Category: Culture
Jim Wallis on the Daily Show
Jim Wallis is a self described “evangelical” that represents the best of whatever that label means. Just like “liberal” or “conservative” there are many reproductions of “evangelical” in our culture. Too often only one kind of evangelical, conservative, or liberal makes it to the airwaves or print which makes it easier to retreat to gated communities, mall churches, political parties, or “us and them” world view. For all our technology and modern advances, humanity has yet to embrace the meaning of community beyond crisis care (Haiti the latest example of our temporary communal response). But, I am certain that somewhere there are capitalists determining the best way to divide up the resources, whatever the Haitian people have left beyond their sweat and tears, to benefit the first world in which I inhabit.
Into the chaos of commercial advertisement and political dysfunction Jim Wallis continues to interject what I think of as a voice counter-culture Christianity with a civility that the public cannot willingly embrace. I have not read his new book, but his blog is weekly reading for me. He has been a frequent guest on the Daily Show, even when not selling a book, commenting on the state of the community we call the United States of America and a religious community called Christianity. Though our Christologies differ, I am certain that he is motivated by the same practical Christianity that can reform the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), namely, being followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Only a follower of “the Way” could express the needs of our society, no matter one’s religious or political, with such clarity and describe the ways to mend the social covenant we call the United States of America. Click here to see Jim Wallis on the Daily Show from January 20, 2010.
Avoid Donation Scams
In the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti this article on the Christian Science Monitor website is a good reminder that there are people out there seeking to scam those wishing to help out of their money. Week of Compassion is the face of our denominational crisis response all around the world. They help in far away places and around the corner. If you are looking for a safe places that has low overhead (less than ten cents on the dollar) and will contribute 100% of your donation for earthquake relief in Haiti, click here to visit their site. Here is a few paragraphs from the article.
Five Tips to Avoid Haiti Relief Scams
By Husna Haq Correspondent / January 15, 2010 | Christian Science Monitor
Within 24 hours of the Haitian earthquake, scammers were at work trying to profit from the disaster. The scams ranged from e-mails asking donors for help to phone calls soliciting funds to phony relief websites harvesting credit card numbers.
“Not only do Americans need to be concerned about avoiding fraud, they also need to make sure their money goes to competent relief organizations that are equipped and experienced to handle the unique challenges of providing assistance,” Taylor says.