November 22, 2009
Christians, Politics, & Ethical Speech
Thomas Scott Caulley urges Christians to reject name-calling, political fearmongering, and win-at-all-costs tactics while keeping faith distinct from partisan and economic systems.
Culture & Public Square
Culture & Public Square helps Christians think biblically about life in society and engage today’s issues with conviction and compassion. Explore articles on current events, ethics, justice, race, technology, public life, and cultural trends—grounded in Scripture and shaped by Christian wisdom. You’ll find guidance for faithful witness, thoughtful dialogue, and making disciples in a complex world, while keeping the gospel at the center. Whether you’re navigating challenging conversations or seeking clarity for ministry and daily life, these resources equip you to live and speak with grace and truth in the public square.
October 18, 2009
Reflections of a Public Servant
Rod Roberts reflects on the faith, family, church, and community influences that shaped his life of service and led him to pursue a campaign for governor of Iowa.
August 9, 2009
A Revolution Is Coming Your Way
Jim Musser explores how the Internet, social networking, texting, blogs, and VoIP tools are reshaping campus ministry and opening new opportunities for churches to communicate and share the gospel.
August 5, 2009
More Than Technology, and Not Boring at All
Mark A. Taylor explores how church leaders used Facebook and social networking to extend ministry, build relationships, and practice digital discipleship beyond Sunday morning.
A Test of Our Times
Rod Roberts reflects on Iowa’s same-sex marriage ruling, cultural discernment, and the responsibility of Christian leaders to understand the times and engage moral issues in the public square.
That Old-Time Religion
David A. Fiensy contrasts nostalgic American “old-time religion” with the compassion, courage, and Jesus-shaped witness of the earliest Christians.
More Than Talk About Unity
Mark A. Taylor reflects on the difficulty and necessity of practicing unity within the Restoration Movement, pointing to conversations that may help divided streams rediscover common ground.
May 17, 2009
The Point of Christianity 2: Racial Reconciliation
Douglas A. Foster calls Christians to confront racial division, examine unconscious attitudes shaped by culture, and pursue reconciliation in the church as part of the gospel.
A Christian Civics Lesson
 By Rod Roberts On January 9, 2007, the newly elected speaker of the Iowa House gaveled the 82nd General Assembly into session. True to the traditions of the Iowa House, the speaker invited a special guest pastor to bring the invocation that morning. To the surprise of many, the guest invited to pray for the General Assembly was a Des Moines-area Muslim imam. The gesture was, in part, recognition of the election of Iowa”s first Muslim state legislator, who was from Des Moines. In fact, the state Capitol in Des Moines is located in this legislator”s district. The imam
This Is the Church’s Moment
Ethan Magness reflects on David, the ark, and the Obama inauguration to call the church toward humble service and blessing in the public square.
April 5, 2009
Half-Pure Religion and the Unpopularity of the Poor
Mark E. Moore urges churches to hold doctrine, morality, and compassion together, arguing that pure religion requires visible care for the vulnerable alongside personal holiness.
March 22, 2009
The Point of Christianity
Douglas Foster argues that reconciliation is the point of Christianity, shaping how believers understand Scripture, human divisions, and the ongoing evil of slavery.
A Capitol Idea of Serving Others
By Rod Roberts I was first elected to the Iowa House of Representatives on November 7, 2000. Since that first election victory I have had the good fortune to run opposed in four subsequent re-election campaigns. At the conclusion of this current term I will have served 10 years in the Iowa House. There are 100 members who comprise the Iowa House of Representatives. A five-term member like myself is a legislator who has seniority among his peers. In addition to seniority, I am a leader within the House Republican caucus. In any state Legislature, seniority and position matter a
February 8, 2009
War . . . What Is It Good For? (Part 2)
Karen J. Diefendorf urges Christians and churches to think morally about war, national interests, consumerism, and the responsibility of informed citizens to speak when soldiers cannot.
February 1, 2009
War . . . What Is It Good For? (Part 1)
Karen J. Diefendorf introduces Christian just war tradition, asking how believers should think about military force, neighbor love, moral restraint, and the church’s voice in public debate.
November 2, 2008
Beyond Tweaking the Code
Jason Rodenbeck challenges Christians to stop trying to tweak worldly systems and instead embody Jesus’ cross-shaped way through mercy, sacrifice, compassion, and faithful witness.
October 29, 2008
Giving a Shrug About Politics
Mark A. Taylor reflects on Christian uneasiness during a presidential election and reminds readers that voting matters, but no candidate can solve the country’s deepest problems.
October 26, 2008
Water
Greg Taylor challenges Christians to see clean water as a matter of basic justice, mission, and compassion for people suffering from preventable waterborne diseases.
August 3, 2008
Innovation and Invention
Rick Chromey explores what churches can learn from Google, Apple, and Facebook about innovation, authentic community, beauty, openness, and faithful engagement with a rapidly changing culture.
August 3, 2008
The Culture War Is Over
Jud Wilhite reflects on ministry in Las Vegas and explains why Christians should engage culture through grace, love, and truth rather than judgment, inaction, or superiority.
