Inspire, Spring 2012

Dr. Brown’s Top Picks ■ Book You Lost Me: Why Young Christians Are Leaving Church ... and Rethinking Faith by David Kinnaman The answer to why so many teenagers leave the church is not as simple as we think. David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, provides research to open up the complexities of why 18–29- year-olds struggle with faith as they reach independence. ■ Website globalmediaoutreach.com Check out this incredible ministry that presents the Gospel and disciples millions across the world every day. You can also sign up to become an online missionary. ■ Podcast heartlightministries.org/blogs/pttradio On Parenting Today’s Teens, Mark Gregston offers daily practical and thought-provoking advice for parents of teens. Recent topics include “When My Kids Won’t Go to Church,” “The Same-Sex Craze,” and “Teens Who Lie.” ■ Movie Departures A young concert cellist realizes that he cannot support his family with his music so he returns to his home town where he takes a job as one who prepares the dead for burial. This movie is a fascinating look into Japanese culture and relationships. The perseverance of his family and teachers is the real star of the story. Civility War by Dr. Bill Brown In January 2009, Mark DeMoss, a well- known conservative Republican, and Lanny Davis, a well-known liberal Democrat, formed the CivilityProject.org to raise the level of political and public discourse in America. Concerned by the uncivil rhetoric and conduct in American society, their project was a “grassroots movement of people from diverse backgrounds who agree that, at this critical time in America’s history, solutions to our most pressing problems will be found only through a more civil exchange of ideas.” After receiving broad public support and media coverage for their work, they sent a letter to every member of Congress and sitting governor asking them to sign a simple pledge of civility. The pledge was brief: 1. I will be civil in my public discourse and behavior. 2. I will be respectful of others whether or not I agree with them. 3. I will stand against incivility when I see it. Of the 585 public officials contacted, only three responded by signing the pledge. After two years of futile attempts to generate commitments from other politicians, DeMoss and Davis gave up and dissolved the civility project. Sadly, substantive dialogue on important issues rarely exists. Sound bites prevail. The common practice today is to choose a side on a controversial issue and demonize those who disagree. Media personalities give proponents from each side a few seconds to explain their positions and then they talk (and yell) over each other a few more seconds before a commercial break. No wonder half of Americans tune out government and politics and two-thirds consider lack of civility to be a major problem. Living and speaking in ways that commend the Gospel is a responsibility that is always before us. As Christians, we have the opportunity to elevate public discourse and model civility. The issues are too important not to speak clearly and listen closely. There is too much at stake for us to lose sight of the big picture. The apostle Paul reminds Christians of the attitude that should mark our dialogue: “And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct” (2 Tim. 2:24–25). Paul also emphasizes the particular importance of sensitivity toward others: “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Col. 4:5–6). In God’s sight, winning a war of words is no victory at all. In today’s political and cultural climates, Christians can become models for taking on complex issues with informed and civil interactions. Bolstered by lives of service and sacrifice, we can fulfill our call to be salt and light in a world that is increasingly unsavory and dark. pres ident ’s perspect i ve 44 SPRING 2012