Hunting in the harsh winter of Alaska presents significant challenges, and for an Eskimo, the risks can be life-threatening. In these extreme conditions, the threat of frostbite or freezing can become a reality in less than thirty minutes. This is why it\u2019s crucial for hunters to be innovative and resourceful. One such practice involves coating the blade of a sharp knife with animal blood and placing it in the freezer during the day. At dusk, the hunter walks a considerable distance from home and carefully positions the knife in the snow, ensuring that the blood-coated blade is exposed.<\/p>\n
In the stillness of the night, a wolf, driven by instinct, picks up the scent of blood on the wind. Yet, as he draws closer to the enticing aroma, a sense of unease washes over him; something feels off. Despite his hesitation, the primal allure of the scent tugs at him, creating a poignant struggle within his intelligent mind. He may circle around the blade-filled blood five, ten, or even twenty times just to make sure everything is safe. After he realizes it\u2019s safe, the wolf will still cautiously approach the knife and once he is a few inches away, he will lunge at the knife, licking away at the blood. Soon he is so engrossed in his meal that he does not realize he is actually cutting his own tongue and mouth and drinking his own blood. I know this is gross but please bear with me for a few more sentences because this scenario is very important to understand.<\/p>\n
Later that morning, the Eskimo takes a moment to gather his thoughts and prepare for the day ahead. As he makes his way to where he had left the knife, a sense of reverence fills him. Upon arriving, he is met with a poignant sight: the knife rests gently in the still mouth of the wolf, which lies lifeless in the snow. The proud Eskimo smiles because he knows he has provided for his family.<\/p>\n
As I read, Losing Our Religion: An Altar Call for Evangelical America, <\/em>by Russell Moore, I reflected on the struggles faced by the Eskimos during the harsh winter months. In this narrative, the wolf unwittingly consumes itself, which parallels what I see happening within Evangelical America. We may believe we are confronting our adversaries, yet in reality, we may be causing harm to ourselves. It\u2019s a poignant reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding, rather than division. Galatians 5:5 reads, \u201cIf you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.\u201d1<\/sup> This is exactly what is happening in America. \u201cPeople are going to have-from now till the Apocalypse-arguments about what is true and what is false, what is real and what is fake.\u201d2 <\/sup>I believe not only argue about \u201cwhat\u201d but we really argue about \u201cwho\u201d is right and who is wrong. Once again, we are devouring ourselves by devouring others. To make matters worse, Moore says, \u201cOur problem now, though, is that, increasingly, we are called not just to argue about what is true, but to say things that we know to be false, just to prove that we are part of the tribe to which we belong.\u201d3 <\/sup>When we reach a point where we feel compelled to make false claims just to fit in with our tribe, it can lead to hurtful actions that drive wedges between us and others. It’s important to remember that these divisions can cause pain not just for those around us, but also for ourselves.<\/p>\n So, what\u2019s going on? Moore\u2019s premise, which he iterates a few times in his book, \u201cWe see now young evangelicals walking away from evangelicalism not because they do not believe what the church teaches, but because they believe the church itself does not believe what the church teaches.\u201d4 <\/sup>Moore reflects on the profound disappointment many feel regarding the Catholic Church\u2019s approach to the sex abuse crisis involving priests and minors. He emphasizes how this failure to act in alignment with its own principles has left many in the laity feeling betrayed, as it seemed that financial considerations and preserving institutional power took precedence over the well-being of victims. Drawing a parallel to his own community, the Southern Baptists, Moore expresses concern that they, too, have struggled to fulfill their essential responsibilities in addressing issues of sexual abuse. The other issue he highlights as a concern for Southern Baptists and many evangelicals is the struggle with Donald Trump. He chose not to endorse Trump, expressing feelings that the candidate was unfit for leadership, which unfortunately led to criticism directed at him. In Moore\u2019s perspective, both the ongoing crisis of sexual abuse and a strong inclination to support Trump have led many to see that Southern Baptists and evangelicals are grappling with their beliefs about the importance of character and virtue in political leaders.<\/p>\n What I\u2019m observing in Evangelical America is a deep sense of frustration, hurt, and conflict. There seems to be a struggle with feelings of anger and mistrust, leading to a cycle of negativity that affects relationships. It\u2019s painful to see people who once cared for one another becoming divided and distant. People are biting and devouring one another, and in turn, hurting themselves. Lukianoff and Schlott responds by writing, \u201cWhen criticism transforms into public shaming, it stifles learning.\u201d5 <\/sup>Even though public shaming is not healthy, maybe part of it is because Evangelical America has failed to believe what it actually teaches. When we don\u2019t believe what we teach, it leads to frustration for many. When we don\u2019t believe what we teach, we lose our credibility, authority, identity, integrity, and stability.6 <\/sup>The result can be devastating because \u201cCascades form. Small groups, loosely connected, but united by a common purpose.\u201d7 <\/sup>But these cascades can be unhealthy and dangerous. This is why Evangelical America is in crisis. And maybe that is not a bad thing.<\/p>\n I won\u2019t try to provide an answer myself, but I want to highlight the wisdom and insight of my classmates. Each one of them brings credibility, authority, identity, integrity, and stability to the table. I deeply respect their perspectives, and for the sake of brevity, I\u2019ll focus on six individuals whom I believe will continue to greatly contribute to making our country a more stable and nurturing place for all.<\/p>\n John Fehlen \u2013 John\u2019s leadership gifts are off the charts, giving him the ability to lead just about any church, non-profit, or company. Yet, he is a total team player and leads best by collaborating. It\u2019s rare to see a leader who can do it all by himself and yet he chooses to work with others to get the job done.<\/p>\n Cathy Glei \u2013 Cathy is an excellent processor of information, which makes her responses to others so encouraging, thought-provoking, and even creative. Her unique ability to process life adds to her credibility and integrity because others know she will not be biased in her approach to problems.<\/p>\n Travis Vaughn \u2013 Travis brings a sacred curiosity to life because he has a keen desire to gain knowledge and understand all viewpoints. His healthy self-confidence helps him be a quick decision-maker, and yet he asks such deep and penetrating questions that show a unique understanding of the complexities of the world.<\/p>\n Esther Edwards \u2013 Esther is a disciple-maker! She understands and knows how to come alongside a person, group, or church and lead well. She leads well because she reads people well, which leads to caring for the whole person (spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally). Her \u201cwhole-person\u201d mindset is unique and brings stability and identity to her leadership.<\/p>\n Adam Harris \u2013 Adam is a leader who lives and calls others to live outside of the box. He honestly engages in conversations to have a deeper understanding of people, God, life, and circumstances. His intelligence is wrapped in a caring humility, which gives him so much authority from others. He uses his authority to ask inviting questions that help others to feel important and a necessary part of the team.<\/p>\n Jennifer Vernam \u2013 Jennifer has been gifted by God with the leadership ability to help people, groups, and organizations see their need for change. But it\u2019s what people see in her that makes the change happen so effortlessly. Jennifer has a unique ability to see all sides of a problem and help others see what she is feeling and understanding. She is a rare leader.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hunting in the harsh winter of Alaska presents significant challenges, and for an Eskimo, the risks can be life-threatening. In these extreme conditions, the threat of frostbite or freezing can become a reality in less than thirty minutes. This is why it\u2019s crucial for hunters to be innovative and resourceful. 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