When faith leaders fail us (plus new book review and fav IG follows)
It's on you to do the right thing.
This is a free newsletter on faith, women and culture from writer Ericka Andersen. If you like it and want more in your inbox, consider subscribing.
Scroll to find: This month’s book review, podcast episodes (great guests!), fav IG follows and the exclusive monthly essay just for email subscribers.
3 Faith & Culture Links For You
The Ravi Zacharias story. As a long-time fan of Ravi, my heart is broken by this story. I can’t wrap my mind around the reality of the situation. But, the Bible says this: “Do not put your trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save.” (Psalm 146:3). If you learned from Ravi too, don’t let his downfall shake your faith. It was never him that did anything anyway.
On the latest abortion policy. Pro-life policies were some of the first to go when President Biden took office. Pro-lifers may be discouraged, but no law or policy can prevent you from taking action in your community. Educate, empower, donate, mentor, sponsor, speak out. Women & babies in need are everywhere — go be the church to them today.
What’s up with the Equality Act? The Equality Act sounds good at first glance, but it includes some concerning aspects that threaten religious liberty and privacy rights. I can understand why some support it, but you might want to check out the Fairness for All Act, which protects religious liberty, and still offers protection for the LGBTQ community.
➡️➡️➡️ Reader feedback (I’ll publish responses that I get here in the next newsletter!):
What do you think about the Equality Act? Do you feel like you’ve gotten enough clear information about it? What questions or concerns do you have as a person of faith?
Top 3 Instagram Follows of the Month:
Jen Babakhan: Author of Detoured☕️Cheerleader of Stay at Home Moms☕️Sandwich Crust Removal Expert
Ashley Abercrombie: Writer sharing on Motherhood, Justice, Faith
Jessijeannn: Food Freedom Coach
Book Review of the Month: Another Gospel by Alisa Childers
Alisa Childers is a writer, speaker and well-read Apologist of the Christian faith. In this book, and on her podcast, Alisa focuses on the allure of progressive Christianity, which has become more and more popular. “Another Gospel” tackles things like modern Gnosticism, progressive theology, deconstructionism and Scriptural proof.
The book isn’t political, but I was fascinated by how many things related to policy and politics of today. Reading Alisa’s words led me to open my Bible a lot more. As I’ve done so, I’ve realized how many of the questions I have truly are inspired right in Scripture. If you are reading the Bible regularly, it’s actually fairly easy to spot questionable theological leadership in real time. I highly recommend this book, her podcast and a lot more Bible in your life!
Worth Your Time Podcast
*Find these episodes on iTunes, Spotify or wherever your get your podcasts!
CBN’s Dana Brown Ritter: Married to a Quadriplegic & Raising a Toddler
Devi Abraham: Untangling Sexual Ethics for a New Generation of Christians
You Can’t Hack Your Way to a Meaningful Faith
*Exclusive essay for email subscribers only.
In the brain scramble of busy mom life, it’s perfectly understandable to forget how or what you built your faith on. Or maybe you never have a firm foundation to begin with, but you know it’s possible. But this is not a flashy Facebook advertisement or Ted Talk you can swallow in 20 minutes and walk away with the micro-wisdom you need. There are no “hacks” or quick fixes here. No supplements to turn up the spiritual chemistry flowing through your veins.
These days, there is a Google-worthy solution for everything. I’ve certainly taken my share of online courses— everything from learning about how to become a better public speaker to finding success in online entrepreneurship. I’ve also taken SuperGreen supplements because I didn’t want to eat enough vegetables, have been on and off anti-depressants for years and drink cherry juice because it’s good for inflammed muscles. I want all the shortcuts. We all do — because it’s easier that way.
But this is like using the CliffsNotes’ for reading a classic novel — it’s a shallow understanding of the full masterpiece. In her book, Women of the Word (p. 78), Jen Wilkin urges women to go directly to the Bible instead of always relying devotional interpretations of scripture (anyone else guilty? Lisa Terkuerst and Beth Moore’s words shouldn’t be getting more attention than God’s own!)
“Using a shortcut…does not honor the learning process,” she writes.
It’s the same thing here. Sometimes shortcuts and quick fixes works — for a time. But, as some of you may know, pills and podcasts cannot bring you the health and peace your body deserves. That kind of goal takes making slow, intentional, disciplined choices. If you don’t know that yet, you will. As I near my 40s, I’m finally getting that breath and sunlight, crisp air and lavender bathwater really are nourishing and life-giving. However, it takes removing my ego, stopping the hamster wheel and filtering the junk from my brain — in order to receive that blessing.
If we want to know God more deeply and feel His presence in our lives, we must make the time and effort that any meaningful relationship requires.
This is the most important relationship we can ever have — because it ground and guides the entirety of everything else we do. And gosh does the world need that from you! As scores of women leave the church and their faith connections, it’s Christians clinging to the truth that will preserve this faith for future generations — and keep society afloat in the process.
So Long, Farewell
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Until next time,
Ericka