Mark Driscoll's safe space
Mark Driscoll's safe space
How the embattled pastor built a new church
Hi ReligionUnplugged readers,
Mark Driscoll — the fiery, alpha male culture warrior pastor who’s had a decades-long influence on American evangelicalism — left his position as the leader of the powerhouse Mars Hill Church in 2014.
Church leaders accused him of abusing his position of power. Instead of following their recommended steps, Driscoll resigned in relative disgrace. Then he moved to Arizona to start his personal ministry anew.
In 2016, Driscoll founded The Trinity Church in Scottsdale. It’s a church Driscoll has “total control” over, according to reporting from contributor Chris Moody in today’s top story.
Though Trinity’s congregation boomed throughout the onslaught of the pandemic and it presents a fun, family-friendly atmosphere, Driscoll and the church have received complaints similar to the ones he received at Mars Hill. Former members share stories about being cut off from community over minor disputes and the church surveilling their every move in the church and in the community — and Moody paints a picture of the church that’s thriving despite these concerns. You won’t want to miss this enthralling deep dive.
Mark Driscoll’s Safe Space: How The Embattled Pastor Built A New Church
After the implosion of Mars Hill Church, Mark Driscoll started a new congregation in Arizona, but former attendees say problems still persist. by Chris Moody
Pope Francis Open To Church Blessing Same-Sex Unions, Studying The Ordination Of Women
In a move that would signal a seismic shift for the Catholic Church, Pope Francis said he’s open to blessing same-sex unions and to studying the possibility of ordaining women to the priesthood. The comments came in a letter the pope penned in response to five cardinals who had written to him expressing concern about a number of issues that are expected to be discussed at a meeting of bishops starting Wednesday at the Vatican. by Clemente Lisi
5 Facebook Groups To Join During Orthodox Awareness Month
October is Orthodox Awareness Month. Orthodox Christian Fellowship, a leading Eastern Orthodox student organization, dedicated the month to raise awareness of OCF in the Orthodox community and among non-Orthodox students on college campuses nationwide. by Jovan Tripkovic
Tribute To David Roger Jowitt: Last Brit In The Nigerian Academy
(OPINION) The world has lost a witness to the counter-narrative of love and service that are possible between people of different races with the death of my friend David Jowitt. Professor of English at the University of Jos in Plateau State in Nigeria, he was the last British person in the university system there. by Dr. Jenny Taylor
What ‘Mother Teresa & Me’ Gets Wrong About Faith and Doubt
(REVIEW) The film follows two parallel stories: One of Mother Teresa’s mission from God to serve the poor and needy in India; the other a young Indian-British woman named Kavita with a secret connection to Mother Teresa who’s life is turned upside down when she finds out she’s pregnant. Mother Teresa’s story is so powerful that there is still stuff of value for those who do watch it. This film fails, however, because it tries to make her more relevant to modern audiences, but is too burdened by a mountain of cliches and bad theology to truly succeed. by Joseph Holmes
Everything You Need to Know About The Synod on Synodality
(EXPLAINER) The next phase in the high-anticipated Vatican gathering of bishops known as the Synod of Synodality starts on Oct. 4. The first phase of this global gathering is the culmination of two years of preparation. Over the past two years, much has been said about synodality and what it aims to do for Catholicism. by Clemente Lisi
Zimbabwe’s Clergy Shirk Charges Of Complicity In Plunder
(ANALYSIS) In a troubled country where violence and rigging win elections and the resultant political leadership promotes lawlessness, corruption and general misrule, a compromised church leadership stands accused of siding with the oppressors, a charge that these “men of God” deny. by Cyril Zenda
The Westgate Mall Attack 10 Years Later: How It Changed Ways Kenyans Worship
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What Israelis Think About An Independent Palestinian State
Only 35% of Israelis, a new report found, think “a way can be found for Israel and an independent Palestinian state to coexist peacefully.” The latest Pew Research Center survey, which was conducted in March and April of this year, represents a decline of nine percentage points since 2017 and 15 points since 2013. by Clemente Lisi
Methodist Community In Religious Liberty Fight Regarding Sunday Beach Access
A Christian group that has called the seaside town of Ocean Grove in New Jersey home for over 150 years is in a battle with state officials over beach access on Sundays. The town has kept its beach closed on Sundays from 9 a.m to noon — a total of 45 hours a year — each summer so that residents can attend church services. But New Jersey’s Department of Environmental Protection has issued a violation letter stating the town is disobeying the law by cutting off access to the ocean. by Clemente Lisi
5 Things Faith-Based Films Get Right
(ANALYSIS) Often panned both by secular and Christian film critics, faith-based films have been criticized for many things, whether it’s for the writing, acting or for perceived problematic messages. And yet, with all of the criticism, much of it valid (including much of it by me), it can get lost what good things there are in what we call “faith-based films” — movies made by people of faith for people of faith — that cause them to resonate so strongly with so many people. by Joseph Holmes
✝️ The Big Synod Starts Soon: It’s The ‘Catholic Equivalent Of The Super Bowl’ 🔌
In this week’s Weekend Plug-in, Bobby Ross Jr. previews the Catholic Church’s upcoming synod on synodality in Rome. Plus, as always, catch up on all the best reads and top headlines in the world of faith.
Don’t forget! You can subscribe to receive Bobby’s column directly in your inbox on Friday mornings!
Thanks again for reading!
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