Here are some of the more interesting things reported in the press in America. Interesting, that is, from an evangelical perspective.
1. Run DMC famous rap star is shot in recording studio
What does that have to say about the infamous aggression in much of contemporary rap lyrics? Or about the inability of wealth and fame to protect us from the importance of answering the big questions of life (and death)?
2. American economic indicators up over the summer
But a lot of this came from American auto dealers trading on '0% Financing', i.e. giving cars away for nothing for six months to a year. So a lot of goods changing hands but not much real cash (and yet more borrowing). Is the American capitalist economy almost entirely run on the 'never-never' of 'consumer-confidence'? Should Christians be encouraged to save more and spend less?
3. President Bush's approval ratings hold steady
Caricatured in Europe as a thicky, George Bush remains endearingly popular over here. Why? Is it because of the continuing possibility of a war (countries tend to support wartime leaders, pretty much come what may, out of loyalty)? Is it because he is a good antidote to that ol' smoothy, Bill Clinton? Is it because, as some here feel, he has a canny knack of seeing to the heart of problem - combined with an admirable stick to your principles attitude? Do Christians in Britain and Europe have something to learn from their American counterparts' willingness to campaign for moral issues with political leaders?
4. New statistics show that 'evangelical' churches are the fastest growing in America
That's good news. What do British evangelical churches have to learn from the success of American? Is it their use of good management techniques and organisation (such as the Church Growth Movement and all that)? Or is it their greater no-frills no-compromise clarity over doctrinal and moral issues?
5. Ryder cup golf
The victory of the Europeans over the Americans in the Ryder Cup golf tournament did not receive a lot of coverage in America. Oh, well.
6. Sniper suspects apprehended. They have Muslim-sounding names
One is reported as having converted to Islam as a high school student. Is this going to add to the heat around the tensions with Iraq? How can Christians stand true to exclusive salvation through Christ alone, love to the neighbour, prophetic criticism of the state, and loyalty to moral action in this ethically-complex political situation?
7. Canadian sociologist reports that non-church- going Canadians are still Christian in their identity
But their beliefs are, it seems, somewhat divergent from classic Christian beliefs (having a more vague, New Age view of God). Is there a growing need for an emphasis on reaching to not the 'unchurched' but the 'de-churched', those who understand church culture but have left church involvement for reasons of disillusionment with contemporary practices and norms?
