov Volf's new book, A Public Faith.

Read Article

Science + Tech

Christianity and Science in Historical Perspective

by Ted Davis

The relationship between Science and Christianity is one marked with controversy, fear and misunderstanding; but, is that the whole story? Ted David recounts the colorful and intriguing relationship between Christianity and Science, and then explores the implications of this relationship for modern science and theology.

Read Article

Church

Prodigals, Nomads, and Exiles

by David Kinnaman

No previous generation has experienced such dramatic, compounded cultural change. As a result, millions are cutting their connection to church and their faith during their young adult years. Kinnaman describes the three types of spiritual journeys that young people take, how their anti-institutional mindset is different than that of young adults in the past and how organizations and churches could respond effectively to today’s prodigals, nomads and exiles.

View Video

Science + Tech

The Soul of Apple

by Kevin Kelly

This week something unusual happened. At the very same time that thousands of ordinary citizens were camping out to protest corporate greed, a similar number of ordinary citizens were depositing flowers and spiritual offerings at the corporate stores of the wealthiest company in the world in memory of one of the richest people in the world, the late Steve Jobs. Why would a billionaire elicit such affection and love during this moment of fierce dissatisfaction with global capitalism?

Read Article

Media

The Psychology of Trials

Fyodor Dostoyevsky

by Jimmy Lin

Within the bindings of a story, great literature explores what words alone fail to express. In The Brothers Karamazov and Crime and Punishment, among others, Fyodor Dostoevsky subtlety explores the depths of the struggles that he experienced in his own life through his complex and unforgettable characters. Here, Jimmy Lin discusses the connection between Dostoevsky's life, work and faith.

Read Article

Education

Fatherhood as Vocation

by Graham Scharf

Graham Scharf, a former NYC Teaching Fellow, is now a stay-at-home dad while his wife works full-time as a pediatrician. In this excerpt from Keith Zafren’s forthcoming book on fatherhood, Graham grapples with the value of fatherhood as a full-time vocation.

Read Article

Church

Unique Challenges Facing Urban Church Planters

by J. Allen Thompson

Cities offer innumerable opportunities for evangelism and church planting. With these opportunities, however, also come challenges that otherwise might be overlooked. Allen Thompson awakens our awareness of urban realities that affect ministry, offers solutions to both the church-planting coach and the planter, and provides grist for the mill of church-planter conversations.

Read Article

Church

Animal Welfare and The Church

by Christine Gutleben

As followers of Jesus, we are called to love and serve the poor and needy among us. But, what if the poor and needy are animals? Do Christians care about animal welfare? Christine Gutleben, Senior Director of the Faith Outreach program at The Human Society of the United States, presents overwhelming evidence that Christians do care about animals.

Read Article

Gospel

The Good in Graffiti

by Stephen Hale

Graffiti is clearly vandalism, but is it more than that? Stephen Hale peels back the layers of the often beautiful yet disfiguring paint to reveal some of the movements behind graffiti and why Christians shouldn't necessarily be opposed to it.

Read Article

Church

Local Manifestations

A Review of Life Together and Deep Church: A Third Way Between Emerging and Traditional

by Byron Borger

When it comes to the topic of Community, there are simply too many books to read. How do you choose? Byron Borger reviews two books on community that present multi-dimensional approaches to understanding the essence of Christian community: Bonhoeffer's Life Together and Jim Belcher's Deep Church: A Third Way Between Emerging and Traditional.

Read Article

Government

Military Research and the Common Good

by Jason E. Summers

This October marks the 10th anniversary of the U.S. war in Afghanistan. As we confront the burgeoning costs of U.S. military operations in the face of our current debt crisis, Dr. Jason E. Summers argues that followers of Jesus must not only engage in the conversations about the extent of foreign military engagement, but also about the size and scope of the Department of Defense.

Read Article

Business

Do You Feel Broken and Fragmented?

by Ann Voskamp

We often see work as a 40-hour necessity where our value is quantified in paychecks. We try to leave work at work, and keep our personal life separate. But what if this understanding of work is wrong? Ann Voskamp, NY Times best-selling author, explores avodah, the ancient Hebrew understanding of work, and how it can reshape our lives.

Read Article

Social Sector

A Thousand Wells

by Jena Lee Nardella

The Law of the Few says that social change is primarily dependent on a few influencers. This law, Jena Lee Nardella argues, is false. In our world, social change is dependent on everyday individuals doing their small part.

View Video

Science + Tech

Spreading the Good News

Johannes Gutenberg

by Jimmy Lin

We are drowning in words; from news outlets, blog posts, and twitter feeds, to the signs that direct traffic and label our food. What would our world be like without the printed word? Jimmy Lin explores how Johannes Gutenberg used his ordinary profession to create the first printing press so he could spread the Gospel and how, in the process, Gutenberg fundamentally changed our world. 

Read Article

Business

Brand Loyalty vs. Brand Idolatry

by Blake Howard and Craig Johnson

Our age is so saturated with marketed brands that our children dream in shades of Disney. Branding is a form of marketing that clearly defines what makes a company, product, or experience distinct and memorable from others. Naturally, companies who strive to serve customers faithfully ask for brand loyalty over their competitors. Is that so bad? Blake Howard and Craig Johnson explore the biblical implications of branding.

Read Article

Government

Uncommon Contributor to the Common Good

The Legacy of Mark Hatfield, 1922-2011

by Stanley Carlson-Thies

Mark Hatfield is a name many ought to know and emulate. After serving two-terms as Oregon's governor and spending 30 years in the U.S. Senate, it is clear that Hatfield was a man of strong faith with a very unique and much needed approach to politics. Stanley Carlson-Theis remembers this stalwart defender of religious freedom.

Read Article

Social Sector

The 2012 Praxis Fellows

by Dave Blanchard and Josh Kwan

The Praxis Accelerator Program was created in collaboration with Q to support the growing global movement of restoration-minded social entrepreneurs.  Founder Dave Blanchard and Board Chair Josh Kwan announce the 2012 class of Praxis Fellows. Join us to congratulate, encourage, and learn more about these impressive teams as they embark on a year of intense growth and mentorship.

Read Article

Gospel

The Servant Nature of God

by David Chronic

Between demands on our time and our inclination toward what is convenient, it can be difficult to find the margin to temper our privileged lives with humble service. David Chronic explores the complex relationship between wealth, the poor, and the type of service that Jesus calls us to.

Read Article

Business

Work: Crucible of Faith

by Katherine Leary Alsdorf

What is so bad about being identified by the work you do? Katherine Leary Alsdorf, director of the Center for Faith and Work, challenges us to think deeper about the Gospel’s implications for our lives at work.

Read Article

Cities

A Vision for Our Cities

by Al Barth

By 2050, five cities are projected to reach mega-giant status with 40 million people each: Lagos, Karachi, Bombay, Dhaka, and Calcutta. Four of these cities will very likely to be hostile to Christianity. Allan Barth lays the biblical foundation for reaching cities and shaping culture.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Truthful Beauty and Fashion Culture

A review of Rainbows for a Fallen World and Fashion: Philosophy for Everyone: Thinking With Style

by Byron Borger

 When stilettos strut the catwalk, they echo in your life. Do you hear them? Byron Borger reviews two seminal books on how lofty ideas of aesthetics and high fashion trends do—and absolutely should—affect the daily lives of Christians.

Read Article

Gospel

Ground Zero and the American Dream

by Makoto Fujimura

Makoto Fujimura lived with his wife and young children blocks from the World Trade Centers on September 11th, 2001. Here he explores how Ground Zero has re-framed the way we understand and pursue the American Dream.

Read Article

Social Sector

Ten Years from Normal

Lessons Learned from 9/11

by Jonathan Merritt

As we mark the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we remain unable to explain why God allowed this suffering. But, as we stare through the corridor of time, we can ask another question: What, if anything, have we learned? Jonathan Merritt grapples with suffering and shares a few of the lessons that he's observed in this decade of uncertainty.

Read Article

Church

The Christian and Muslim Divide

by Imam Feisal and Gabe Lyons

Tensions between Muslims and Christians have skyrocketed in recent months; misunderstandings run rampant and caricatures abound. How can the world’s two largest religions co-exist and even cooperate in such a contentious time? Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf of the Cordoba Initiative and Gabe Lyons discuss the future for faith relations in the West.

View Video

Gospel

Empathy in an Age of Terrorism

by Johnnie Moore

It's natural to be angry, especially when acts of wrath took nearly 3,000 innocent lives. But followers of Jesus are called to move beyond their anger. We are called to the difficult task of loving our enemies. Johnnie Moore shares his thoughts on empathy in an age of terrorism.

Read Article

Media

Digital Stories

by Jonathan Collins

Effective storytelling is critical in a world super-saturated with advertisements. How can you craft a simple and compelling narrative to break through the noise and capture imaginations? Jonathan Collins, owner and operator of Epipheo Studios, has spent his career answering that question. Listen as he shares the storytelling secrets he’s learned from working with companies like Google, Proctor & Gamble, Microsoft and Amazon.

View Video

Church

The Gospel and Sex

by Tim Keller

If we can demonstrate healthy sexuality as a Church, what unlimited redemption is possible for our starving, sex-crazed culture? Tim Keller outlines a compelling and orthodox sexual ethic, and the proper role of singleness and marriage within the Church.

Read Essay

Education

The Faith of a Teacher

by Hugh Atkinson

In classrooms overflowing with children, teaching requires more than reciting lessons and reading books. Teachers must show that faith, hope, and love still remain in a world full of hopelessness and despair.  Hugh Atkinson reflects on the harsh realities and the hidden joys of teaching.

Read Article

Government

Immigration Matters

by M. Daniel Carroll R.

Each year, Hispanics from Mexico, Central America, and South America cross the border into the United States. As a result, emotions run high about the perceived threats (and benefits) these immigrants pose to our culture and economy. Daniel Carroll poses the paramount question the church must ask: what does the Bible say about immigration?

Read Essay

Gospel

Wisdom and Sabbath Rest

by Tim Keller

Rest, ironically, is an activity that must be prepared for and then pursued. The purpose of Sabbath, however, is not simply to rejuvenate yourself so you can produce more during the rest of the week. Nor, is Sabbath the simple pursuit of sleep and pleasure. Tim Keller explains what a biblical Sabbath looks like in our busy world.

Read Article

Social Sector

Motherhood as Vocation

by Kate Harris

Few would argue that mothering is a lot of work. But, do we think of "Motherhood" as work in the same way we think of other careers and vocations? Kate Harris skillfully argues that stay-at-home work is both a meaningful part of God's design and also a meaningful part of society as a whole, and that mothers can hold their own next to any other "culture shaper."

Read Article

Church

The Lasting Legacy of Lesslie Newbigin

A Missionary Encounter with Western Culture

by Michael Goheen

Lesslie Newbigin spent 40 years as a missionary in India. Upon his return to England, he spent 25 years as a missionary to the Western church. Michael Goheen reminds us of Newbigin's message and suggests that the life of the Western church may depend on our ability to act upon Newbigin's legacy.

Read Article

Gospel

Inoculating a Generation

by Skye Jethani

Church practitioners have been sent scrambling by the growing awareness that an entire generation is leaving the church. Many have attempted to answer why they are leaving, but few are offering solutions to stop the hemorrhaging. Author Skye Jethani says the answer might be changing the way we’re relating to God. Instead of life over, under, or even for God, he says this generation should pursue life with God.

View Video

Gospel

Yoga as Christian Spiritual Formation?

by Phileena Heuertz

A recent survey of global, Evangelical Protestant leaders revealed that 92% of the 2,196 surveyed believe that "engaging in yoga as a spiritual practice...[is] not compatible with evangelicalism." After growing up in this tradition, Phileena Heurtz has come to practice yoga as an essential part of her Christian spirituality. She explains why yoga isn't antithetical to Christianity and how it enriches her faith.

Read Article

Science + Tech

Blaise Pascal

Finding God in Revealing Fundamental Truths of Life

by Jimmy Lin

Blaise Pascal revolutionized mathematics by developing probability theory, wrote one of the first masterpieces of French prose, made important contributions to the science of hydrostatics, and authored one of the most influential theological works in Christian philosophy. All before age 40. Jimmy Lin explores the life and work of Blaise Pascal.

Read Article

Science + Tech

The Bible In a Technological Age

by Bobby Gruenewald

This year marks the 400th birthday of the most widely distributed and most widely read translation of the Bible ever. Begun in 1604, the King James version was completed, approved and sent to the royal printer in 1611. Such a hallmark in history undoubtedly warrants attention. How has the Bible changed throughout history? How will it go forward in a technological age that’s moving beyond the printed word? Gruenewald, Innovation Leader for the YouVersion online Bible, explores the possible futures for our sacred text.

View Video

Social Sector

Redefining Hate

Gay Activists Should Reconsider Rhetoric

by Jonathan Merritt and Tim Willard

Are organizations that oppose same sex marriage, and people who associate with them, hate-mongers? Jonathan Merritt and Tim Willard reveal the irony in public discourse over hate, same-sex marriage and Christians.

Read Article

Gospel

The Problem Of Good

by Scott Kauffmann

Why can artists, filmmakers and musicians who seem personally unredeemable create paintings, films, music and books that are so unmistakably transcendent? Why are so many unbelievers more honest, more sacrificial, more joyful, more committed to other people than many believers are? Scott Kauffmann,  Executive Director of Labs for Redeemer City to City, explores God’s second greatest gift: common grace.

Read Essay

Cities

Design Intervention

by Mel McGowan

Model cities like Portland have been touted for an intentional design that naturally intersects citizens with commerce, recreation and informal run-ins—it’s all part of what makes a community thrive. God uses place to shape our relational context with Him and others. Mel McGowan, founder of Visioneering Studios, explains how urban “Design Intervention” has renewed Portland and is embedding the seed of the Kingdom into communities around the world.

View Video

Education

Learning for the Common Good

A review of Education for Human Flourishing: A Christian Perspective and The End of Education; Redefining the Value of School

by Byron Borger

If you want to shape the future, begin engaging the conversation about how our future's generation should be educated. Byron Borger reviews two essential books that explore why education must be the foundation of a good society and how our faith interacts with the nature of education.

Read Article

Business

When is Healthy Competition Unhealthy?

by Susan DiMickele

Integrating your work and faith is honorable, but a daunting goal. Can the world of cutthroat business, teetering markets and frantic deadlines operate within the framework of the Kingdom of God? Susan DiMickele, a seasoned lawyer, discusses how competition in her workplace challenges her faith.

Read Article

Media

Toxic Culture

by Micah White

Can we fight back against the incessant flow of logos, brands, slogans and jingles that submerge our streets, invade our homes and flicker on our screens? Micah White, senior editor at Adbusters, argues that we must first recognize that we suffer from mental pollution before we can even begin to reclaim our imaginations and our mind space.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Q Interview: Joshua LaRock, Classical Painter

by Joshua LaRock

Josh LaRock is a young and quickly emerging artist who is passionate about the renewal of the classical painting tradition. He sat down with Gabe Lyons to discuss his work, the thought behind his art, and how faith plays into what he creates.

Read Article

Gospel

Becoming Weaker

by Chris Heuertz

How do we celebrate vulnerabilities? How do we receive limitations as gifts? Watch this Q exclusive video of Jean Vanier, founder and visionary of L’Arche, who inspires us all to live faithful lives in the ordinary and undramatic vocations of love.

Read Article

Science + Tech

George Washington Carver

God-glorifying Agricultural Innovator

by Jimmy Lin

George Washington Carver discovered 300 uses of the peanut. Few can name more than 2 or 3 of these discoveries, and fewer still know anything about this man beyond his discoveries. Jimmy Lin explores the humble and diligent faith of a man who pursued God's creative inspiration while reconciling the divide between faith and science.

Read Article

Gospel

End Veneer

by Jason Locy and Tim Willard

We all feel it, sense it and see it. Everything in popular culture - from entertainment to advertisements - pushes us to be something we aren’t. This creates an unspoken tension for followers of Jesus who are called to presence, honesty and authenticity. How can Christians promote depth and character in a society that thrives on hype? Jason Locy and Tim Willard, coauthors of Veneer: Living Deeply in a Surface Society, challenge us to strive for a more meaningful existence.

View Video

Media

The Book Industry is Fine

by Josh Reinders

Borders bookstore is closing all of its doors—does that mean that we are closing all of our books? Josh Reinders reexamines the industry's numbers and finds that the e-book apocalypse may be false prophesying the print world's doomsday.

Read Article

Social Sector

Help the Poor, Help the World

A review of The Hole In Our Gospel and Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger

by Byron Borger

Is our faith more than going to church, feeling God's love, and telling others about the forgiveness offered by Jesus? Here are two books that emphatically say, "Yes." Byron Borger reviews The Hole in Our Gospel and Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger.

Read Article

Gospel

Community in the Time of Culture Wars

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

Disagreements continue to fracture the Church's relationships. How do we balance diverse opinions without breaking with biblical orthodoxy and without causing disunity? Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma suggests that we humbly "pursue the love that is the beginning and end of all things" and live out our allegiance to Christ as the head of the Church.

Read Article

Restorers

The Legacy of John Stott

On Listening to the Word and the World at the Very Same Time

by Steven Garber

The late Reverend Dr. John Stott will be remembered as one of the most influential religious leaders of the 20th century. From evangelical think tanks to third world activists to the world's leading newspapers, there have been many who celebrated his intellectual prowess, his tender kindness, and his insistence that faith must be both theologically orthodox and socially engaged for the common good. Steven Garber reflects on a few of his personal memories and the legacy this great man has left.

Read Article

Science + Tech

Pseudo Salvation: When Science Can't Save Us

by Matthew T. Dickerson

Our advances in science and technology have overcome many of the challenges that our forebears were unable to meet. Our lives are paved with unthinkable convenience, and we expect our engineers to continue providing solutions for the world's problems. Matthew T. Dickerson, however, says that we must be careful where we place our hopes of redemption.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Introducing Q Sessions

Boutique events with access to some of the world's most experienced authorities

by Q Ideas

This fall, Q will introduce a new type of event called Q Sessions to support and educate leaders on topics that are both timely and critical to cultural renewal. These boutique events are much smaller than our Gatherings and will offer private access to some of the world's most respected and experienced authorities on subjects of paramount importance.

Read Article

Gospel

What Do We Mean by "Evangelism"?

by David Chronic

We often avoid using the word "evangelism." Could this be because we have re-defined evangelism to suit our own convenient lifestyles? David Chronic explores the limits of our traditional conceptions and finds them fragmented.

Read Essay

Arts + Entertainment

The Arc of Storytelling

by Bobette Buster

In our culture, he who tells the best story wins. Creating great narratives that produce epiphanies involves a particular talent that applies far beyond film and changes the way you write books, marketing copy, funding proposals, research reports, sermons, and so much more. Bobette Buster has built and sustained a long, respected career in the film industry by being the best at finding and developing epiphanies in some of the greatest movies we've all enjoyed.

View Video

Gospel

Thirsting for God in Daily Work

by Ann Voskamp

Compared to most of the world, life in the West is luxurious. Yet, this fact doesn't make living with humility any easier for us. Ann Voskamp, a New York Times best-selling author, wonders at the difficulty and mystery of drinking the cup of salvation amid our mundane tasks and experiences.

Read Article

Social Sector

Could Same-Sex Marriage Benefit Traditional Marriage?

by Gabe Lyons

For the LGBT community and many Christian leaders alike, New York’s recognition of same-sex marriage is a symbolic milestone in a more than three-decade old culture war. Gabe Lyons considers the benefit of moving on to more important societal conversations about healthy marriage and sexuality.

Read Article

Social Sector

Entrepreneurship in Action

by Jason Byassee

The psalmist tells us that God knit each of us together in the womb; knitting requires great attention to detail. What details are uniquely woven into you that invite you to create a unique cultural good? Here are two stories of women from Redeemer Presbyterian Church's Entrepreneurship Initiative Forum whose faith led them to the discovery of their own personal cultural goods.

Read Article

Social Sector

Capitalizing with the Poor

by Jeff Keenan and John Terrill and Kenman Wong

Is it wrong to pursue a profit while helping the poor and oppressed? This question is frequently aired and dissected in intricate moralizing, but why not ask the companies pursuing multiple bottom lines how their profit motivation is working? Kenman Wong, John Terrill, and Jeff Keenan introduce three companies pursuing both profit and the welfare of the poor.

Read Article

Cities

Identifying the Idols of the City

by Leonardo de Chirico

The aesthetics and intrigue of a city’s skyline personify that city. These dazzling towers of concrete and steel, however, aren’t the only skylines we should see in our cities. Leornardo de Chirico, a church planter in Rome, urges us to identify the idols found in our city’s “theological skyline”.

Read Article

Business

Do You Bring Meaning to your Work?

by Mark Russell

Most Americans spend 2,400 hours each year at work, but only 70-80 hours each year at religious events. How do you make your endless hours at work a constant act of worship? Mark Russell explores the nature of finding meaning in the everyday journey of going to work.

Read Article

Gospel

Think Bigger

by Fred Sanders

We are dependent on receiving information in a form that can keep pace with our marathon lifestyles; but, this sound bite obsession creates problems when we approach Scripture that way. Fred Sanders, theologian, explains why this limits our reading of the Bible and narrows our understanding of the Trinity.

Read Article

Media

Drowning in Over Stimulation

A Review of Prophetically Incorrect: A Christian Introduction to Media Criticism and Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture

by Byron Borger

How do we navigate the tempestuous ocean of enticing information known as 'Media' without drowning in over stimulation and bad culture? Byron Borger reviews two helpful guide books, Prophetically Incorrect: A Christian Introduction to Media Criticism by Robert Woods and Paul Patton and Eyes Wide Open: Looking for God in Popular Culture by William D. Romanowski.

Read Article

Church

What Do We Mean by 'The Church?' 

by David Chronic

We talk a lot about the Church, but we rarely define what we mean. David Chronic, Word Made Flesh's Romanian Field Director, takes an in-depth look at what Scripture says about the church, how the church engages the world, and how Christians of different denominations engage one another.

Read Essay

Social Sector

Will The Poor Always Be With Us?

by Scott Todd

We have all heard our parents say, “You can do it if you put your mind to it.” But is ending extreme poverty something we can achieve? Scott Todd of Compassion International says that the question shouldn’t be a "Can we?" but a "When can we?"

Read Article

Education

The Dot Connector

by Jana Riess

Competition for funding is fierce among non-profits who are working in the same niche. But for these outcome-oriented companies, is competing against each other the most effective strategy? Strive Partnerships demonstrates another approach by fostering collaborative relationships that leverage the diverse assets of the non-profits serving Cincinnati’s education system.

Read Essay

Government

Is America the New Greece?

by Skye Jethani

The Greek austerity riots make many in the United States uneasy; is this the new American horizon? Economic analysis seems to show that the two economies are far too different for the turmoil to be replicated in the United States. Skye Jethani exposes a deeper and more dangerous congruity between the two nations: flagrant political immaturity.

Read Article

Gospel

Enjoying America for What It Is

by Gideon Strauss

As a Christian, is it appropriate to celebrate Independence Day? Gideon Strauss, a South African Canadian applying for permanent residency, shares his unique insights about loving America rightly and reordering the holiday calendar.

Read Article

Business

Entrepreneurship for the Common Good

by Dave Blanchard

The global movement of restoration-minded social entrepreneurs is growing quickly. Q wants to support these men and women in their tireless efforts. To this end, we’ve created Praxis, an accelerator program that provides world-class mentorship, peer community, and $100,000 in cash awards.

Read Article

Church

Consumerism and the Church: An Interview with Carl Trueman

by Q Ideas

Consumerism has become an acceptable earmark of American society. Americans disproportionately consume meat, energy, paper and other goods. As the Christian church struggles to survive in such a moment, one has to wonder how consumerism has affected the body of Christ. Dr. Carl Trueman, a British theologian and professor at Westminster Theological Seminary, offers his thoughts.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

"Super 8" and the Value of Spiritual Wonder

by Josh Larsen

Super 8 has all the makings of the summer blockbuster from your childhood. Slated to gross well over $100 million, it boasts an action-packed but family-friendly storyline that's hard to shake. But what's best about this film, according to critic Josh Larsen, is it's ability to create a genuine sense of wonder. He says Super 8 captures a rush of amazement that leaves viewers wide-eyed and humbled.

Read Article

Science + Tech

The Human Body and the Limits of Technology

by Matthew Lee Anderson

We've become adept at measuring every nook and cranny of life, from the number of steps we take while jogging to the pitching speed of a baseball player. But a new movement seeks to take this a step further, by mapped human emotions and behaviors. Is the human body merely a machine to be monitored? Author Matthew Lee Anderson says a Biblical understanding of the body suggests it's far more.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Hello, May I Interest You in a Dissenting View of "The Book of Mormon?"

Mockingbird editor discusses the Tony-winning musical

by David Zahl

The Book of Mormon cleaned up at the Tony Awards, including taking home several coveted medallions including the award for Best Musical. It's been hailed as a daring production, full of laughs with a remarkable score. But writer David Zahl says the show ultimately disappoints. He believes the way it carelessly attacks religion will preach only to the choir.

Read Article

Government

Immigration and the Gospel

by Russell Moore

The immigration debate continues to rage within American borders, but as Russell Moore argues, the Christian response to immigrant communities in the United States cannot be “You kids get off of my lawn” in Spanish. While Christians might disagree on the political specifics of achieving a just and compassionate immigration policy, he says our rhetoric must be informed by more than politics. It must be filtered through the lenses of both the Christian gospel and the Christian mission.

Read Article

Church

Loving the Large Church (and Worrying About It)

by Jason Byassee

Megachurches continue to spring up all across America, even as writers like Wendell Berry and Eugene Peterson warn against their spiritual disadvantages. Author Jason Byassee says we need to hear these critics carping in our ears, while at the same time remember that large churches don't have to follow the norm. They can be communities of prayer, worship, study and service on par with smaller congregations.

Read Article

Social Sector

Three Ways with Families

by Tim Keller

Recently, some scholars and cultural observers have decried the so-called "decline of the family." In parts of Asia and Europe, for example, the birth-rate has fallen below replacement levels. Many blame secular society's penchant for individualism and call for a return to the so-called "traditional" view of the family. But pastor Tim Keller says the gospel-based community practices a view of family that is contrary to both secular and traditional societies.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Malick's Microcosm: A Review of "Tree of Life"

by Alissa Wilkinson

Many critics who have struggled to describe Terrence Malick's The Tree of Life have called it a prayer. But perhaps it is more than that. Writer Alissa Wilkinson suggests a better word to describe this film than prayer might be lament.  And not just a lament for a lost loved one, but for that lost Paradise - both the first Eden, as well as the one buried deep within our memories.

Read Article

Social Sector

Responding to Natural Disasters

by Q Ideas

Last year was the deadliest in over a generation. Earthquakes, landslides, floods and blizzards claimed more than a quarter million lives worldwide. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any rest for the weary in 2011. Pulling from the ideas of Medair vice-president Roger Sandberg, Q Ideas explores how Christians can best participate in the long-term recovery of devastated areas.

Read Article

Church

The Veneer of Church

by Andrew Palau

To say the 21st century Christian Church struggles with veneer is to state the obvious. But evangelist Andrew Palau says some of these facades aren't as obvious as others. In this essay, Palau explores what he believes comprises the "veneer of church" and shares his ideas for a better way forward.

Read Article

Business

Social Networking or Notworking?

by Susan DiMickele

Over half of all employees access their Facebook profiles at work, losing, on average, 15-minutes of productivity per day. But wait. You might be surprised to hear that employees who use social media (also known as "Tworkers") also tend to be the most productive. Writer Susan DiMickele explores the impact and ethics of social media in the workplace.

Read Article

Media

Walker Percy Interviews Walker Percy

The deceased Southern writer answers all the questions he was never asked

by Q Ideas

An agnostic-turned-Catholic and existentialist, Walker Percy (1916-1990) was one of the most notable Southern writers of his lifetime who was able to speak about faith without actually speaking about faith. In this piece, we glimpse the author through a little known essay he penned entitled, "Questions They Never Asked Me."

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

A Film About Us: Review of Meek's Cutoff

by Brett McCracken

Minimalist indie director Kelly Reichardt's latest film, Meek's Cutoff, is ponderous and gorgeously shot. But what makes this film so moving is that it is about more than one heroine's point of view; it's about our point of view. Film critic and author Brett McCracken offers his take on this frustratingly ambiguous film.

Read Article

Church

Old Practices for the Human Condition

by Phileena Heuertz

The human condition clings to the broad path of power, esteem, and security; but, the Bible calls us down the narrow way that leads to abundant life. Do our current spiritual practices guide us down the right path? Phileena Heuertz, co-director of Word Made Flesh, says that the secret to more abundant life with God is found in contemplative prayer. This very old practice is an internal posture of surrender and is exactly what the human condition calls for.

View Video

Government

The New Activism

by Adam Taylor

As we look back over the history of Western civilization, the power of social movements is readily apparent. What is often less apparent is that many influential social movements were driven by faith. With all the ills facing our world, one might wonder if the next generation of Christians might create another social movement that would shift the balance of history. Adam Taylor asserts that if rising Christians are able to connect their faith to a more just society, they are uniquely poised to become the change agents our world needs.

View Video

Science + Tech

Exploring the Galaxies

by Louie Giglio and Jennifer Wiseman

For centuries, the Psalmist David, and astronomers alike, have suggested that the natural world is a portal to the transcendent (Ps. 19:1). But it has always been difficult for the average earth dweller to grasp the breadth of such assertions—that is, until world-class telescopes like the Hubble Space Telescope started showing us a universe we never dreamed of! Astronomer Jennifer Wiseman will share the latest astronomical images and discoveries and have a conversation with Louie Giglio about how galaxies, stars, and planets form, what they can teach us about God, and how good science strengthens our faith.

View Video

Cities

The Value of Failure

An interview with Henry Petroski

by Henry Petroski

Leaders in all channels of culture wrestle with the fear of failure. But author and engineering professor Henry Petroski says failure is important because of the information is reveals and because it combats the human tendency to grow overconfident. He looks at failure through the lens of urban development and the history of engineering.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

The Art of Video Gaming

by Jamin Brophy-Warren

Video games are an enormous and engaging part of our culture; but who is engaging the institution of video games? Jamin Brophy-Warren is the founder of Kill Screen, an organization that asks "What does it mean to play games?” Warren says that video games don't offer pseudo-experiences, they offer real experiences through detailed narratives. From inside the video game industry, he discusses how we need to view video games as art and build a culture of thought around the video game experience.

View Video

Social Sector

Animal Welfare

by Christine Gutleben and Wayne Pacelle

Animal welfare is one of the worst problems that many Christians know nothing about. Each year, eight million animals enter shelters and as many as four million sheltered animals are killed. Additionally, more than 25 million animals will be used in laboratory experiments this year. When the testing concludes, almost of all of them will be killed. Wayne Pacelle and Christine Gutleben of the Humane Society of The United States, say Christians should care. Hear their surprising insights from scripture and Christian history as they ask us to consider our non-human neighbors.

View Video

Government

Our Forgotten Honor: A Memorial Day Reflection

by Tim Willard

Can Christians mourn those soldiers who've died in combat defending our freedom without becoming overly nationalistic? Writer Tim Willar says "yes." He reminds us that celebrating on Memorial Day does not imply support for every American initiative. It simply honors the men and women who have given their lives serving their fellow citizens.

Read Article

Business

How Can You Profit from the Poor?

by Greg Spencer

We expect our non-profits "to solve complex global issues on shoestring budgets and low overheads." Is this the best way to advance the common good? Greg Spencer, co-founder of The Paradigm Project, shares how it is possible to make a profit while serving the poor.

View Video

Gospel

The Gospel and Humor

by Tim Keller

Christians believe the gospel should inform all we do, but have you ever considered how it might shape your sense of humor? Pastor Tim Keller says self-righteousness leads to mocking others or humorlessness. The gospel, however, creates a gentle sense of irony.

Read Article

Media

The Veneer of Media

How hungry authors are manipulating the publishing industry

by Chris Ferebee

Many authors enter publishing out of a ravenous hunger for notoriety and success. Their starting place is, “How do I reach the New York Times Bestseller's List?” and an entire industry has emerged to help these individuals reach this goal. Literary agent Chris Ferebee pulls back the curtain to show how a world of media-generated or self-generated celebrity can't deliver what we really need.

Read Article

Church

Looks Like We've Been Left Behind ... Again

Lessons from the Camping rapture scare

by Gabe Lyons and Jonathan Merritt

Most Americans dread Monday mornings, but it’s safe to say that no one is languishing more this morning than Harold Camping. The 89-year-old Christian radio broadcaster told the San Francisco Chronicle yesterday that he had “a really tough weekend.” Camping created a media firestorm with his prediction Jesus would return and the world would end last Saturday. Gabe Lyons and Jonathan Merritt consider what, if anything, we can learn from this.

Read Article

Restorers

Restoration in the Land of Make-Believe

The Legacy of Fred Rogers

by Jonathan Merritt

It's been 10 years since Fred Rogers filmed the final episode of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Many are familiar with his ability to communicate to children as a television host, but few know about the way he saw his role as a social change agent. Q editor Jonathan Merritt says Fred Rogers was more than an affable neighbor. He may be one of the greatest American restorers of the 20th century.

Read Article

Government

The Veneer of Government

Confronting the veneer of "politifaux"

by Gideon Strauss

Politics is filled with "truthiness," a term coined by Stephen Colbert that describes “the quality of preferring concepts or facts one wishes to be true, rather than concepts or facts known to be true.” Gideon Strauss wonders what American politics would be like without the veneer of truthiness and challenges us to imagine a world without it.

Read Article

Science + Tech

The Veneer of Science

Scientific conspiracy theories, a veneer for irrational beliefs

by Rusty Pritchard

Science is an amazing and unfamiliar world for many of us. Because most of our scientific experiences don't reach far beyond sophomore biology class, it is also a field of study where we can be easily misled. Dr. Rusty Pritchard says veneer in science often comes in the form of skepticism or flat out denialism of well-proven scientific findings.

Read Article

Education

The Veneer of Education

by Sajan George

How many superheroes will it take to fix our nation’s public education system? If you believe Waiting for Superman's David Guggenheim, the answer is 3,500,000. This is roughly the number of teachers we need to educate the 50M children in K-12 public education. Sajan George of Matchbook Learning says this isn't true or scalable. We can do better.

Read Article

Government

A Post-bin Laden Reflection on Violence

by Chris Heuertz

This past weekend Osama bin Laden was assassinated, shot in the head, in what no doubt was an awful, bloody mess. But as Chris Heuertz started sifting through the Tweets and Facebook status updates from his friends, many of them self-proclaimed Christians, he wasn’t sure what to make of the celebration. He wonders where to find the peacemakers whom Jesus called "blessed."

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

The Veneer of Arts + Entertainment

The world of "indie" film and music

by Brett McCracken

There’s a reason why, in the worlds of movies and music, “indie” is the new mainstream. It’s because “indie” sells. Or, rather, it’s because the marketing of something as indie tends to work. Many of these “mainstream indie” brands are legitimately good but some aren't. Writer Brett McCracken warns that our flimsy, fickle, “what can a product do for my image?” consumer sensibilities are often easily duped.

Read Article

Cities

Q Finds Chilly Portland Surprisingly Warm

by Q Ideas

If you live in Portland and read The Oregonian, you'd know that Q had come to town. The city Rush Limbaugh once dubbed “Lib Land” ranks as one of the nation’s top three “least churched” cities and has a long-standing aversion for anything that smacks of religion.Yet Q found this chilly town to be a surprisingly warm city to host its annual gathering.

Read Article

Business

Praxis Social Entrepreneurship

by Dave Blanchard

Every person has the chance to create and cultivate good culture in the place God has called them. For those with an entrepreneurial bent, the opportunity can be enormous. Unfortunately, many great ideas die because the entrepreneur lacks the proper wisdom, experience, strategy or community necessary to see that idea take off. Dave Blanchard and Stephen Graves share profound insights on why some great ideas make it and others don’t.

View Video

Social Sector

The Church Will End Extreme Poverty

by Scott Todd

Claiming that we can eradicate extreme poverty from the face of the Earth is incredibly bold. But Dr. Scott Todd believes it is also surprisingly realistic. The key, he believes, is to stop being naive about the incredible evidence of progress and raise our expectations of what God intends to do through us. Scott provides that evidence, offers a provocative argument that Jesus never said the poor would always be with us and calls for us to “live 58.”

View Video

Restorers

How the Church Can Change a City

by Q Ideas

What do a collection of evangelical Christian pastors and the openly gay Mayor of one of America’s most liberal cities have in common? You might think not much at all. Then again, you might be surprised. At Q in Portland, Kevin Palau sat down with a panel comprised of Imago Dei’s Ken Weigel,  Portland Mayor Sam Adams, and Multnomah County Commissioner Diane McKeel to talk about how this question has been answered in their city.

Read Article

Cities

Q in Portlandia

by Q Ideas

Q is excited to be in Portland today for our fifth annual gathering. We pulled up stakes and headed west this year because we believe this city represents what the future of American social culture might look like. For those who couldn't be with us in Portland this year, we wanted you to catch a glimpse of what we'll be doing and hearing and discussing this week.

Read Article

Gospel

Veneer: Living Deeply in a Surface Society

by Q Ideas

Since our inception, Q has been committed to producing content that changes the way Christians think and interact with culture. Today, we're excited to announce the third trade book in this tradition. Veneer: Living Deeply in a Surface Society challenges readers to root their identity in God, rediscover the beauty of human contact and rest comfortably in our flawed reality.

Read Article

Church

Why I Invited Imam Feisal to be Interviewed at Q

by Gabe Lyons

Tensions continue to rise between Christians and Muslims in America. There is no indication that these raging debates are going away anytime soon. So at Q this week, Gabe Lyons will interview Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf of the “Ground Zero Mosque." Some who don’t like or agree with the Imam’s positions have questioned this decision. Here's why we're taking it on.

Read Article

Education

Treating Students Like Customers: Interview

by Laura Palmer Noone

Does a for-profit model of higher education make sense in a globalized, tech-savvy world? The former President of the University of Phoenix thinks so. As the one who led Phoenix to become the nation's largest private university, she discusses her controversial model and the reactions she gets when promoting it.

Read Article

Business

Vocation Needs No Justification

The Story of a Story

by Steven Garber

If the good things in our world are truly gifts from God, then everything changes. Seeing the world in this way makes vocations of all sorts equally important to the work of God in the world, as each one contributes to the common good and the flourishing of life. Steve Garber of The Washington Institute reminds us that one's vocation--whatever it might be--is a conduit of God's grace to a wounded world.

Read Article

Gospel

The Prodigal's Father Shouldn't Have Run

Putting the Famous Parable in Context

by Matthew Williams

Most of us have missed a critical aspect of one of Jesus' most famous parables. Author and professor Matthew Williams says the secret to discovery is reading the familiar story from an ancient Middle Eastern perspective. When we read this parable in context, he says, we uncover an important truth about the Christian gospel.

Read Article

Business

Prophetic Advertising

What we can learn from the oft-maligned world of advertising

by Sam Van Eman

Advertising isn't always cast in the most positive light. A barrage of images assaults us through commercials, billboards and radio jingles, and the way we feel advertisers manipulate reality to motivate us against our will breeds skepticism. But Author Sam Van Eman proposes that advertising is actually more than pictures and pleas. It's a prophet--one who never really says anything we didn't already know but publicly names our pain in order to awaken our need for hopeful solutions.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

God, Freedom, and "The Adjustment Bureau"

by Russell Moore

Watching the trailer for “The Adjustment Bureau,” you might sense you’ve seen this film before. You have, kind of. The thriller follows the same narrative pathways as such previous films as “The Matrix,” “The Truman Show,” and “Inception.” Hollywood never makes the same movie only once, if that movie makes money, so this is hardly surprising. But Russell Moore says the real question is why movies about escaping from an illusory universe, of recapturing free will, resonate with filmmakers and moviegoers?

Read Article

Business

Is it Wrong to Pursue a Profit?

by Kenman Wong

That the primary goal of business is to earn a profit has reached the status of unquestioned cultural assumption. Some churches have also reduced the value of the work of business people in their congregations to supplying the wealth needed to fund proper “kingdom” work. But is the primacy of profit healthy for followers of Jesus? Author and professor Kenman Wong explores.

Read Article

Government

Should Christians Support the Bombing of Libya?

We Must Fight Oppression, But How?

by Jonathan Merritt

When a man like Muammar Gaddafi insists on oppressing Libyans and is even willing to kill his own people, how should followers of a peace- and justice-loving Jesus respond? How can we do justice in this situation and still be the peacemakers Jesus asks us to be? Jonathan Merritt says the answer is not an easy one.

Read Article

Church

The Idolatry of Our Personal Opinions

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

Are we experiencing a “tendency to coddle our personal opinions?” Kristin Vander Giessen-Reitsma explores the idea of personal opinions in light of the postmodern belief system.

Read Article

Government

Republocrat

Carl Trueman on Public Witness

by Chris Donato and Carl R. Trueman

Carl Trueman is said to have many views that would be considered oxymoronic by folks on the left and right. Chris Donato sat down with him and opened the discussion on his views on secularism in America and Europe, talk radio, ways to become a more informed citizen and these "oxymoronic" views that he possesses.

Read Article

Cities

What Skyscrapers Tell Us...About Us

by Jonathan Merritt

Skyscrapers have always been storytellers. Draw up next to a historic building and you’ll hear tales of the time in which they were constructed. You’ll learn about architecture and innovation. But today’s skyscrapers speak about more than a bygone era. They tell us about a people, about ourselves.

Read Article

Church

Still Uneasy After All These Years

The Legacy of Carl Henry

by Russell Moore

It's a little book by a dead man from the last generation, and it just might be the road-map for the future of American Christianity. Carl F.H. Henry's 1947 book "The Uneasy Conscience of Modern Fundamentalism's" importance might not seem obvious in a digital whirling world of contemporary Christians, but the issues Henry raised over sixty years ago are more relevant than ever. Russell Moore explores the legacy of the late theologian Carl F.H. Henry.

Read Article

Church

Becoming Friends or Remaining Fools

The Problem of Modern Racisim

by JR Kerr

“I do not imagine that the white and black race will ever live in any country upon any equal footing. But I believe the difficulty to be still greater in the United States then anywhere else." De Tocqueville offered these comments in his famous treatise regarding the current and future promise of the United States when he visited America early on in her history. Race, it seems, has been a central part of our story as a nation from the very beginning. JR Kerr shares his personal reflection on modern racism.

Read Article

Cities

The Five Ministry Fronts in the City

by Tim Keller

The grace and kingdom emphases of the gospel compel us to be city-centric, and no one ministers to the city better than Tim Keller and Redeemer Presbyterian in New York. But what makes this community so successful in a place where others have failed? Tim Keller shares five ministry fronts that have contributed to Redeemer's successes.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Oscars 2011: Cautionary Tales

by Craig Detweiler

The King’s Speech is a favorite to win best picture at this year's Academy Awards. But are the darker, thornier Oscar nominees more likely to resonate in years to come? Craig Detweiler probes this year's cinematic "cautionary tales."

Read Article

Church

The Lost Art of Conversation

by Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma

In an age of increasing diversity and stronger calls for tolerance, we are further from knowing the stories of the people with whom our paths cross only once in a lifetime or daily. Instead, we converse more often only with those with whom we share particular interests, becoming pot bound as our roots circle in on themselves. Kirstin Vander Giessen-Reitsma says recovering the lost art of conversation has the power to create surprising connections, challenge our assumptions and heal loneliness.

Read Article

Gospel

Scot McKnight on Living the One.Life

by Q Ideas and Scot McKnight

Like so many today, theologian Scot McKnight says the version of Christianity he was taught in his youth is fixated on personal piety while ignoring our calling to broadly shape culture. He argues that Jesus called believers to establish a world of justice, compassion, and peace. While these ideas aren't new, Scot's articulation of them are fresh and disarming. QIdeas sat down with him to ask about what he calls the One.Life.

Read Article

Government

Can We Learn Positively from Karl Marx?

by Q Ideas

Karl Marx (1818-1883) is one of the most despised figures among conservative Christians in America—indeed, among conservatives in general. But can one still learn from a person they fundamentally disagree with as much as this man? Carl R. Trueman, a professor at Westminster Theological Seminary who “relishes the writings of Karl Marx,” says we can.

Read Article

Gospel

A Hidden Mural, A Reminder of God's Resources

by Margaret Feinberg

Rhodri and Angie Powell of Milverton, Somerest (UK) discovered a priceless 500-year-old mural of King Henry VIII while working on a DIY remodel of their living room. Author Margaret Feinberg explores how their story of discovery is a metaphor for God's resources in our own lives.

Read Article

Government

Reagan at 100: If I Could Ask Him One Question ...

by Ken Coleman

Ronald Reagan was a President of vast influence by any reckoning, but especially so among the American Christian community. On the occasion of his 100th birthday, Ken Coleman of OneQuestionWith.com shares what he's itching to ask the late leader.

Read Article

Cities

It's All About the Neighborhood

by Aaron Fortner

The Church is abuzz today about reaching cities, but “impacting cities” can sound like an insurmountable task. How can one person or one church shape a bustling metropolis like New York, Atlanta, or Dallas? City planner Aaron Fortner says the secret can be summed up in one word: neighborhoods.

Read Article

Church

Waiting for Good

Change Takes Time, But Do We Have the Patience?

by Erik Lokkesmoe

Change often takes time, but endurance is an uncommon trait today. In our clamorous and rootless society, bravado is potent and expectations are high; great things are expected to happen quickly. How can we nurture a patient, persistent cultural vision in such a world? Erik Lokkesmoe believes two vintners may hold the answer.

Read Article

Church

What Does Being Countercultural Look Like?

by Gabe Lyons

The term "counterculture" was popularized in the West during the 1960s when it was used to label the movement to oppose the Vietnam war in the United States and England. But the next Christians are also countercultural, though they look nothing like the peace-loving protesters of the mid-twentieth century. How are Christian leaders being countercultural, and why do their lifestyles give us hope for the future of our faith?

Read Article

Government

Arizona Shooting Ignites Discourse Debate

by Jonathan Merritt

In a turn of events none could have predicted, a six-person killing breathed life into a national debate about public discourse. Q Editor Jonathan Merritt argues that we find ourselves living in a culture of coarseness in great need of a more civil public square.

Read Article

Social Sector

Haiti One Year Later: The Quake and Haitian Spirituality

by Gerald Murray

It's been one year since a devastating earthquake hit Haiti, stealing hundreds of thousands of lives. Much of the media attention has focused on human suffering, the almost imperceptible recovery, and the international politics of the world’s response to the tragedy. But are we overlooking the spiritual dimension of these events? Anthropologist Gerald Murray investigates how Haitian theology has influenced the response to this tragedy.

Read Article

Church

The Next Christians

by Gabe Lyons

Synthesizing a never–before–heard analysis of the dynamics underway, Gabe Lyons carefully articulates what he has learned from years of interviews, research and focus group conversations about the next iteration of cultural engagement. He shares a few of the marks of a new generation of Christians that are turning the unChristian perception problem on its head.

View Video

Church

A Writer for Restless Hearts: Discerning C.S. Lewis' Legacy

by Bruce Edwards

Now well past his 100th birthday, C.S. Lewis is still baptizing writers’ imaginations, inoculating seminarians against foolish heterodoxies, and punctuating pulpiteers’ otherwise bland sermons with metaphorically rich quotations from his works. What is the mark of this much beloved Christian writer and thinker on contemporary audiences? C.S. Lewis scholar and author Bruce Edwards considers his lasting legacy.

Read Article

Education

The Globalization of Higher Education: An Interview with Ben Wildavsky

by Ben Wildavsky

In the business world, the globalization trend is so well-known that it’s a cliché. But a lesser-known -- and equally important -- phenomenon is the globalization of higher education. Ben Wildavsky, former education editor of U.S. News & World Report describes “the new university globalization.”

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Ten Most Transcendent Films of the Last Decade

by Brett McCracken

As we enter the second decade of the second millennium AD, Q is pausing to look back on the last ten years. In the fourth of this multi-post series, author and film critic Brett McCracken considers the cinematic gems of the last decade that embodied the aches, fears, and hopes that audiences felt during that time.

Read Article

Media

Ten Most Beautiful Books I Read During the Last Decade

by Margaret Feinberg

As we enter the second decade of the second millennium AD, Q is pausing to look back on the last ten years. In the third of this multi-post series, author Margaret Feinberg considers the books that she couldn't put down during this decade.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Ten Most Praiseworthy Albums of the Last Decade

by Josh Jackson

As we enter the second decade of the second millennium AD, Q is pausing to look back on the last ten years. In the second of this multi-post series, Paste magazine co-founder and editor-in-chief, Josh Jackson, considers the albums from this decade that should really make us sing.

Read Article

Cities

Ten Most Significant Cultural Trends of the Last Decade

by Andy Crouch

Because there is no year 0, a decade runs from 01/01 - 12/10. As we enter the second decade of the second millennium AD, Q is pausing to look back on the last ten years. In the first of this multi-post series, author Andy Crouch considers the cultural trends that most significantly changed our world.

Read Article

Church

Can "Church" Happen Online?

by Jonathan Merritt

In recent years, "internet churches" have been growing in popularity. But can Christ followers gather via the internet in a way that would build the type of community intended for a New Testament church? Is it appropriate to call an internet community a "church?" Jonathan Merritt explores.

Read Article

Church

Surprising Christmas Perspectives from Lewis and Bonhoeffer

by Q Ideas

C.S. Lewis (1898 - 1963) and Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 - 1945) are two of the most influential Christian thinkers of the last quarter millennium. But what did they think about Christmas? The truth may surprise you.

Read Article

Church

How to Win the War on Christmas: Stop Fighting It

by Jonathan Merritt

A web site launched by the conservative mega-church, First Baptist Dallas, is the latest defensive in the ongoing "War on Christmas." But is waging war an effective way for Christians to engage culture this time of year? Jonathan Merritt says a closer look reveals that the "War on Christmas" is both hypocritical and counterproductive.

Read Article

Government

Four Faces of Global Christianity

Religion's Influence in International Politics

by Q Ideas

Christianity may be wheezing in America, but the faith is expanding around the world. Yet, few seem to be talking about the cultural and political implications of such a shift. A recent article in Foreign Affairs, however, recently probed the political effects of the Christian faith on international politics. Take a look at four faces of global Christianity.

Read Article

Social Sector

Activism After Clicktivism

by Micah White

For over a decade, revolutionaries and culture jammers have been paralyzed by the computer screen. We've come to rely far too heavily on a particular form of internet organizing: clicktivism. But activists are realizing that clicktivism will never breed social revolution. Is internet organizing in decline and, if so, what does that mean for revolutionaries? Writer and activist Micah White explores what's next.

Read Article

Media

MTV and the Future of Music Media

by Brett McCracken

Looks like MTV is back in the music video business. Now they won't just be airing music videos; they'll be funding them. With LCD Soundsystem "Pow Pow" video, the network that killed the radio star has opted back in to the business of making video stars, in a more direct way than ever. Writer Brett McCracken explores MTV's new project and what it means for the future of music media.

Read Article

Government

Interview with Bush Speechwriter Michael Gerson

Former aide speaks out on Tea Party, Bush legacy, and future of the religous right

by Jonathan Merritt

Michael Gerson is a conservative Christian who served as George W. Bush’s chief speechwriter and senior aide from 2001 to 2006. His new book, City of Man: Religion and Politics in a New Era, has created a stir among both secular and religious leaders. So Q editor, Jonathan Merritt, decided to spend a moment with Gerson to collect his insights on the future of faith in the public square.

Read Article

Church

Marriage: Broken, In Need of Restoration

by Mark Regnerus

A new study by Pew Research Center states that the percentage of married Americans is declining, the share that's cohabiting is up, and nearly four in ten say marriage is becoming "obsolete." Clearly, this is a sign of the brokenness, but what do we make of it? Sociologist Mark Regnerus sheds light on this study and gives two reasons why marriage is becoming less common.

Read Article

Science + Tech

The Moral Dimension of Technology

by Kevin Kelly

What role should technology play in our lives? Is technology just a distracting toy box that adds static to an already noisy life or can it be redemptive? Kevin Kelly, co-founder of Wired Magazine, says technology properly used can magnify our talents and the possibility for restoration.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Those Who Can Fix Anything: Restoring Through City Planning

by Aaron Fortner

Every element of our built environment can be designed in a way that either facilitates connections or hinders them. The places we live, work, play or worship can and should be designed to maximize connectivity. City planner Aaron Fortner believes God’s desire for connections goes far beyond just the physical arrangement of things.

Read Article

Government

Why the Christian Right Was Noticeably Absent in This Election

by Gabe Lyons and Jonathan Merritt

Most the votes have been counted and it seems the GOP has made historic gains in Congress. These numbers shouldn’t be a complete shock to those who have been watching the election coverage. But what may surprise you is the noticeable absence of the Christian right during these midterms. Gabe Lyons and Jonathan Merritt comment on why things have changed.

Read Article

Church

How Christian Consumers Ruin Pastors and Cheat the Mission of God

by Ed Stetzer

Millions of Americans live in the shadow of churches that have become consumer Christian centers, but pastors are ruined and the mission of God is cheated when consumers enjoy goods and services from their local church. How so? Ed Stetzer, President of LifeWay Research, says it is partly due to "pastoral codependency."

Read Article

Church

A Third Way in the "Christian Nation" Debate

by Gabe Lyons

A new study showing that most Tea Partiers say America is a "Christian nation" has reignited an age-old argument about our nation's roots. Recently, however, a third way has emerged among a surprising demographic: younger Christians. Gabe Lyons discusses how a new generation is threading the needle on this divisive debate.

Read Article

Media

Media and The Mind of Christ

How we see the world precedes what we do

by Skye Jethani

Christian leadership begins not with what we do in the world, but with how we see the world. Writer Skye Jethani says we desperately need a new vision of reality, a third lens that transcends the polarization of our culture. We need media that can help us see the world through the mind of Christ.?? Could the answer be The Third Post?

Read Article

Church

A Telling Confession Off I-10 Eastbound

by Gabe Lyons

In a fit of honesty or perhaps confession, a Christian church in Texas admitted last week that they’ve been anything but Christian. Christ Covenant Church in Beaumont purchased a prominent billboard on which they posted the following message: “What a bunch of jerks!” More than mere messaging, Gaby Lyons says it's representative of a new mindset emerging that might change the negative perceptions many have about our faith.

Read Article

Science + Tech

Science and Religion: Why Our Beliefs Matter

by Rusty Pritchard

Is American religion on the defensive due to science's advances? Should Christians fear the study of the natural world? One Christian thinker argues we should actually be more afraid that how we're framing the issue gives anti-religionists the ammunition they need to “debunk” our apologetics.

Read Article

Church

Gabe Lyons and the Next Christians

Ed Stetzer Interviews Q Founder on New Book

by Ed Stetzer

Q Founder Gabe Lyons releases his new book The Next Christians: The Good News About the End of Christian America (Doubleday), which powerfully examines the future of the Christian faith in America. Last week, author and missiologist Ed Stetzer sat down with Gabe to interview him about the book and some its intriguing assertions.

Read Article

Social Sector

Does the Earth Care If You Drive a Hybrid?

by Rusty Pritchard

A Nobel-prize-winning physicist claims that the earth is resilient and humans actions don't affect it in the long run. Is this true, and even if it is, should humans--and specifically, Christians--still live as stewards in the here-and-now? A leading natural resource economist and Christian environmentalist responds.

Read Article

Gospel

Is the Orphan My Neighbor?

Why justice for the fatherless is worth the risk

by Russell Moore

Orphans are unpredictable. Often we don’t know where they’ve come from, what kind of genetic maladies and urges lie dormant somewhere in those genes. For these reasons, fear has become an obstacle to addressing orphans. A leading theologian and adoption advocate says we must fill in the gap left by a contemporary Western consumer culture that extends even to the fatherless.

Read Article

Government

What We Need This Election Season: A Radical Christian Center

by Steve Monsma

We are now entering into one of the most partisan election seasons of the last decade. Many are declaring political war as partisan pleas fill the airwaves. How should Christians who are committed to the common good assert themselves? One political expert says we must become radically centrist.

Read Article

Church

Will "Radical" Christianity Have Any Effect on the American Church?

by Jonathan Merritt

Over-sized mansions, super-sized French fries, and sport utility vehicles. These are the marks of contemporary America, and we’re proud of them. After all, these are the tangible products of the “American dream,” a concept that promotes ingenuity and hard work as the means to financial abundance. But a new generation of American faithful is questioning whether such things are inconsistent with the Christian Gospel. Will this “radical” Christianity have any real effect on the American Church?

Read Article

Church

Are Some Places "Sacred Spaces?"

by Kary Oberbrunner

Ancient mystics held a unique belief that the Divine inhabited certain geographic regions in a more significant manner than others. This phenomenon has been called holy ground, thin places, or sacred spaces. But is God present everywhere at the same time in the same manner or does he wait to reveal himself in special ways in certain spaces?

Read Article

Science + Tech

Miracles: Are Science and Faith Irreconcilably Separated?

by Q Ideas

Eighty-four percent of Americans say they believe in so-called “miracles,” defined as “an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause. “ But many scientists reject the possibility of such things because, by their very definition, they require a violation of the known laws of nature. Is the wall of separation between scientists and the religious on this issue too high to climb?

Read Article

Church

The Mark of a Schaefferite

The Lasting Legacy of Francis Schaeffer

by Barry Hankins

Christian scholars cherish his thinking, culture warriors laud his political engagement, and Newsweek called him "The Guru of Fundamentalism." The late Francis Schaeffer is often quoted and much revered among Christians, but some contest his nature of his contribution. Who was this man and why has he left such an impression on us? Schaeffer scholar Barry Hankins explores his life and legacy.

Read Article

Education

Which American Cities are Education Reform-Friendly?

by Q Ideas

We all want better educations for our communities and children. But are some cities more “reform-friendly” than others? A new study by The Thomas B. Fordham Institute in conjunction with the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research says so. Who made it to the top of the list, and what does this mean for restorers and educational entrepreneurs?

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

The Creativity Crisis

by Jonathan Merritt

For the first time, research shows that American creativity is declining. Experts note that creativity has risen in America until 1990 when it began falling, and some blame technology and our educational system. Should we be worried, and how does the Christian faith inform the way we respond?

Read Article

Church

The Muslim-Christian Debate: What We're Missing

by Gabe Lyons

Recent events have once again pitted the Muslim and Christian communities against each other. Should we grant freedom to those who hold to Judeo-Christian beliefs and force all others out or should we be looking for common ground with our Muslim neighbors? Q founder Gabe Lyons thinks we're missing something.

Read Article

Government

A Christian Response to the Ground Zero Mosque

by Sarah Cunningham

According to a recent CNN poll, two-thirds of Americans oppose the proposed 13-story Muslim cultural complex two blocks from the site of the fallen World Trade Center (WTC). But how should followers of Jesus respond? A former 9/11 relief worker and author responds.

Read Article

Church

Brian McLaren: "Conversations on Being a Heretic"

by Gabe Lyons

Ever since Brian McLaren released his bestselling book, A Generous Orthodoxy, he has become a lightning rod of controversy. While some Christians have warmed up to and even defended McLaren’s theological evolution as paving the way for the future of the Church, the voices shouting "heresy" are undeniably loud. We decided to give Brian a chance to speak for himself and respond to the naysayers.

Read Article

Business

Should Christians Be in the "Business" of Selling Scripture?

by Glenn Paauw

Today, Bibles have become big business. Publishers operating in market-driven models, targeting spiritual consumers, and specializing in niche product development have transformed the distribution of our sacred scriptures. But should we be buying and selling the things of God? A publisher for a leading Bible press explores.

Read Article

Church

Church: Marketing a Non-Commercial Message?

by Brett McCracken

The church today has a weakness for numbers. But what happens to our faith when we turn it into a "product" to sell? What does it mean to package Christianity in a methodical manner so as to make it salient to as wide an audience as possible? What does Christianity lose when it becomes just one piece of a consumer transaction? According to Brett McCracken, these are questions that the brand managers of “cool Christianity” would do well to consider.

Read Article

Church

Anne Rice Quits Christianity, Identifies with Growing Sentiment

by Q Ideas

The vampire novelist declared last week that she "quit being a Christian" because she can't support what being Christian has come to represent. Is Rice alone in her feelings? Or is she expressing an increasingly common sentiment—even among the faithful—that Christianity as we now see it expressed has strayed from its historic roots?

Read Article

Church

Is True Friendship Dying Away?

by Q Ideas

Aristotle once observed that close friends “share salt together.” More than seasoning their food at a common table, the Greek philosopher believed that true friends share life with each other. Are we experiencing the kind of friendship Aristotle describes today? A USA Today article and recent research indicates that true friendship may be dying away.

Read Article

Social Sector

A Comprehensive Approach to the Orphan Crisis

by Johnny Carr

Many Christians are capturing a vision for orphan care and adoption. But according to a leading adoption advocate, we don't always get it right. The answer is not building more orphanages or relying only on inter-country adoption. We need a comprehensive strategy for getting the 163 million orphans and vulnerable children into loving homes.

Read Article

Church

What role should the Bible have in society?

by Q Ideas

How should we interpret the Bible as God's word for our culture today?

Read Article

Media

Infotaining Ourselves To Death

by Brett McCracken

Is technology, and pop culture, and the leveling of information and entertainment creating a world of trivial hyperreality wherein the “important” and “superfluous” are increasingly difficult to tell apart? If so, is it something we need to be worried about?

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Can Art Transcend Words?

by Q Ideas

Georgia O'Keefe once famously remarked, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn't say any other way - things I had no words for.” Does art have the ability to transcend words? The Haiti Poster Project informs us about this important cultural medium.

Read Article

Government

Putting a Face on The Bomb

by Tyler Wigg-Stevenson

Problems like nuclear weapons are impersonal, defiantly faceless. Even the imagery is pervasively inhuman: from the sleek, sterile profiles of bombs to the roaring mushroom cloud caused by their detonation. But does the nuclear issue need a “face?” If so, a new documentary about the impending danger might be a providential act of timeliness.

Read Article

Social Sector

In Praise of Dissent

by Jonathan Merritt

Humans unfortunately have a tendency to accept the status quo and go along with prevailing opinion. But could it be that society needs dissent? What if thoughtful disagreement was actually a springboard to new ideas, fresh thinking, and better solutions?

Read Article

Church

Incarnational Ministry

by Q Ideas

What made Jesus so amazing was not just that he was an eloquent, adroit speaker who had mastered the law. It was his willingness to take those skills into the darkest, most broken places and put them to work among the helpless, hungry, and hurting.Q spotlights an organization that is following the same pattern.

Read Article

Government

The Birth of Two Kingdoms: A Fourth of July Reflection

by Greg Boyd

America's sixth President, John Quincy Adams, believed that Independence Day was the most venerated holiday next to the birthday of Jesus. Why? According to Adams, the birth of America was the beginning of the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission in the world. Author Greg Boyd reflects on this notion and challenges the widespread belief that political ideals are a formula for the Kingdom of God.

Read Article

Media

Do You Want Better Journalism?

You might be the key to more trustworthy news media.

by Q Ideas

Got a problem with the state of news media today? Do you think it is too biased? Dan Gillmor says maybe it’s our own fault. The Arizona State University professor and author of We the Media: Grassroots Journalism by the People, for the People believes that a standard of trustworthy journalism can be achieved, but only if consumers get involved.

Read Article

Science + Tech

Born to Sin

What can science teach us about bad behavior?

by Jonathan Merritt

In 1984, Van Halen released their sixth album with eye-catching cover art featuring an angelic baby . . . casually smoking a cigarette. It raised a profound, theological question about the nature of human beings: Does even a seemingly innocent child possess an innate predisposition for bad behavior (aka "sin”)? It's a question that theologians and anthropologists struggled with long before the 1980's, and one that was recently revisited in the June 2010 issue of BBC Knowledge.

Read Article

Church

Are We Facing a Faster Future?

by Q Ideas

More than a decade ago, journalist James Gleick delivered a lecture at Duke University's Sanford Institute of Public Policy mocking Western society’s obsession with saving time. Things have changed since Gleick delivered his address, but few would argue that most our life-pace has continued to rise. But is this future set in stone? Some now question whether this is the best social framework.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Old School Becomes Art

A lesson on restoration

by Q Ideas

What are piles of outdated technology like cassette tapes, 8mm film and VHS good for these days? According to Atlanta artist Erika Iris Simmons, they make stunning portraits of iconic figures. Simmons’ art gives the world more than a new aesthetic. Her work illustrates that there is beauty buried within even  seemingly worthless artifacts.

Read Article

Government

The War, the Wall, and the Well

Three symbols of America's enduring struggles

by Chris Heuertz

Martin Luther King, Jr. named three sins of our nation that were intrinsically complicit in fueling a pre-civil rights America: militarism, racism and materialism. Chris Heuertz argues that in post-civil rights America, we are wading through the murky waters of the same sins MLK named, and they are being realized in three symbols: the war, the wall and the well.

Read Article

Church

The New Face of American Evangelicalism

by Q Ideas

One would be hard pressed to find a sociologist or Western historian who would deny that Christians in America—specifically, so-called “evangelicals”—have not been a force with which to be reckoned in the last 30 years. It seems, however, that as the faces of that movement are changing, their agendas might be as well. Dan Harris, senior correspondent for ABC World News, recently sat down with some rising Christian leaders at this year’s Q Conference in Chicago to talk about where the Christian movement is headed.

Read Article

Business

Millennials in the Workplace

by Q Ideas

When Tom from the film (500) Days of Summer was asked why he had never achieved his dream of becoming an architect, his response dripped with sarcasm: “I guess I just figured, why make something disposable like a building when you can make something that lasts forever, like a greeting card.” Tom's words are more than a smart line in a great movie. They're emblematic of the way a new generation of employees are approaching the workplace.

Read Article

Gospel

Advancing the Common Good

by Jon Tyson

A lot of people today talk about the "common good"--a term coined by Aristotle, popularized by Thomas Aquinas, and defined as “the most good for all people.” But what does this ancient idea look like in contemporary culture? Pastor and author Jon Tyson paints a picture of how this concept can shine in a pluralistic, postmodern society.

View Video

Social Sector

Social Activism

by Antonio Carlos Costa

What does activism look like in the life of a Christian? From Wilberforce to Martin Luther King Jr., Christians have an array of forbears to which to look for wisdom. Should we expose the evil in the world through an all out cultural assault or slowly and methodically work towards systemic solutions to  corruption? In Brazil, Antonio Carlos Costa has had to decide that for himself, and the result is truly inspiring.

View Video

Church

Bonhoeffer

by Eric Metaxas

As Adolf Hitler and the Nazis seduced a nation, bullied a continent and attempted to exterminate the Jews of Europe, a small number of dissidents and saboteurs worked to dismantle the Third Reich from the inside. One of these was Dietrich Bonhoeffer—a pastor and author. After writing the first biography on him in over forty years, Eric Metaxas ensures we remember a man determined to do the will of God radically, courageously and joyfully - even to the point of death.

View Video

Cities

Getting the Portland Vibe

by Tom Krattenmaker and Kevin Palau

If you want to see what the future of American social culture might look like, head west. This presentation brings to you ground zero of our post-Christian culture in the form of Portland, Oregon. Local Portlanders and good friends, Tom Krattenmaker and Kevin Palau, let you in on their private coffee conversations. How is God moving in Portland? What are the dynamics at play that movements in other cities might resemble? Most important, why must we all experience Portland to prepare for future cultural shifts?

View Video

Business

Collaborating in Community

by Charles Lee

So much hype around the idea of collaboration, but what is it really? How do we work alongside others and advance their projects even if it doesn’t advance our own? The opportunity for cultural goods and ideas to move forward, based purely on an ability to create collaborative environments, is tremendous. If Andy Crouch’s maxim—that culture is created in groups of two or three, and made better by twelve—is true, it’s helpful to know how all that works—practically—for the everyday leader or entrepreneur.

View Video

Science + Tech

The Humanity of the Robot

by Rosalind Picard

Why would one attempt to build robots with emotional abilities? Should humans feel threatened by technology that looks like us and functions in ways some claim only humans should? MIT robotics professor Rosalind PIcard shares some of the latest developments in robotics while considering what it means to be human.

View Video

Restorers

The Story of Justice

by Gregg Helvey

When Gregg Helvey graduated from the film school at the University of Southern California, he had no idea that he'd win an Oscar. Yet his film Kavi snatched up two nominations and one golden statue thanks to his commitment to telling "important stories." Having come on the heels of Slumdog Millionaire’s success, Kavi has ensured the injustice of Indian culture remains in the fore for those concerned with human rights.

View Video

Arts + Entertainment

Art for the Common Good

by Dayton Castleman

Art has the ability to arrest us—causing us to pause, take a second look and reflect. When applied to a public canvas using large-scale sculptures or riveting art installations, the reactions are even more nuanced. Peek inside the mind of Dayton Castleman, an artist who prefers to work in site-specific constructive art and who hails from a family of pastors, authors and theologians. What does aesthetic stewardship look like in a world desperate for beauty and meaning?

View Video

Church

Conversations on Being a Heretic

by Scot McKnight and Brian McLaren

It’s no secret. Some Christian leaders have been adamant, and others speculative, that Brian McLaren’s views are heretical. In this Q conversation, Scot McKnight will explore what all the outrage is about, asking Brian to clarify his views on matters consequential to theology and the church. Brian will have ample opportunity to respond to questions he’s never before answered as the two model civility in a discussion with serious implications.

View Video

Restorers

Relief and Redevelopment

by Roger Sandberg

With natural disasters looming as a constant yet unforeseeable threat in our own land and to our global neighbors, how can we best participate in long-term recovery? In this presentation, Roger Sandberg, Vice President of Medair International, will help us chart out the difference between rescue, relief and redevelopment efforts and give us a scope for where the American church can contribute to these efforts in the most sustainable ways.

View Video

Restorers

Discover the Rescued

by Soledad O'Brien and Jonathan Olinger

Through the power of a documentary platform, the lives of two Haitian orphans are elevated and their stories told. CNN correspondent Soledad O’Brien and Jonathan Olinger of "Discover the Journey" open the world’s eyes to the complexities of caring for children in the midst of one of the greatest disasters the world has ever seen.

View Video

Restorers

Responding to Our Fatherhood Crisis

by Roland Warren

The federal government spends $100 billion dollars every year on programs such as child support enforcement and anti-poverty efforts directed at supporting father-absent homes. What happened to fatherhood in America? Over 25 million children live apart from their biological fathers—contributing to poor maternal and infant health, incarceration, crime, teen pregnancy, child abuse, drug and alcohol abuse and lack of education. How can Christians address this crisis?

View Video

Science + Tech

Overcoming the Faith and Science Divide

by Alister McGrath

When a faithful scientist carefully confronts the new atheists about their embarrassing ignorance of Christian theology, is the attitude of the church toward modern science a help or a hindrance? Alister McGrath, a former atheist and scientist, now a prominent theologian, shares his inside perspective on the benefits of Christians and science getting along.

View Video

Church

Observing the Sabbath

by Matthew Sleeth

Are Christians really supposed to keep the Sabbath, or is that just an Old Testament idea with no meaning in our world today? If we did, what would be the effect on our families, our health, our consumption and our world? Matthew Sleeth helps us imagine what role the Sabbath might play in a restored life in the twenty-first century.

View Video

Church

Recovering the Ancient Practices

by Phyllis Tickle

In the busyness of life today, many Christians lose sight of the disciplines, or practices, that keep them grounded. Participating in culture as salt and light demands an anchor point found only in the disciplined life. A few of these practices carry serious countercultural weight in a consumer-driven society.

View Video

Church

What Role Should the Bible Have in Society?

by Tim Keller and Alister McGrath and Brian McLaren

Interpreting the Bible has become a divisive issue for some and little more than sport for others. Some want to talk about the “authority” of Scripture. They’re asking questions like, “How is the Bible authoritative in our lives today?” Others are wondering if the word “inerrancy” is making a comeback. Is it? Or is the term only useful for theological debates, to separate those who are “in” and those who are “out”? How then should we interpret the Bible as God’s word for our culture today?

View Video

Church

Saving Marriage Before it Starts

by Mark Regnerus

While Christians often bemoan the state of marriage in America and groan about shifting sexual norms, there are structural reasons—some that have nothing inherently to do with sex or marriage—that have accelerated such changes. It’s actually become socially more difficult—not just personally more challenging—to withhold sex before marriage. Recognizing the economics and market dynamics of modern romantic relationships can make all the difference. Hear how you can save marriage before it starts.

View Video

Gospel

Engaging Islam

by Buddy Hoffman

Currently, roughly one in four humans is a Muslim and the religion of Islam is growing faster than any other world religion today. Its new worldwide dominance combined with predictions of future growth (largely based on birth rates alone) show Islam overtaking Christianity by 2035 in its total number of adherents. What is it about Islam that is so attractive to the spiritual seeker? Is there allowance within Islam to be a true follower of Jesus? And is it possible to share the Good News of Jesus to our Muslim friends through the Koran itself?

View Video

Gospel

Did Jesus Preach the Gospel?

by Scot McKnight

The most influential piece of literature in the twentieth century was the gospel tract. Why? Because it reduced the gospel to sound bytes and because it has framed how many Christians now understand the gospel message. What might surprise us is that the central idea of Jesus’ teaching—the coming kingdom of God—does not appear in any of the gospel tracts. Why is that? Have we only relied on Paul’s version of the gospel? Is it possible, many are asking, to combine the gospel of Paul with the gospel of Jesus? Which leads to this question: What is the gospel? And to this one: Did Jesus himself preach the gospel or not?

View Video

Restorers

Being Provoked to Engage

by Jo Saxton

For decades, it’s been described as “holy” and “disciplined” for Christians to remove themselves from anything corrupt, evil or broken about society. But Christians are left wondering how to navigate the terrain of being salt and light in a twenty-first century world. How are followers of Christ called to respond to sin and corruption found all around them? Do we run towards it or preserve our purity and holiness in the midst of a fallen world?

View Video

Arts + Entertainment

The Evolution of a Voice

by Bryan Coley

Oftentimes we hear that culture is shaped by the arts, but few of us understand how that really takes place. Bryan, a veteran screenwriter and playwright, brings twenty years of film and entertainment experience to the discussion, illustrating how the arts have shaped society’s attitudes, beliefs and behaviors over the last forty years. He’ll conclude by describing the opportunities and pitfalls for Christians bold enough to engage the medium.

View Video

Education

The Future of Education

by Sajan George

A century-old debate continues to rage on in America about how best to educate our children. Some insist privatization is the solution while others fight for the neighborhood school to be reinvigorated—offering equal earning opportunities and no child left behind. But is America forever to lose ground to emerging giants like China and India who only need to educate a fraction of their population well to flood the world with the next generation of innovation, creativity and promise? How could American education, like American culture, become dominant in the global world again? Is it possible?

View Video

Cities

The Church and the City

by Charles Jenkins and JR Kerr

The church should be a positive force for advancing the common good for all people in their city. In Chicago, this kind of work has been happening for over two centuries. From Dwight L. Moody's first efforts to care for the welfare of the port sailors and saloon keepers to today's work by leaders throughout this city of Chicago to restore and renew their society, Chicago is a model city for the conversations taking place at Q. Charles Jenkins is one leader who sits at the nexus of church, government and social action taking place throughout their city.

View Video

Church

The End of Christian America

by David Aikman

Newsweek’s April 2009 cover story pronounced “The End of Christian America.” Could it be true? Is it possible that the Judeo-Christian America many Christians have grown accustomed to is gone forever? If so, what is the fallout for the church and the average American Christian? Is there any way that the increase of pluralism in the public square could be a good thing for the faith? Historian and biographer David Aikman applies his historic lens to the new normal of American culture and offers a glimpse into what the future may hold for Christianity.

View Video

Social Sector

Rebranding Atheism

An MFA Project Turns Into a Thoughtful Rebranding of Historic Non-Belief

by Jonathan Merritt

Looks like Christians aren’t the only ones with an image problem. Atheists are now struggling with the way people perceive their movement. Find out what happens when an MFA student tries to rebrand atheism.

Read Article

Social Sector

Green Like God

by Q Ideas and Jonathan Merritt

“God is green. The idea seems bizarre, almost trivial. Yet, I'm as sure of that statement as I am that two plus two is four and the mixing of red and yellow makes orange.”

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Art: On Behalf of the Church to the World

by David Taylor

An Interview with author David Taylor about the practice of art in the church and how the church can support artists and art communities.

Read Article

Restorers

"Rescued": A Redemptive Documentary

by Q Ideas

The 7.0 earthquake in Haiti devastated millions of lives. Compassion-fatigued American's have become over saturated. The natural questions ensue. Can Haiti change? Is there hope for Haiti's most vulnerable children? Through the power of a documentary platform, the lives of two Haitian orphans are elevated and their stories told.

Read Article

Gospel

Revisting Christ and Culture with D.A. Carson

by Jonathan Dodson

A review of D.A. Carson's recent reexamination of Richard Niebuhr's seminal work.

Read Article

Government

The Immigration Question: Part Two

Framing the Discussion in Unfortunate Ways

by M. Daniel Carroll R.

What does the Arizona legislation say about us as a nation?

Read Article

Government

The Immigration Question

by Q Ideas

Last week, the state of Arizona put the immigration issue back in the headlines. And the rhetoric began heating up once again.

Read Article

Cities

One City at a Time

by Q Ideas

The story of how a few churches are impacting their city.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Buying Music vs. Playing Music

by Q Ideas



Read Article

Church

The Violence of Bees | An Easter Reflection

by Tim Willard

I ran too fast. So, I decided to make it fun and throw myself down the hill—a perfect head first grass-stain. I slid right by her. She kept running and threw herself on me, “Yeah!” her two-year old lungs bellowed. The mountains sang.

Read Article

Gospel

"How I Found God"

by Q Ideas

What does it take for a devout atheist to turn back to God? Can a 15th century painting portraying Jesus condemning people to hell really serve as a catalyst? And what happens when this atheist-turned-believer is Peter Hitchens, brother of the famous hater of religion, Christopher Hitchens?

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Don't Forget to Bleed

by Tim Willard

How mountain bikes, bruises, and banter can help us understand how to be.

Read Article

Restorers

Finding Reconciliation After Genocide

by Laura Waters Hinson

What can we learn from the forgiveness happening in Rwanda? How can the church get involved in advancing reconciliation? Filmmaker, Laura Waters Hinson converses on her film, As We Forgive, developing the craft of storytelling, and the latest projects she’s been working on.

Hear Audio

Science + Tech

A Sabbath from Technology?

by Q Ideas

Do you ever give your Blackberry a day off? Fast from Facebook? Take a time-out from Twitter? If not, you probably need to read this.

Read Article

Gospel

Epic Friendships

by JR Kerr

What does true friendship look like and why should we have it in the church?

Read Article

Gospel

Post-Christendom Mission

by Q Ideas

What should the church look like in a post-modern, post-Christian, and post-American world?

Read Article

Gospel

Friendship Evangelism

A Betrayal of Friendship

by Chris Heuertz

Become friends with people, share the gospel with them, and pray that they respond. It beats shouting through a bullhorn or handing out tracts. Is it possible, though, that it's still a betrayal of what Jesus taught us?

Read Article

Media

God Help Us

by Tim Willard

An idealist's rant about our digital culture.

Read Article

Government

A Post-American World?

by Norton Herbst

It’s been said that the world is becoming “post-American.” But is this really true? What if the twenty-first century should more accurately be called “the American century”?

Read Article

Business

A Reminder from a Sex Robot

by Gabe Lyons

What do we learn about relationships from Roxxxy, the world's first robotic sex doll?

Read Article

Church

What Healthy and Unhealthy Trends Exist in the American Church Today?

by Q Panel

As the context of our culture changes, so does the way the church chooses to interact, serve and connect with people. Bringing together experts and practitioners, we asked a panel which trends are healthy and which ones aren't. Find out what they said.

View Video

Science + Tech

Science & The Evangelical Mission In America

by Ken Wilson

Darwin. Evolution. Climate change. Imagine a scientifically-minded person who espouses these ideas visiting your church. Would they be accepted? Would their views be received as credible? Or would they feel out of place in a church setting where the culture wars are still raging? In this Q Short, Ken Wilson explores the cultural landscape of science in America and offers a new way forward for the mission of the church.Supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this report are by the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

Read Essay

Social Sector

Supporting Our Friends In Haiti

by Gabe Lyons

We've heard from many of you who are involved in the Haitian Earthquake recovery effort in significant ways. We wanted to give you a few links to those who are working on every area of this effort, from rescue and relief to long-term development.

Read Article

Church

Embracing Grace

by Q Ideas

What can we, the church, learn from the Haggard's experience about the importance of relationships, demonstrating grace, giving people a second chance and making the church a welcome place for those who are hurting?

Read Article

Science + Tech

Innovation and the Brain

by Dr. Gregory Berns

What does science say about how constraints introduced into a system can breed innovation and new ideas? What role does fear have in the iconoclast’s life? What are poor habits or better disciplines that might improve iconoclastic thinking?Supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this report are by the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

Hear Audio

Restorers

Choose Shoes

by Q Ideas

The focus of this season's TOMS campaign is "Choose Shoes." Giving gifts can always be done thoughtfully.

Read Article

Science + Tech

N.T. Wright On Managing Technology

by Gabe Lyons

Recently at our Austin Q gathering, I asked the participants to consider limiting their real-time tweets or live-blogging during sessions. Our hope was for each person to break away from the usual noise and take advantage of an opportunity to be fully present, engaged and reflective.N.T. Wright’s recent thoughts underscore the unintended consequences social media can produce.

Read Article

Restorers

An Interview with Jon Foreman

Trap Door Sun Talks with Jon Foreman of Switchfoot

by Q Ideas

Many of us have been enjoying the "seasons" EPs by Jon Foreman, but it's back to band-time. Switchfoot's Hello Hurricane debuted November 10th, 2009 and the group are touring again. Our friends at Trap Door Sun (Jason Locy & Tim Willard) caught up with Jon to discuss song writing and being marooned on an island. You can check it out here.

Read Article

Gospel

Best in the World or for the World?

by Craig Johnson

I'm always amazed by people who are the best at what they do. These are people that dedicate their life to an instrument, a sport, an invention, acting, politics, etc. I'm talking about true and raw talent. Unbridled excellence. They have reached the Gladwell "10,000-hour" mark and have mastered their craft.

Read Article

Church

Ethos of Discipleship

by Alan Hirsch

Fundamentally, obedience to Jesus is the heart and soul of Christian discipleship. In order for Christians to properly disciple, they must interpret the current culture and adapt the teachings of Jesus to the surrounding context. Listen as Alan Hirsch shares his heart for the American Church and what being a missional disciple requires.

Hear Audio

Church

Concerning the Church: Death to Innovation

by JR Kerr

What if the life of the church is not actually going to come from better or newer thinking on what it means to be the people of God? What if the life of the church begins to re-root itself in a deep commitment to the essentials of the Gospel in a way that is honest and relentless?

Read Article

Church

Concerning the Church: Church Branding Overwhelms the Cross

by JR Kerr

Recently, I was traveling into a city I am in quite often. After making my way through a crowded airport to get onto my final connecting flight, I quickly realized the only seats available were window seats. Now as a rule, I am not a "window person". The thought of being locked into a 12-inch space for a number of hours is not the least bit appealing to me. But in this case I was glad to take my seat, in hopes that the flight would be quick and there would be no need to get up.As I was gazing out of the window upon our entry into the city, I began looking at the landscape and was literally struck sideways by what I saw next.

Read Article

Church

Concerning the Church: Newton’s First Law of Motion

by JR Kerr

I was sitting in church and it hit me.Is this really it? Are we being the church God had in mind? Is this what God had in mind when he stood with his disciples in the final moments of his life on earth and told them to go into all parts of the world and declare his authority over all creation? Is this what he envisioned when declaring that the gates of Hell will not prevail against the church of Jesus Christ?

Read Article

Church

Starbucks! Apple! Church!

by Jason Locy and Tim Willard

The church has figured out what the folks at Starbucks, Diesel, Apple and countless other companies have known for a long time. Marketing works! By using the same techniques as other successful companies, the church can draw thousands into its doors each Sunday by doing one basic thing: marketing.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

When Art Offends

by Jonathan Merritt

On a recent visit to New York City, I stumbled upon a outdoor art market in Soho. Intrigued by the organic “New Yorkiness”, I stopped to encounter gritty “starving artists” with musty suitcases full of original artwork. I couldn’t help but purchase a couple of pieces and as I was leaving, I noticed one lonely artist with violent depictions of animal slaughterhouses with renderings of Jesus superimposed over them. “That is not art,” I thought, averting my eyes. “That guy shouldn’t be allowed to show that.”

Read Article

Business

The Union of Life, Work and Marriage

by Jose and Nikolle Reyes

People often ask, “What’s it like working with your spouse?” My usual response is that working with my husband is easy; it’s living with my business partner that’s hard.  



Read Article

Church

Conscious Consumption

by Skye Jethani

No one these days has to be told that Americans live in a consumeristic culture. However, in the pursuit of relevance it seems that some churches offer a redeeming message held up in lights, marketing strategies, and countless of dollars spent. Consumerism is an unconscious disease that every American needs to be made aware of. For many Christians, worship has become entertainment, the church has become a shopping mall, and God has become a consumable product. What does consumerism mean for our faith and how can we overcome our consumeristic nature?

Hear Audio

Media

On Ambient Knowledge and the Efficacy of Socializing Online

by Nick Purdy

In general, I'm on the late end of the early adopter spectrum. So I'm aware of new-ish trends particularly in technology and media, but usually watch curiously for some level of critical mass before investing time or money to participate.

Read Article

Church

Brass Knuckles, Grace and the Global Church

Going to the Ends of the Earth to Learn from the Body of Christ

by Gideon Tsang

The following is based on a true story. The names have been changed to protect the identity of the individuals.

The taste of blood was fresh in his mouth. His tongue probed his teeth like a dental hygienist checking for cavities. 

Are all my teeth intact?

Read Article

Gospel

Conversion and Contextualization

Re-examining our Expectations of Gospel Change

by Jonathan Dodson

According to Andrew Walls, the word "conversion" has been used in two main ways throughout Christian history .[1]  The first meaning of conversion denotes "an external act of religious change." This act reflects a movement towards Christian faith, individually or collectively. The other meaning of conversion refers to "critical internal religious change" within the Christian community. This meaning of conversion gets at what we might call “gospel change.”



Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

The Dude Abides

The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers

by Cathleen Falsani

Our friend Cathleen Falsani, religion writer for the Chicago Sun Times is also a staunch fan of the Coen Brothers. So much that this has become the topic of her new book, The Dude Abides: The Gospel According to the Coen Brothers, now available on Amazon. Cathleen tells us a little more about this unique book project in a Q & A.

Read Article

Church

The Quiet Fight

by Shari Thomas

The news came through my email, as much of my news does these days. The tragic death of a woman. An intentional overdose, her husband reported. His heart is shattered.

And mine is deeply troubled.



Read Article

Gospel

A New Kind of Neighbor

by Jeff Shinabarger

When we moved into our new neighborhood it was less than 48-hours before a man rang the doorbell to our home. I have since learned to recognize the particular way he rings the doorbell; much longer than the average person. I have also since learned to understand a little more about my new neighbor.

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

Lord Save Us From Your Followers

by Q Ideas

Why is the Gospel of Love Dividing America? If you were to meet ten average Americans on the street, nine of them would say they believe in God. So why is the Gospel of Love dividing America?

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

The Pinnacle of Power: What I saw at the U2 concert

by Andy Crouch

Sometime in high school, I acquired the idea that attending a rock concert, for a middle-class kid anyway, was a transgressive act. It was a step out of the sedate norms of suburban life into an exhilarating, dangerous netherworld, an intoxicating haze of smoke, primal rhythms, and throbbing sensuality—throwing off the shackles of predictable conformity and throwing down the gauntlet of rebellion.

Read Article

Gospel

That Which is Visible, Must Be Hidden

by Tim Willard

"How," asks Dietrich Bonhoeffer, "… do the disciples differ from the heathen? What does it really mean to be a Christian?" He answers this with the word perissos—extraordinary. Used in Matthew 5:47, the word calls for the Christian to go beyond what is expected in the culture. It is a term of differentiation, a term for uncommon living.

Read Article

Gospel

Collaboration: More Than a Nice Option

by Charles Lee

There’s no doubt that individuals, organizations, and companies around the world are collaborating more than ever. With the growth of accessibility to technology, transportation, and networks, it has become increasingly commonplace to see people move as a collective tribe.

Read Article

Church

Prodigal God: Finding Your Place at God's Table

by Q Ideas

"The Prodigal God is for both curious outsiders and established insiders of the faith as it is meant to lay out the essentials of the Christian message, the gospel. If the teaching of Jesus is likened to a lake, this famous parable would be one of the clearest spots where we can see all the way to the bottom."

Read Article

Science + Tech

Would Mother Teresa Have Used Twitter?

by Chris Heuertz

As a young man I had no idea that my 12-15 personal meetings with Mother Teresa would mean so much to who I’ve become. Her time, attention and thoughtful words still echo in my memory, often guiding me as I seek to remain faithful to my vocation.

Read Article

Church

Fight Club

by Jonathan Dodson

In my busyness to defend or advance the faith, I have often struggled with losing my faith.

Read Article

Gospel

Who is my Neighbor?

by Gideon Tsang

Well past midnight one Sunday night, my wife, Karen, and I were beginning to wind down. Earlier that week, police helicopters had been canvasing our neighborhood in search of a runaway criminal, so when we heard our iron gate open and footsteps walk up to our front porch, we glanced at each other suspiciously.

Read Article

Church

The Single-Minded Christian

by JR Kerr

There are all sorts of shifts taking place in society at present. It seems we are increasingly global, green and urban. We are also increasingly single and this is lasting later and later into life. Now, I am sure this is not surprising to you, but for me it confronted me with some poignant questions.

Read Article

Restorers

The Rising

by Q Ideas

Today, we want your help to support a new musical release from David Hodges. You can purchase his new EP released today for only $3.99 on iTunes.

Read Article

Gospel

Eat This

by Glenn Paauw

Eugene Peterson has written persuasively about our need to devour the Bible and take it deeply into our lives as nourishing and essential spiritual food. This insight is shared with his usual wit and wisdom in his 2006 title Eat This Book. Yet I have to ask: how likely is this to happen when the meal itself is typically served up in the form of small bits and pieces - crumbs, as it were?

Read Article

Arts + Entertainment

God Hearts Design

by Jose and Nikolle Reyes

Everyone gets 'good' and 'true', but what about 'beautiful'? Just a few weeks ago, we found ourselves in Chicago. We strolled through Grant park with its many amazing sculptures, admired the architecture up and down the river—and pretty much bad-mouthed our little town of five million to the south—Atlanta.

Read Article

Church

Work of the People

by Gideon Tsang

There are many things I loathe. Preaching with my fly exposed. Conversations with spinach in my teeth. Reality TV. The "meet and greet" during church services."Thanks for attending our church and please take a moment to greet your neighbor!"There are several reasons why those words make me want to respond like a vampire ostrich. An overwhelming desire to dig a hole and stick my head into the ground consumes me. Unfortunately, I never have the foresight to bring with me a jackhammer to pre-dig my hole.

Read Article

Restorers

Recovering Identity: A Sign of Restoration

by Chris Heuertz

One of the most compelling projects managed by our community, Word Made Flesh, is a small business initiative called Sari Bari.Sari Bari's website states:Sari Bari, a business initiative, seeks the freedom and restoration of Kolkata's red-light areas through dignity-giving employment opportunities for women affected by the sex trade.

Read Article

Restorers

Rescued

Invisible Children

by Q Ideas

In our Q community, we have been blessed with the privilege of seeing many significant culture-shaping projects grow and mature in the last few years. And we celebrate these glimpses of renewal in very dark and broken places.Another recent story of rescue and restoration continues to unfold through the work of Invisible Children.

Read Article

Cities

Saving Suburbia: From the Garden to the City

by Mel McGowan

I once lived the “American Dream.” I had a single-family detached house on a half-acre parcel with a three-car garage in a bedroom suburb of Southern California. In order to afford my piece of the “American Pie,” I commuted to work at least an hour each way, barely making it home in time to tuck in my youngest child each night, and rarely in time to have dinner with the whole family.

Read Essay

Cities

Suburban Addictions

by David Goetz

Poverty is not always financial, it is spiritual too. In Death by Suburb, author David Goetz identifies eight toxins that are plaguing the suburbs. These are the factors that are driving your neighbors to live the life they do. As Christians, it is our responsibility to be aware of these toxins, and their corresponding remedies, so that we can begin to reach out to our neighbors in meaningful ways. Identifying these addictions and offering something counter, something beautiful, will profoundly change the real face of the suburbs.

View Video

Education

Brown America

by George P. Bush

The dynamics of race in America is changing dramatically. Over the next few decades, our nation will shift from being majority anglo, to a minority driven society - where the majority of citizens have brown skin. As the grandson of a Mexican migrant worker, George P. Bush will provide a personal perspective on how these shifts create challenges and opportunities for everyone, depending on how we choose to see it. He is credited with getting a historic number of people in the Latino community to vote for his uncle in the 2000 Presidential election and continues to work on the issue of "education" in Texas.

View Video

Gospel

Being Countercultural

by Gabe Lyons

For many years, the discussion of "relevance" has overwhelmed the church. Certainly, the church's ability to connect truth with the lives of people is critical, but has the pursuit of relevance distorted an understanding of our truest calling in society? It begs the question of whether Christians are called to be relevant or a counterculture? Historically, the power of the church has been in our ability to live in the tension of existing "in, but not of."

View Video

Gospel

Justice in the Suburbs

by Heather Larson

Financial poverty exists everywhere, even in the suburbs. However, to see poverty in the suburbs, you have to look for it. Churches can be unfairly criticized for ignoring the poor in their own back yard. However, Heather Larson is the Associate Director of the Global Connections Ministry at Willow Creek Community Church. Through her long commitment to being an advocate for the poor, and recent shifts in the church's priorities - Heather has found herself as the leader of a movement that garners the power of the mega-church to transform the lives of those around them.

View Video

Gospel

Pluralistic Evangelism

by John Burke

The church is a place where you can ask questions, seek answers, and grow in your relationship with Christ. It is not a place for perfect people. As a pastor or congregation, how are you to treat those who are struggling with public sins or questions about God? What does a church who lovingly accepts those who are lost look like? How can we create an environment of grace so that those who are hurting can find a place within our pews? Pastor John Burke, along with his congregation, understands that no matter what your past (or present) looks like, you are welcome in the church.

View Video

Gospel

Culture of Consumers

by Micah White

The fabric of our existence is sewn with the items that we purchase and the technologies we adopt. Like fish in water, we hardly recognize how the mental and physical environment we live in is shaping the way we think and operate within our world. How do we recognize the toxins in our world that fight against being truly human? Writer and activist Micah White states that we must begin to "celebrate a new aesthetic that cherishes subsistence over surplus, local over national and play over work." The myth of consumerism is that 'more is better'. "But to this lie, we will with great strength respond that only by consuming less can we live more."

View Video

Church

Post-Christendom Mission

by Alan Hirsch

The church as we know it is changing. We live in a post-modern, post-Christian and post-American world, where the church is no longer placed at the center of society. Our influence is waning and our basis for ecclesiology will drive the way we interact in this new reality. It begs the question, what should the church look like and how does the mission of the church adapt within this context?

View Video

Church

Power, Privilege and Risk

by Andy Crouch

The West represents the wealthiest and most educated people in the world. As beneficiaries of this environment, how are we as Christians to think about such power? Do we have a special responsibility to take a countercultural view on the privileges that come with this power? Thought-leader Andy Crouch addresses these issues and provides a different perspective on power, one that does not demonize it, but helps us understand its proper use.

View Video

Church

The Irony of Church Marketing

by Chris Seay

Each day we are bombarded with thousands of advertisements. The language of the culture is one steeped in consumerist ideology. The church is called to be counter to this world, so what is our response in this milieu? Do we mimic the language of culture in order to save it, or are we to offer something different? Chris Seay is Pastor of Ecclesia Houston where he leads a unique congregation that is living out the gospel faithfully in an urban environment. Their winsome approach to church has offered something the community has found compelling.

View Video

Church

The Future of Worship

by David Crowder

Contemporary, traditional, blended, liturgical, charismatic, convergent, praise & worship. There are no shortages of worship styles in the church today, often becoming a passionate point of contention. After looking into the lens of its history, UBC Waco worship leader, David Crowder, provides a glimpse into what the future of worship may conceivably look like.

View Video

Church

Uncovering Our Hidden Misogyny

by Kirsten Powers and Shari Thomas

The problem of misogyny is not one relegated only to foreign countries, but can be found in America as well. In fact, some of the signs are so common-place that it has become almost unrecognizable; side comments in meetings when a woman offers an idea, the overuse of the female body in advertising, the objectification of women in film, music and art are all symptoms of a much greater disease.

View Video

Church

Subverting Empire

by Rick McKinley

Over the course of viewing the Q Austin talks, you will be exposed to a variety of new thoughts. The topics are far-reaching and, at times, difficult to comprehend their significance in the daily life of the church. All of this can be a bit overwhelming, but finding practical ways to work this out at the local level can be a real gift. Rick McKinley has first-hand experience with integrating a culture-shaping philosophy into the life of his church. As we closed this year's Q - Rick helped us point the way forward as one of us – a pastor, learner and leader of the next generation, who is shaping Portland culture while changing the way its citizens view the church.

View Video

Church

People of a Second Chance

by Ted and Gayle Haggard

Ted Haggard seemed to have it all: everyone loved Pastor Ted. However, underneath the smile was a broken and hurting man. Eventually, his secrets were uncovered and the world was exposed to his brokenness. For almost three years, Ted and Gayle have been on the journey back to restoration. What can we, the church, learn from the Haggard's experience about the importance of relationships, demonstrating grace, giving people a second chance and making the church a welcome place for those who are hurting?

View Video

Business

Economic Opportunity

by Bill Hampton and Bill Townsend

It is the discussion of our day. When exactly will the economy hit bottom, which markets will fall last and which will emerge first? How will this affect me and my world? What is my responsibility, my local church's responsibility and our faith community's response? What opportunities are presenting themselves in this once in a lifetime moment for our world? Bill Townsend and Bill Hampton will join in a discussion that focuses on these questions. The church must be thoughtful about how we respond in the midst of the challenges facing so many people while having the eyes to see the opportunity it provides.

View Video

Government

The Power of the Ought

by Ambassador Kampelman

An understanding of the Christian story demands that we approach our world in terms of how things ought to be. In order to fulfill his WWII draft obligation, Max Kampelman volunteered for the infamous Minnesota Starvation Experiment where for one year he was subjected to extreme starvation. He served as Ambassador and head of the United States Delegation to the Negotiations with the Soviet Union on Nuclear and Space Arms in Geneva. President Clinton awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom and in 2008, he received the Democracy Service Medal.

View Video

Social Sector

Ensuring Social Entrepreneur Success

by Dr. Stephen Graves

As a social entrepreneur there is more to the bottom line than just profits, and success is not measured strictly in dollars and cents. However, even the best of intentions do not ensure a successful business. A solid plan and sound practices are a must to getting your idea off the ground. Dr. Stephen Graves has written extensively on the topic of entrepreneurial success and coached executives at Fortune 500 companies. His insights will help you lay the foundation for a successful organization.

View Video

Church

Why We Can't Change the World

by Andy Crouch

We're encouraged when we see others casting huge visions and undertaking significant initiatives; we're inspired to go out and do something that will change the world. But what if we've gotten it wrong when it comes to how the world is changed? Consider some thoughts that are guaranteed to challenge your assumptions.

View Video

Government

The Post-Atomic World

by Tyler Wigg-Stevenson

More than 20,000 nuclear weapons still exist - but the physical, environmental, and economic fallout from even one nuclear explosion would devastate our interconnected world. Security experts now agree that we are approaching a fork in the road of human history, at which we must decide between eventual catastrophe or a new sense of possibility. Tyler Wigg Stevenson, a preacher, author and activist with a decade of experience in nuclear weapons issues, is mobilizing a generation of Christians to ensure that biblical principles like the protection of innocent life, creation care and concern for the poor direct the nuclear course we choose.

View Video

Restorers

A New View

Halogen TV

by Q Ideas

At Q, we often find ourselves gravitating toward other people, organizations, agencies and initiatives seeking to accomplish some very similar things. Coming together to find beauty and truth in the ordinary and the extraordinary, our Q community reflects all channels of culture, but with one goal - seeking to nurture and pursue the common good. Q ideas are intended to celebrate this unique pursuit toward creating a better world.

Read Article

Restorers

United We Serve

Serving Together | A National Intiative

by Q Ideas

Today launched an interesting summer initiative to help connect service organizations with various resources and manpower necessary to keep them alive and thriving.

Read Article

Restorers

Story Time

Zach Williams | Album Release

by Q Ideas

Friend, musician and Brooklyn church-planter, Zach Williams has a new album called "Story Time," releasing next week.Q was honored to have Zach join us in Austin this year. His sincere presentation of original music from the beautiful stage of The Paramount Theatre truly enhanced our time together.

Read Article

Social Sector

TOMS AT&T Commercial

TOMS and AT&T Join Forces

by Q Ideas

We were thrilled when we began seeing AT&T commercials showing up on prime-time television, featuring the TOMS story, told by our friend, Blake Mycoskie.Here's a unique behind-the-scenes perspective of the filming of this really incredible commercial.

Read Article

Gospel

The Little Things: A Meditation On The Art Of Encouragement

by David Taylor

Artists recognize, capture, and create beauty in our world of brokenness. They frame poignant scenes, score moving music, and stir our imaginations with their works. Indeed, the use of their talents is essential, especially for those of us who do not feel so artistically inclined. Our world would be so unbeautiful without artists. But we often fail to recognize this truth, and thus we rarely appreciate and stimulate the work of artists.

Read Essay

Government

A World Without Nuclear Weapons

by Tyler Wigg-Stevenson

Is it even possible? More importantly, is it sensible? Don’t the presence of nuclear weapons make the world safer and ensure they won’t be used again? And why should Christians really care about this issue to begin with? Tyler Wigg-Stevenson tackles all of the questions and concludes with a single powerful truth: the only future that Christians should envision is one without nuclear weapons.

Read Essay

Restorers

To Write Love On Her Arms

by Jamie Tworkowski

It began with a simple act of love. For five days, friends took care of Rene as she battled addiction, depression, self-injury, and attempted suicide before checking into rehab. Little did they know the impact their actions would have on all the other Rene’s of the world. As Jamie Tworkowski chronicled their story and word got out, a movement of love, hope, and redemption emerged. This is beauty. Listen as Jamie tells his amazing story.

View Video

Arts + Entertainment

Beauty In Culture

by Makoto Fujimura

What is beauty and how should we perceive it in a culture dominated by cosmetic appearance? This is the question that world-renowned artist Mako Fujimura ponders in this talk. His experience as a master of Japanese techniques, founder of The International Arts Movement, and resident of Ground Zero on that fateful day positions Mako to uniquely meditate on the nature of beauty in art, in culture, and even in tragedy. Listen as he discusses the problem, the paradox, and the presence of beauty.

View Video

Restorers

Two Futures Project

by Tyler Wigg-Stevenson

Is it even possible? More importantly, is it sensible? Does the presence of nuclear weapons make the world safer and ensure they won't be used again? And why should Christians really care about this issue to begin with? Listen as Tyler Wigg-Stevenson, founder of the Two Futures Project, describes the scenario of a single bomb and lays out his case for a world free of nuclear weapons.

Hear Audio

Science + Tech

More Vs. Better

by Bill McKibben

We are gradually undoing the stability that God built into our climate system. Molecule by molecule, we are adding harmful carbon dioxide to our atmosphere at rates that we cannot sustain. Twenty years ago Bill McKibben was among the first to inform the general public about climate change. Today, he believes that this is an issue where science and faith come together. Listen as he sounds the alarm and offers a path forward.

View Video

Gospel

Veneer

Living Deeply in a Surface Society

by Jason Locy and Tim Willard

Something is plaguing us as individuals, as a culture, and as the body of Christ. A consumeristic mentality has taken root that, if left unexcavated, threatens the very nature of meaning and purpose and beauty in life. In this short, Locy and Willard sound the alarm on our disease. Like sober doctors or visionary prophets, they diagnose a thick coat of veneer that covers all that we are and everything we do. Their message will provoke us, but we are wise to let it penetrate our thinking and transform our perspective.

Read Essay

Science + Tech

Science and Faith at Odds?

by Alister McGrath

Do the natural sciences pose a challenge to the Christian faith? This is a hot question at the moment, given the high profile by works such as Richard Dawkins’ God Delusion. Real scientists do not believe in God! This sound byte will be very familiar to Dawkins’ readers.Supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. The opinions expressed in this report are by the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.

Read Essay

Church

Unity in Diversity

by Dave Gibbons

What is the benefit of having a multi-site church in a society that seeks to control the empires it creates? How does a multi-site church effectively partner with other churches? Listen to this discussion as Dave Gibbons answers questions on the importance of diversity and how to lead multi-site churches.

Hear Audio

Government

God Help Us

by David Kuo

We come to believe that candidates, elections, and party platforms are altogether evil or the answers to our greatest problems. Amid these polarizing emotions, how is a Christian to find a grounded perspective on politics? David Kuo offers helpful insights regarding the tenuous relationship of Christians and politics.

Read Essay

Church

Renewing Cities Through Missional Tribes

by Jon Tyson

Developing genuine community is especially challenging in our fast-paced, individualistic culture--particularly in an urban context. In this short, Jon Tyson explores the way people relate in the city and how we should begin looking at social networks differently.

Read Essay

Church

Missional Communities

by Jon Tyson

Missional communities require vocational responsibility, theological conviction, financial awareness, and a sense of empowerment. Learn as urban church-planter Jon Tyson dialogues about the church's role within the city and the world.

Hear Audio

Church

Third Mission to the West

by Os Guinness

Massive changes have taken place in our world, that threaten our faith, both from the inside and outside. Os Guinness outlines the most pressing cultural issues and offers helpful insights concerning the severe consequences we may see within the Church today.

View Video

Church

Trees Of Hong Kong

by Louie Giglio

The church is like a living organism, existing in a symbiotic relationship with culture at large. But unless we’re careful, our mission will be driven more by our desire to keep up with culture than our conviction to be grounded in One who transcends culture.

View Video

Church

An Interfaith Dialogue

by Eboo Patel

Nearly one fourth of Americans affiliate with non-Christian religions. Followers of Jesus must think about how they engage and cooperate within our pluralistic communities. In this Q talk, professing Muslim Eboo Patel offers challenging thoughts for the Christian community. He poses that people from different faiths can find common ground in our mutual motivations for loving others even though they are grounded in different belief systems.

View Video

Restorers

To Write Love On Her Arms

by Jamie Tworkowski

121 million people worldwide struggle from depression. 18 million of these cases are happening in the United States. 2/3 of those suffering with depression never seek treatment. Listen as Jamie Tworkowski dialogues on depression, the Gospel, brand development, and honesty with stories woven in from his personal experiences with, To Write Love On Her Arms.

Hear Audio

Restorers

Beloved Community

by Leroy Barber

Jesus said that the way believers demonstrate their love would communicate God’s love to a needy world. If that’s true, then shouldn’t we focus our passion and resources on becoming a community known by its love? Leroy Barber shares a grand vision of a beloved community.

View Video

Church

The Thread: When Church Happens Online

by Cathleen Falsani

Genuine community is elusive, but just when we least expect it, community can emerge in the most surprising ways. Cathleen Falsani discovered this truth when, of all places, she found the community and church she had been longing for online.

Read Essay

Cities

Re-Urbanization Of The Church

by Jon Tyson

One aspect of our current culture is a rampant individualism that has affected the way we view salvation and mission. Jon Tyson believes that all of culture is renewable and that God wants to use not just individuals, but the community of faith to make a difference.

View Video

Gospel

New Neighbor

by Leroy Barber

How do you relate to the people who live in your community with vastly different backgrounds? By creating spaces where conversations like this are possible in a society that is becoming more diverse, Leroy Barber converses about the Biblical mandate to love our neighbors.

Hear Audio

Gospel

Christianity In A Pluralistic Society

by Q Panel

How can Christians become better at sharing their faith with others, not only in word, but also in deed? During this panel discussion, we’ll explore the ways that three individuals are creating environments where truth, love, and grace can be discussed and modeled with humility and honesty.

View Video

Gospel

Reframing The Gospel

by Tim Keel

Tim Keel is convinced that many of us have come to believe in a gospel that is limited. And then we go out and pitch our limited gospel to others in ways that devalue the holistic nature of the message itself. Keel challenges us to return to the Bible, and specifically to the Old Testament, to get a better picture of the stories that Jesus used to frame God’s gospel message.

Read Essay

Education

The Academy

by Duane Grobman

How does education impact the future and the way we live? The Harvey Fellows program seeks to encourage Christian graduate students to integrate their faith and vocation and pursue leadership positions in strategic fields where Christians tend to be under-represented. Learn as Duane Grobman converses about the importance of education and Christian vocation. Also, an individual's theology of space and community really does effect the way we live. Listen as Mel McGowan talks about the necessity of having sacred spaces where genuine community can be fostered.

Hear Audio

Cities

A Theology of Place

by Mel McGowan

An individual's theology of space and community really does effect the way we live. Listen as Mel McGowan talks about the necessity of having sacred spaces where genuine community can be fostered.

Hear Audio

Church

Multi-Ethnic Mission

by Mark Deymaz

As the United States continues to become more ethinically diverse how can the church be a centerpiece for all people in a local community? Understanding that the multi-ethnic church is Biblically mandated in the New Testament will provide new ways to pioneer a bridge between the church and diverse communities.

Hear Audio

Gospel

God’s Banquet Table

by Ruth Padilla Deborst

In Jesus’ world, there were clear borders between insiders and outsiders. Into this atmosphere, Jesus raised a challenging issue: does God’s love know any borders? As the church continues to wrestle with this issue today, we must become a community that welcomes unexpected guests at God’s banquet table.

View Video

Gospel

The End Of Suffering

by Chris Heuertz

Be challenged as Chris Heuertz describes the sources of poverty in our world and how believers can embrace their role to become the beginning to the end of suffering.

Read Essay

Social Sector

Charity

by Scott Harrison

For many years, Scott Harrison cared only about himself. But something changed and now he's using his resources to provide one of the most fundamental human needs for those in poverty: clean water. Listen to his powerful story as an example of what God can do with those who are willing to follow his lead.

View Video

Government

Social Engagements

by Jim Wallis

When ordinary people come together in movements, mountains are moved. Trusting that God is neither a republican or a democrat how can a local church balance doing the Gospel and sharing the Gospel? Learn the importance of social responsibility and personal responsibility as Jim Wallis dialogues about Christians, politics, and social movements.

Hear Audio

Arts + Entertainment

Fringe

by Jose and Nikolle Reyes

Fringe is about art—about crossing social, cultural, and ethnic divides through music by purposely melding worlds to create something entirely new. Fringe puts gifted composers, musicians, and visual artists together to showcase their talent in a fresh experience of the arts.

Hear Audio

Business

Sustainable Business

by Eric Reynolds

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Put simply, the golden rule seeks the good of other people. But this requires a selfless willingness to sacrifice one’s own gain, a disposition hard to find among individuals and even harder to find in the business world. Eric Reynolds, a world-class entrepreneur, has the answer.

View Video

Gospel

From Purchases To Practices

by Andy Crouch

Many things have changed in America over the last 100 years. Unfortunately, this has resulted in devastating consequences, especially for those of us who follow Christ and seek to be creators and cultivators of culture.

Read Essay

Arts + Entertainment

Storytelling in Film

by Christopher Silber

The film industry is argued to be the great art of the 20th century. Within every film there is a unique story being told. Christopher Silber is an experienced screen-writer who explains how to develop a great story and capture it on camera.

Hear Audio

Church

Ancient Practices

by Brian McLaren

What can history tell us about ancient spiritual practices and why they are important to us as human beings? How do these practices effect the way we view discipleship in the 21st century? Discovering and implementing these practices can change the way we live and breathe life as Christians.

Hear Audio

Gospel

The Relevance Of Our Irrelevance (And Vice Versa)

by Chris Haw

We all believe that the church should be relevant. But what if our concept of "relevance" is grossly mistaken? We need to look no further than the examples of Israel and Jesus to see that in becoming irrelevant, we will become the movement of God’s people that he intended us to be all along.

Read Essay

Government

Social Movements

by Jim Wallis

When it comes to politics, Christians often feel frustrated. How can God’s people make an impact against the immovable mountains of injustice, poverty, war, and the degradation of human life? Jim Wallis believes that the answer comes from a new, yet historical perspective on the nature of movements.

View Video

Government

Reporting Faith And Politics

by Michael Luo

The New York Times often leads the charge when it comes to reporting the most important events in our culture. Listen as Michael Luo discusses the nature of political journalism at the New York Times and the impact our faith can have on how we understand and engage politics.

View Video

Science + Tech

Electronic Culture and Spirituality

by Shane Hipps

It can be said that the methods change but the message stays the same. However, this statement is not true. When the methods change the message is inevitably altered. The digital age has ushered countless ways to present a message. Become aware of how technology has impacted a variety of different mediums - especially the church.

Hear Audio

Gospel

Lord, Save Us From Your Followers

by Dan Merchant

Why is the Gospel of love dividing America? Dan Merchant talks about his new movie, Lord Save Us From Your Followers, which is due out in theaters September 2009.

Hear Audio

Gospel

Every Monday Matters

by Matt Emerzian

Monday is everyone's least favorite day of the week. What would happen if people began their week with purpose by doing projects in their communities? Every Monday Matters promotes the fact that people have the power. People matter. No matter how big or small the actions, they matter. And not only do people have the power to make change, they have a social responsibility to do so. Not out of guilt, but out of an appreciation for every living thing in the world. Together, we will make a difference in the world and raise the collective consciousness, thereby creating a legacy worth participating in…one Monday at a time.

Hear Audio

Gospel

Project Love: Restoring A Bridge With the Gay Community

by Andrew Marin

Discover new paths toward educating and equipping both the religious and gay communities with a better understanding of one another, based on one man’s story and his extraordinary response.

Read Essay

Media

Think MTV

by Owen Leimbach

From baby-boomers to Gen X to millennials, generational change is taking place faster than ever before. What can we learn from MTV as they have adapted and innovated their methods and message for almost three decades?

View Video

Media

Signs Of Life

by Josh Jackson

How do we live “in the world” without being “of the world”? The creators of Paste Magazine are on a pursuit to find goodness, truth and beauty and share that with the world. Consider learning from creations that are not declared Christian, but may offer a sign of life in our culture.

View Video

Church

Unchristian: Change the Perception

by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons

The research shows that Christians are best known for what they are against. They are perceived as being judgmental, antihomosexual, and too political. And young people are quick to point out they believe that Christianity is no longer as Jesus intended. It is unChristian. David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons, along with more than two dozen leading voices within Christianity, unpack the major criticisms leveled against Christians.

Read Essay

Government

Political Engagement

by Mark Rodgers

When have you heard a political leader share about the importance of the artist and popular culture in defining the future of society? Get a first hand perspective from Capitol Hill as Mark Rodgers shares his journey of partnering with culture shaping individuals to create the future.

View Video

Church

Christianity In 1000 Years

by Kevin Kelly

How would you engage differently if you had a long-term view of the church’s existence in society? If Jesus doesn’t return tomorrow, then what is the scenario for the next 1,000 years of Christianity? Kevin Kelly's plausible scenarios are guaranteed to expand, challenge, and boggle your mind.

View Video

Gospel

Living The Gospel In Culture

by Michael Metzger

In recent years, Christian societal engagement has been negatively influenced by a truncated view of the gospel. In this interview by Gabe Lyons, Mike Metzger discusses the importance of recapturing a historic view of the gospel, the difference between being provoked or offended by culture, and how your worldview expands when you work together in community.

Read Essay

Arts + Entertainment

Narrative Expressions

by Donald Miller

The larger story can be seen everywhere. Yet, we as individuals have a difficult time understanding where we connect to that story. Hear the personal journey of a successful writer struggling to understand his unique role in positively contributing to the larger creation.

View Video

Arts + Entertainment

Signs Of Life: Finding The Good, True & Beautiful In Popular Culture

by Josh Jackson and Nick Purdy

We live in a fallen world -- ruled at times by commercialism, vulgarity, violence, cynicism, vapidity and celebrity-worship -- but goodness, truth and beauty always make their way to the surface. Become a connoisseur of the good and find, celebrate and cultivate this kind of expression in your community.

Read Essay

Media

Power Of Media

by Susan Grant

Get a behind the scenes glimpse at how television stories are found, chosen and reported through this insightful interview hosted by Mike Foster. Consider how this media conglomerate is shaping culture and imagine what the future will look like in a technology driven world where you choose the story.

View Video

Church

Judgmental

by Mike Foster

Christians talk about hating sin and loving sinners, but the way they go about things, they might as well call it what it is. They hate the sin and the sinner. In the book, unChristian, 8 out of 10 people see Christians as judgmental.

Hear Audio

Government

Too Political

by Mark Batterson

National elections conquer biased media platforms and radio shows. The United States becomes consumed by the political agendas of a few charismatic voices during these election periods. Christians are known to be one issue voters who promote right-wing politics. However, in the book, unChristian, 7 out of 10 people see Christians being too political. How can Christians be characterized by respecting people, thinking biblically, and finding solutions to complex issues?

Hear Audio

Church

Glocalization: Engaging A Flat World

by Dr. Bob Roberts Jr.

In the past 150 years, decades of growth and development have culminated along specific lines of knowledge. The world is getting smaller. Take a journey through the eyes of a pastor simultaneously shaping culture in Texas and Vietnam to get a glimpse of the future.

Read Essay

Gospel

Imagination

by Rick McKinley

What does it look like for the Kingdom of God to be expressed through the gifts, passions, creativity and callings of the people in the church? Creating a platform for cultural creatives to work together can create a movement that will transform your city and the world.

View Video

Church

Anti-Homosexual

by Shane Claiborne

Many people in the gay community don't seem to have issues with Jesus but rather with those claiming to represent him today. It's very much an "us-versus-them" mentality, as if a war has been declared. In the book, unChristian, 9 out of 10 people see Christians being anti-homosexual. How can Christians change this perception by showing compassion and love to all people, regardless of their lifestyle?

Hear Audio

Church

Too Sheltered

by Margaret Feinberg

Christians enjoy being in their own community. The more they seclude themselves, the less they can function in the real world. So many Christians are caught in the Christian "bubble." In the book, unChristian, 7 out of 10 people see Christians being too sheltered.

Hear Audio

Church

Serious Times

by James Emery White

It is essential to understand our unique place in time. White charts the path for doing just that through: analyzing history to this point, examining our current cultural context, developing our souls, deepening our minds, answering God’s vocational call on our lives and aligning with the church.

View Video

Gospel

Cultural Elites | The Next Unreached People Group

by Eric Metaxas

Take a moment to reflect on and learn from the community approach of William Wilberforce and the Clapham Circle. Their story not only inspires us to work for change, but gives us a model of how to leverage cultural influence to bring solutions to the greatest needs of society.

Read Essay

Cities

Cosmopolitan Intelligence

by Michael Lindsay

Get a glimpse into the lives of our nation's top CEOs, presidents, athletes, writers, educators and pastors. Learn how the power to convene shapes our society and how faith unifies an otherwise diverse group, through Lindsay's report.

View Video

Gospel

Get Saved!

by Rick McKinley

Christians are too concerned with converting people. They seem more concerned with keeping a toll on the people who they "get saved" rather then create genuine relationships with them. In the book, unChristian, 7 out of 10 people see Christians being insensitive to others and concerned only with converting people.

Hear Audio

Church

Hypocritical

by Jud Wilhite

It's been said, "Do as I say, not as I do." Many people see Christians doing things they believe they shouldn't. It is true that everyone is a hypocrite is some sort of fashion. However, we as Christians need to seek honesty in how we relate to people and the struggles we face. In the book, unChristian, 8 out of 10 people see Christians being hypocritical.

Hear Audio

Gospel

Picture Justice: Embracing Our Global Neighborhood

by Bethany Hoang

When the church finally understands and embraces a theology of justice, we can actively engage in matters of global concern that are also close to the heart of God.

Read Essay

Gospel

Unchristian

by David Kinnaman

Groundbreaking research into the perceptions of 16 to 29-year-old non-Christians reveals that Christians have taken several giant steps backward in one of their most important assignments. Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. Young Americans share an impression of Christians that’s nothing short of unChristian.

View Video

Restorers

Thoughts On Influencing Culture

by Rick Warren

Hear an honest dialogue with one of the most influential pastors in our culture, as he shares the struggle he has establishing cultural context, the power of incarnational preaching and the potential of truly loving people through that.

View Video

Social Sector

Shoes And Social Responsibility

by Blake Mycoskie

It's a simple idea: for every pair of shoes bought in America, an additional pair of shoes is given away to children in Argentina. Today, thousands of South American kids play soccer in new shoes - and thousands more will tomorrow.

View Video

Church

Unchristian

by David Kinnaman

Christianity has an image problem. Christians are supposed to represent Christ to the world. But according to the latest report card, something has gone terribly wrong. Using descriptions like "hypocritical," "insensitive," and "judgmental," young Americans share an impression of Christians that's nothing short of, unChristian. Groundbreaking research into the perceptions of sixteen- to twenty-nine-year-olds reveals that Christians have taken several giant steps backward.

Hear Audio

Church

Ecclesial Conviction

by Chris Seay

What does it mean for a local church to be woven into the community it lives in? Ecclesia Houston is a unique church that is an essential part of the city. With a fair trade coffee shop, organic food co-op, and bookstore people are always able to gather and commune with one another. It is a place where people can create and contribute to advancing the Kingdom of God.

Hear Audio

Church

The Next One Thousand Years Of Christianity

by Kevin Kelly

Given the accelerating rate of change at work in our culture today it seems reasonable and responsible to expect tremendous shift in the Christian church in the next 1000 years. Yet who in the church is preparing for this great shift? Where in the church is the needed long-term perspective? If Jesus doesn’t return tomorrow, then what is the scenario for the next 1,000 years of Christianity? Kevin Kelly’s plausible scenarios are guaranteed to expand, challenge, and even boggle your mind.

Read Essay

Arts + Entertainment

Hip-Hop Culture

by Jeff Johnson

The Hip-Hop phenomenon has evolved into an international language, spoken on every continent in the world. BET's Jeff Johnson masterfully weaves together the story of the church, racism, God, creativity, and global concern.

View Video

Restorers

Not For Sale

by David Batstone

Slavery is illegal everywhere, yet there are 27 million slaves in the world today. Through the Not For Sale Campaign, thousands of inspired modern day abolitionists are joining together in open source activism to save humanity from this horrific way of life.

View Video

Gospel

Embracing Shalom

by Ron Martoia

Shalom is the Hebrew word for peace and completeness. It is easy to forget Those who bring Shalom to others are ushering God's original design to humanity. Listen as Dr. Ron Martoia explores the missional component of Shalom and how the Gospel and Shalom go hand in hand.

Hear Audio

Gospel

My Friend Of Another Religion Doesn't Want To Become A Christian: Now What?

by Brian McLaren

What is my duty to my neighbor who is not a follower of Christ? Christ calls us to love our neighbor, not to condemn, persecute, or ignore him. Learn ten basic commandments that help put the one great commandment into practice.

Read Essay

Church

Church And Culture

by Andy Stanley

Imagine a world devoid of grace, unconditional love and peace. Andy combines life lessons from Jesus with experiences from a recent trip to Italy to challenge our ideas about the church’s influence on culture.

View Video

Restorers

Redeeming Justice

by Catherine Rohr

Put prisoners together with some Harvard MBA students, a business plan competition, and a gutsy New York investment banker and amazing things happen. This idea turned into a national program and is reshaping the justice system’s commitment to prisoners reentering society.

View Video

Church

Creation Care

by Matthew Sleeth

What are some of the practical ways that Christians can participate in environmental stewardship? What does this mean for Christians and the church? Christians must care about environmental stewardship because it is commissioned to humanity by God. Living with a conscious that understands what is threatening to the environment must cause us to live differently.

Hear Audio

Church

The Green Church

by Tri Robinson

Tithing trash is one way Tri Robinson has redefined what stewardship means in his church. This ecologist turned pastor provides a biblical perspective on the creation mandate and raises questions about how environmental conservation will transform community and the church.

Read Essay

Social Sector

Environmental Stewardship

by Richard Cizik

Richard Cizik openly discusses a holistic view of sanctity of life, the emerging green phenomenon, gaining influence nationally on the issue of environmentalism, and dealing with opposition from other leading evangelicals

View Video

Gospel

Radical Integrity

by Mike Foster

The Gospel is not about building another organization or ministry. It is about helping people come closer and closer to Jesus. Doing work like this requires both radical integrity. It is vitally important to our faith that we personally engage God and prepare our hearts in doing His good work on the earth.

Hear Audio

Restorers

Stepping Into Culture

by Andy Crouch

Understand your postures and gestures toward culture and your potential to cultivate and create culture.

View Video

Restorers

An Introduction to Culture Shaping

by Gabe Lyons

Where do we begin? Shaping culture is a big idea that is simply difficult to comprehend and achieve. So, as we all begin this journey to help the church regain influence in society, there are four essentials to understand that will define the opportunity: culture, future, church and gospel. Learn the foundational elements for culture-shaping and hear an introduction to the conversation.

View Video

Gospel

Influencing Culture

by Gabe Lyons

A unique opportunity for the church to once again shape future culture exists today. Explore a compelling vision for how the church can once again be a force for good in creating, sustaining and celebrating good culture.

Read Essay

Gospel

Social Mobility and Power

by Michael Lindsay

How do societal leaders exercise their faith within their circle of influence? The fact is that faith does compel the decisions that Evangelical leaders make. Michael Lindsay discusses his research that is compiled in the book, Faith in the Halls of Power: How Evangelicals Joined the American Elite. There is a great opportunity for Christians to practice their faith in the working world. Power is exercised through networks or what is known by in the church as, community. By creating, convening, and having a cosmopolitan power is where there are real hopeful signs for how Christians engage culture.

Hear Audio

Gospel

An Apologetic for Justice

by Gary Haugen

Authentic Christianity demands the church to work against any genre of injustice. Christians must trust that God will bring joy and power when they are willing to look at the pain of the world. God's heart is on the side of those who are oppressed and we cannot ignore our commission to redeem the world.

Hear Audio

Gospel

Common Grace

by Charles Colson

The term "common grace" has fallen at a disuse in modern times. However, the Reformers understood it be God's grace spilled out in life for the benefit of non-believers, as well as, believers. Saving grace is the grace that transforms us. Common grace is what the just and unjust alike experience when God's people work to restore things back to God's original design. Learn as Charles Colson dialogues about the call that all Christians have to cultural renewal.

Hear Audio

© 2012 Q   |   About   |   Contact   |   Terms of Use   |   Privacy Policy   |   RSS Feed