The opening of a new blog (revamped, actually) requires me to justify this addition to our word-crowded electronic space. A glance at the categories along the side suggest the flavors to be served. Why did I choose these?

I hope to fill a particular niche. Working several years in Muslim-majority countries gave me insights about Americans and especially my fellow American Christians. During those years, I practiced Christianity as a minority religion, for the first time in my life. Now returned to the U.S., I sympathize with Philip Yancey writing in Soul Survivor (p. 5): “Sometimes I feel like the most liberal person among conservatives, and sometimes like the most conservative among liberals.”

I gain purpose from worshiping with fellow Jesus believers and sense the spirit of God. Sometimes, though, a perceived attention only to narrow domestic concerns seems to block out an understanding of Christ’s call to a world mission, not just one to this country.

I can talk with “liberal” types and be understood. They are aware of world trends and issues. Yet, when among them, I sense a loss of connection to God’s power and purpose.

The apostle Paul spoke often of reconciliation, both between God and the world and between fellow Christians. I have this unreasonable hope that Christians with differing gifts, perceptions, and ideas (even of politics!) would discover a place for civil discussion of our faith in a world that changes at warp speed. Perhaps a few seekers or discouraged Christians searching for a reason to stay in the Christian fold might stop by.

(See ‘Not Your Grandmother’s Church’)