88 ALT-J | TONY HALE | CLIM ATE CHANGE PROPAGANDA | COLD WAR KIDS | EUGENE PETERSON CLAIRE DIAZ-ORTIZ | AUGMENTED REALITY F A I T H , C U LT U R E & I N T E N T I O N A L L I V I N G
Lecrae He took a stand, then felt the fallout. A lot has changed for the chart-topping rapper.
JULY-AUG 2017 // $6.95 US
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CONTENTS
T H E M A G A Z I N E O N FA I T H , C U LT U R E & INTENTIONAL LIVING
JULY-AUG 2017 // ISSUE 88
July-August 2017, Issue 88 Some of these articles are crae crae.
Publisher & CEO | CAMERON STRANG Brand Director | JESSE CAREY Editorial Director | AARON CLINE HANBURY Production Editor | KATHY PIERRE Contributing Editor | TYLER HUCKABEE Contributing Writers: Matt Conner, Kim Hunt, Bonnie Gray, Rob Fee, Claire Diaz-Ortiz
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Director of Business Development | AME LYNN FUHLBRUCK Account Manager | HEATHER VOORHEES Circulation and Traffic Manager | CAROLINE COLE
Features
Creative Director| JOHN DAVID HARRIS Designer | LAUREN HARVILL
This Isn’t the Same Lecrae
Designer | ALEXA MENDEZ Developer | BRAD TAYLOR Audio Producer | CHANDLER STRANG
p .48
Contributing Photographers: Christian Lantry, Infectious
Speaking out about injustice almost cost him everything. How has the tumultuous past year changed Lecrae and his music?
Music, Kevin Russ, Sean Hagwell Operations Manager | JESS COLLINS Finance Manager | MERCEDES LANGDON Operations Support Coordinator | MIKAYLAH ROUCHARD
4 4 // HELLO ( AGAIN), BROTHER
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Tony Hale plays the quirkiest people on TV—contrasting his determined normalcy.
Operations Support Coordinator | AMBER KATYNSKI Facilities Manager | NOAH DARMATA
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5 2 // THROUGH A GL ASS, DARKLY
7 4 // ALT-J
Augmented Reality is changing the way people perceive, well, reality. Are we ready?
The thing about alt-J is their constant experimentation. Relaxer is no exception.
5 8 // AN ISSUE OF LIFE AND DE ATH
7 8 // THE GENER ATIONAL DIVIDE
Climate change is back in the forefront. Will Christians finally step up?
Millennials and their parents *aren’t* seeing eye to eye these days. Is it fixable?
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6 8 // AVOIDING CHURCH BURNOUT
8 4 // COLD WAR KIDS Their new album, L.A. Divine, delivers on the
TO SUBSCRIBE RELEVANTmagazine.com/subscribe Rates: 1 year (6 issues) U.S. $26.99, Canada $36.99, International $45.99
Admit it: You’re a little tired of the church grind. Here’s how to avoid burning out.
familiar and the new.
7 2 // SUMMER LUVIN’ GUIDE
8 6 // WHAT IS A CHRIS TIAN?
Eight sure-fire ways to find your Boaz this summer. You’re welcome.
Eugene Peterson talks about what it means really to follow Jesus.
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0 6 // FIRS T WORD
9 0 // RELE VANT SELECT S The new entertainment releases worth your time, featuring spotlights on Propaganda,
0 8 // CURRENT ISIS persecution, Kendrick Lamar’s opinion on preaching, Louis C.K. and pro-lifers, Russia’s
Girlpool, Yaa Gyasi, Sofi Tukker, Honne, Kari Jobe and Teen Daze.
Christian persecution, Hailey Baldwin,
9 6 // L AS T WORD
Putting down roots, Harry Styles and more.
Claire Diaz-Ortiz on the two-way nature of mentorship.
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Issue #88 July/August 2017 (ISSN: 1543-317X). RELEVANT is published 6 times a year in January, March, May, July, September and November for $26.99 per year by RELEVANT Media Group, Inc., 900 N. Orange Ave., Winter Park, FL 32789. Periodicals postage paid at Orlando, FL, and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to RELEVANT Magazine, P.O. Box 531147, Orlando, FL 32853.
2017
let there be light.
Live album from Hillsong Worship recorded at Hillsong Conference in Sydney, Australia Featuring What A Beautiful Name, Behold (Then Sings My Soul) and Love So Great 05
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
FIRST WORD a letter from the editor
He used his platform to challenge the status quo—and there was major backlash.
We Need to Listen When a massive artist is willing to lose his fan base to stand up for what’s right, we need to pay attention.
I had dinner with Lecrae last fall,
AND NOW WE’RE SEEING MORE OF WHO [LECRAE]
and honestly he looked beaten up.
REALLY IS, AS
His shoulders slumped as he sat at
AN ARTIST AND
the table. He was in the middle of it. That night I tried to encourage
AS A PERSON.
him. I wanted him to know I was
AND HE POURED
proud of the stand he was taking for
ALL OF IT
justice and truth. I was thankful that someone out in front the way he is would stick their neck out, even if it
INTO HIS NEW ALBUM.
upset some people. I don’t think I realized how severe the backlash was for him. How his fan base would turn their
ou might remember that in January 2016,
Y
Lecrae was on the cover of RELEVANT. In
back on him. The music industry, and his fans,
the piece, he opened up about his surprising
put labels on him that didn’t really
and tumultuous past, which I loved because
apply. Now we’re seeing more of
it allowed us to get to know Lecrae the man
who he really is, as an artist and
more than just Lecrae the Christian rapper. So why is he on our cover again, only 18 months later? Sure, the timing aligns with the fact Lecrae is dropping a
as a person. And he poured all of it into his new album. I hope other artists see Lecrae’s
highly anticipated new album, the first since he partnered
example and are encouraged to take
with major label heavyweight Columbia Records. Sure, his
a risk for their beliefs. Whether it
new singles are topping mainstream charts, and his will be
be letting the content of their music
one of the breakout albums of the year by a Christian artist.
grow beyond industry labels, being
But that’s not why he’s on the cover.
more vulnerable and transparent or
Lecrae’s transformation since we last talked to him is
using their platforms to speak truth
worth writing about. If you knew his music previously, he had built a massive platform. He performed in front
and enact important change. Eighteen months ago, Lecrae
of arenas filled with Christian music fans. He’d become
opened up on these pages and
the poster child of the holy hip-hop music. You’d be hard-
talked about his difficult life story.
pressed to name a more popular Christian artist.
Today, he’s speaking honestly about
But he wasn’t being totally true to himself. If you followed
who he is now, speaking truth with
him on social media over the last couple of years, you saw a
conviction, whether people like it or
big shift in his tone.
not. We need to listen.
As our nation became gripped with racial violence and tensions were rising and it seemed the most extreme and hateful voices had the loudest microphones, Lecrae started speaking out. He had always been one of those celebrities everyone liked, but no one really knew. He stayed out of controversy. Lecrae was as beloved in Birmingham as he was Boise. But then he spoke the truth. He tweeted things that made some of his fans uncomfortable.
C A MER ON S T R A NG
OK, a lot of his fans.
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CURRENT A B I M O N T H LY L O O K A T F A I T H , L I F E A N D C U LT U R E
It’s ‘Christian Persecution Like We’ve Rarely Seen in History’
T
church in the middle of Palm Sunday services. Forty-four believers died. Coordinated attacks wreaked similar havoc around the Middle East.
This year, ISIS has been accelerating its efforts to eradicate Christianity. The group’s coordination has even led the United States Congress and the E.U. and U.K. parliaments to declare it a cultural genocide. “[ISIS is] not just trying to kill, imprison and persecute
The genocide against Jesus followers in the Middle East is reaching historic proportions.
JULY-AUG
HIS SPRING, THE ISLAMIC STATE bombed a Christian
Christians: They’re trying to erase Christian history,” says Johnnie Moore, recent winner of the medal of valor for fighting
08
2017
Mourners carry the coffins of victims of the blast at the Coptic Christian Saint Mark’s church in Alexandria, Egypt, in April.
needing humanitarian aid—a number reaching the millions, with people suffering not only persecution but also blistering living conditions. “In the immediate throes of violence, the things that people need most, after safety, are food and medicine,” Courtney says. He suggests money is the most effective way for Christians around the globe to help. “It’s really important that we give cash during these times to trusted organizations who will know how to jumpstart markets and get emergency aid to the front lines,” he says. Moore thinks it’s time for Americans to press for political solutions, too.
“EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US HAS
A RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS CRISIS.” — JOHNNIE MOORE
“We can put pressure on our politicians to say that religious freedom isn’t just enshrined in our Constitution, it ought to be enshrined in our foreign policy.” Moore isn’t suggesting the crisis is merely about global politics. For Christians, the for persecuted peoples. “It’s cultural
concern for the situation of religious
genocide. ... It is Christian persecution
minorities in Iraq.
concern runs much deeper. “Here we [Christians] are, a billion strong,
like we’ve rarely seen in history.”
These attacks aren’t leveraged only
The plight of Christianity in the
not only the biggest religion in the world, but
against Christians. ISIS targets include
the wealthiest, and we just let these people
Middle East comes down to this: Unless
Yazidis, as well as lesser-known
die every day.
Christians around the world take
religious sects like the Mandeans and
action, the Church might disappear
Shabaks—any group ISIS considers
in this crisis. Sometimes the littlest thing
from the region.
heretical.
we think is insignificant—sending a tweet
This demolition isn’t just of concern
Enter Jeremy Courtney and Iraq-
“Every single one of us has a responsibility
or writing an email to a congressperson or
to Christians. Moore makes clear
based Preemptive Love Coalition,
giving $10—the person on the other side
that millions of Muslims share deep
who help any and all in the region
calls a miracle.”
09
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Yoga Pants Are Killing the Environment Yet another reason sweatpants are superior.
SORRY, LULU FANS.
New research suggests that certain types of hightech fabrics—including athleisure wear, outdoor jackets and, yes, yoga pants—are made with microscopic plastic fiber that when washed, can slip past water filtration systems. Research from the University of Florida has found evidence that the microfibers are ending up in waterways where they can actually pollute the water and pose a threat to wildlife.
K-Dot is no fan of prosperity sermons. Can’t blame him.
Kendrick Lamar Thinks Preaching Has Gotten Too Watered Down IF YOU HAVEN’T NOTICED, hip-hop is in the
past few years, I’ve finally figured out
middle of a spiritual revival of sorts, and
why I left those services feeling spiritually
one of the artists at the forefront is Kendrick
unsatisfied as a child,” he said. “I discovered
Lamar. While the likes of Chance the Rapper
more truth. But simple truth.
fill their music with praise to God, Lamar’s
“Our God is a loving God. Yes. He’s a
music takes a thornier, Job-like approach.
merciful God. Yes. But he’s even more so a
After his latest album, D*MN, came out
God of [discipline]. OBEDIENCE. A JEALOUS
this summer, Lamar went deep about his
God. And for every conscious choice of sin,
church upbringing, his thoughts on the fear
will be corrected through his discipline.”
of God, and his belief that a lot of modern
That preachers soften their messages to
preaching waters down conversations about
make them more palatable isn’t new—but it
God’s righteousness.
is still prevalent. The bigger question is, will
“After being heavily in my studies these
church leaders listen to Lamar’s critique?
MISC.
JULY-AUG
Shiplap! The most popular
McDonald’s has released a new
HBO is making another pope-based
“Christian celebrity” in the world
product: the Frork. It’s somehow
miniseries. Following the success
is … Chip Gaines. That’s according
a fork that’s made out of french
of The Young Pope, the network has
to a survey by entertainment
fries, and it’s likely the world’s
announced The New Pope (because
market research group, E-Poll.
dumbest idea.
if it ain’t broke, don’t change it).
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S E AT T L E U N I V E R S I T Y S C H O O L O F T H E O LO GY A N D M I N I S T RY
We empower
for a just and humane world “I have been deeply impacted by the ecumenism and interfaith emphasis here at the School of Theology and Ministry. My faith has expanded and my personhood deepened by the spiritual experiences shared by students who believe differently than I do. Be present. Be hopeful. Be awake to the small shifts at the center of your being.” — Missy Trull, Master of Divinity
Graduate Degree Programs:
Doctor of Ministry Master of Divinity Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies Master of Arts in Transforming Spirituality Master of Arts in Couples & Family Therapy Master of Arts in Transformational Leadership
Learn more: seattleu.edu/stm
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CURRENT
THE HOT LIST Bimonthly Cultural Power Rankings
A Z I Z A N SA R I [Hottest]
The return of Master of
None shows why he’s one of this generation’s most important voices.
Louis C.K. Stood Up for Pro-Lifers? Sort of. The comic espoused an irreverent, but surprisingly pro-life philosophy in his new Netflix special.
FACTS [Hotter]
In the world of alternative facts, we’re pretty excited about good ol’ fashioned truth.
A RCA D E F I R E [Hot]
IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING about comedian
percent killing a baby. It is—it’s totally killing
Louis C.K., you know he has a penchant for
a whole baby. But I think that women should
the uncomfortable. That’s his whole bit,
be allowed to kill babies.”
pushing you to the absurd, too-true edge.
or language, but at the core, he makes the
tackles one of society’s most taboo issues—
point abortion is either not a big deal at all
abortion. The comic says he thinks the idea
or it’s a huge deal.
The indie rock legends
abortion should be “safe, legal and rare” is
have returned. We’ve
hypocritical.
missed them.
He lays out his point in requisitely off-col-
Enter his new Netflix special, 2017, where he
“I just think it has to be one or the another, you know? Like when people say
“I don’t think [abortion is] killing a baby,
abortion should be safe, legal and rare. Why
I don’t,” he jokes. “I mean, it is. It’s a—it’s a
rare if it should be legal?” It’s a point pro-life
little bit—it’s a little bit killing a baby. It’s 100
advocates have been making for years.
F I D G E T S P I N N E RS [Cold]
Nothing will ever be as cool as POGS were.
CELEBRITY POLITICIANS [Colder]
The Rock is considering
RIP: Blockbuster Is All But Dead in America
running for president.
YOU REMEMBER BLOCKBUSTER,
Idiocracy is now a
don’t you? For kids of a certain generation, the movie rental giant was about as exciting a place as you could go on a Friday night—though it caused endless sibling arguments.
documentary.
R A I N B OW - CO LO R E D FO O D [Coldest]
The unicorn frappucino
In November 2013, all that fun pretty much ended in the U.S.—except in El Paso, Texas, where hope lived on. There, four locations stayed open. But sadly, even in Texas, the inevitable has happened.
Recently, the very last Blockbuster location in the contiguous United States shut its doors, and with it the doors of millennial childhoods. Thanks for fighting the good fight, El Paso. We salute you.
killed it.
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CURRENT
MISC.
Remember the kid on Twitter who asked Wendy’s for free chicken nuggets in exchange for retweets? Well,
The Portable Vinyl Player No One Needs But We All Kind of Want
@carterjwm didn’t get the 18 million retweets the burger chain asked for, but he does now have the most shared The perfect way to
tweet ever. That’s
one-up your vinyl
something.
snob friend.
Y
OU KNOW HOW
It basically looks like a TV
you always get
remote that rotates on top
an insatiable
of a record (instead of the
desire to listen
opposite). It works on a
to vinyl records while you’re
base, which keeps weight
traveling for business?
off the records, and has a
In what has to
Of course you do. Well—
traditional stylus. Still, it
be a first: Pope
thankfully—that may not be
plays digitally through a
our nation’s greatest travel
Bluetooth connection and
crisis much longer.
you control it with an app.
LOVE is a portable record
It’s the perfect gift for your
player that doesn’t look like
hipster traveling salesman
a Cold War-era typewriter.
friend.
Francis now has his very own pair of Air Jordans. On a recent visit to Vatican City, University of Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh presented the kicks to the pontiff.
Younger Millennials Think Women Should Stay Home
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS WHO BELIEVE A MAN SHOULD BE THE “BREADWINNER”
advanced tech
A NEW STUDY BY THE COUNCIL on Contemporary Families suggests
guru Regina Dugan
millennials may be less progressive than Gen Xers on things like household divisions of work. Sociologists used the Monitoring the Future study that asks high school seniors specific questions every year since the ‘70s. When asked if the best way to run a household was a man “breadwinner” and a woman homemaker, in 1994, 58 percent of the students disagreed, but in 2014, only 42 percent disagreed. Luckily, there’s been a steady 89 percent agreement on the fact women should have the same job opportunities that men do.
JULY-AUG
Facebook has hired
to help develop
1994
technology to—
42%
Facebook posts
2014
generated by
58%
014
wait for it—read your mind. As in,
thoughts. No, that’s not terrifying at all.
2017
Story / Script / Screen Explore Truth and Beauty with an M.A. in Screenwriting Cultivate your storytelling skills with Azusa Pacific’s low-residency Master of Arts in Screenwriting program. Enter into the dialogue on faith and cinema and collaborate with faculty-mentors in an innovative arts community, just 30 miles from Hollywood. T H E R E ’ S M O R E T O Y O U R S T O R Y. CONTINUE THE JOURNEY WITH APU. apu.edu/screenwriting
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06/22
CURRENT
Hailey Baldwin: Instagram’s Conflicted Celebrity M
ODEL HAILEY BALDWIN
to The Times magazine in the
may be a celebrity
U.K. “There are times when I feel
on social media, but
depressed or anxious, and a big
the 20-year-old has a
part of it comes from that. If we
different take than most on the toll
didn’t have social media, we’d have
constant connection takes.
a weight lifted off our shoulders. It
After amassing 9 million Instagram followers and nearly
does affect you.” Recently, after finding herself on
1 million on Twitter, the face of
the receiving end of celebrity gossip
brands like Guess and H&M—
from tabloids and random social
and daughter of actor Stephen
media users, Baldwin, who has been
Baldwin—knows just how difficult
vocal about her Christian faith,
it can be dealing with trolls, other
tweeted an interesting response
people’s expectations and the
to those perpetuating the rumors:
feedback loops of life online.
“Listen to some hillsong united pray
“It definitely does something to the soul,” she recently explained
a lil and worry about yourself y’all.” Words to live by.
Yeah, we wish Alec Baldwin were our
Infant Mortality Rate Drops HISTORICALLY THE UNITED
States has had a shockingly high infant mortality rate, especially when compared to other developed, wealthy countries. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, that rate has continued to drop since 2005. Between 2005 and 2014, Asian or Pacific Islander women saw a decline in infant deaths of 21 percent and black women saw one of 20 percent. Connecticut, South Carolina, Colorado and Washington D.C. all had rate drops of more than 20 percent. The CDC’s study doesn’t try to explain why the decline has been happening, but experts point to things like baby boxes, better care for babies with a low birth weight, discouraging women from scheduling early deliveries and making birth control more widely available.
uncle, too.
I N FA N T M O R TA L I T Y R AT E S F O R T H E PAST DECADE:
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6.7
5.9
2006
2016
2017
Pursue your something more
CONNECT YOUR PASSION OF HELPING OTHERS WITH THE TOOLS AND SKILLS YOU NEED TO DO JUST THAT. EARN YOUR GRADUATE DEGREE AT HOPE. 100% ONLINE PROGRAMS WORK WITHIN YOUR SCHEDULE, AND DEDICATED ACADEMIC COACHES HELP YOU PLAN FOR AND REACH YOUR GOALS.
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07/22
CURRENT
“Everybody who paid $15 for a can of Monster at the concession stand say YEAH!”
An Insider’s Guide to 2017’s Summer Festivals Everything you need to know.
OU CAN FEEL IT IN THE AIR.
worse, hundreds of thousands of people will
Music festivals are a highly profitable
Singles are being remixed.
be flooding the sun-dappled, mud-trampled,
business, so there are a lot to choose from.
Flower crowns are being laced
energy drink-strewn parks, deserts and
But which one is right for you? Let’s take
together. Urban Outfitters is
fairgrounds to hear their favorite bands—
a look at the differences of a few key ones,
selling floral rompers on sale. Yes, music
or at least pretend to hear them from a
before we all pass out from heat exhaustion.
festival season is upon us, and for better or
distance, roughly three football fields away.
Y
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LOLLAPALOOZA (left and right) Chicago: Urban Jungle
Run the Jewels, Arcade Fire, Chance the Rapper, The Killers, Lorde and others will be headed to the windy city’s premier music fest (sorry, Pitchfork), which takes place in Grant Park on the Chicago waterfront downtown. That makes Lolla the ideal choice for people who prefer their music fests with restaurants and shopping options. BONNAROO Tennessee: Music Max: Fury Road
and The Shins will lead this fest, making it ideal for those who don’t get what all the kids are into, what with their hippity-hoppity. Although, Sasquatch does feature Chance the Rapper this year—pretty much every U.S. festival booked him this year (for good reason).
This year will bring U2, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, The xx and others, so it’s a solid lineup. W H AT T O PA C K F O R A MUSIC FEST
• CamelBak, to stay hydrated • Plenty of sunscreen • A portable cell phone charger • A first-aid kit • A flashlight with extra batteries • Road flares • Another first-aid kit • A machete Fashion tip: Music festivals are the last acceptable place you can work a fanny pack.
But be warned, it takes place in the scalding Tennessee wilderness, accessible only via an Indiana Jones-esque exploration into the unknown. Not everyone who ventures will make it home safely.
• Flak jacket (2x) • A generator • Small toolbox • Last will and testament
SASQUATCH
• Trail mix
Washington: Granola Diet
Twenty One Pilots, The Head and the Heart,
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CURRENT
TIME: THE KALIEF BROWDER STORY
Jay Z produced a six-part docuseries about 16-year-old Kalief Browder who spent three years in jail—two in solitary confinement—after being accused of stealing a backpack. The charges were dropped, but after being released, Browder took his own life.
MISC.
The chicken king KFC has published Tender Wings of Desire, a novella about the love
YET-TO-BE-TITLED
affair between
DOCUSERIES & FILM ABOUT
Lady Madeline
TRAYVON MARTIN
After securing the rights to two acclaimed books about the death of black teen Trayvon Martin and the lack of charges against his killer George Zimmerman, Jay Z will produce both a six-part docuseries and a feature film.
Parker and Colonel Harland Sanders. Yes, a KFC romance book is real.
THE WAR ON DRUGS IS AN EPIC FAIL
In this animated short film made for The New York Times, Jay Z explains why the ongoing crackdown on marijuana and harsh penalties for minor drug law violations not only disproportionately target minority communities, but are also ineffective.
Jay Z: Social Justice Filmmaker IP-HOP LEGEND JAY Z is expanding his entertainment
H
empire, and his career’s next act goes beyond music.
Nicki Minaj, it turns out, is one of the great celebrity philanthropists of her generation. Apparently, Minaj has spent the last few years donating money to an unnamed Indian village through her pastor.
He’s currently making films and docuseries that take on the criminal justice system.
A&E IndieFilms just commissioned
Scientists Can Now Make Saltwater Drinkable
a documentary about a small religious sect called Followers of Christ, a
AROUND THE WORLD, an estimated 663 million people live without access to clean
water. In addition to the progress humanitarian organizations have been making toward getting drinkable water to people, scientists may now be able to get people the tools they need to make saltwater drinkable. A team at the University of Manchester has created a filter made mostly out of the chemical graphene oxide, which can separate salt particles from water particles, leaving only clean water.
JULY-AUG
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group accused of refusing to treat community members with medicine or seek traditional medical help.
2017
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CURRENT
Islam Will Soon Be the World’s Fastest-Growing Religion Dramatic demographic trends mean that Christians could become a minority.
IN
LESS THAN 20 YEARS, the number
of babies born to Muslims is expected
to exceed births to Christians. While Christianity will continue to grow around the world (based on the number of children born), the current majority religions will soon be outpaced, according to a recent Pew Research study. Part of the reason is that Christian populations tend to be older and account for a large
31%
percentage of the world’s deaths (37 percent), while
OF BABIES
they make up
BORN FROM
just 33 percent
2010 TO
of the world’s births. The global Muslim population, however, tends to be
2015 WERE BIRTHED TO MUSLIMS
much younger. This means that in the next generation, the global religious landscape could look Islam is getting younger and
entirely different.
spreading faster.
MISC.
JULY-AUG
Archaeologists recently found
Owen Wilson and Daniel
There is a new Kickstarter that
evidence— in 3,000-year-old
Radcliffe will be playing the
has, as of this writing, pulled in over
donkey dung—King Solomon had
parts of God and an angel on
$364,796 to create the RompHim.
access to copper mines, possibly
a new TBS workplace comedy
It’s the male-styled version of the
the source of his massive wealth
called Miracle Workers. It sounds
romper (the one-piece lady’s outfit).
described in the Bible.
terrible, but, yeah, we’ll watch.
Boys of summer, right?
022
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11/22
CURRENT
Meet the Netflix Series Out to Change America Why we need the buzzworthy Dear White People.
JUST LOOK AT TWITTER and
you’ll see few topics incite more explosive reactions than race. That’s what makes the Netflix comedy series Dear White People, which dropped earlier this summer, so significant. Like the 2014 movie, the show follows four black students at an Ivy League college. It has attracted wild acclaim, but that’s not its loftiest goal. We talked with actors Antoinette Robertson (Coco Conners) and Marque Richardson (Reggie Green) about why America needs this show. THE SHOW’S ANNOUNCEMENT CAUSED QUITE A STIR.
Antoinette: I was surprised by the hatred that followed. Needless to say, that reaction alone reinforced the fact this show is needed in this society. We definitely need something that could help begin conversations that would help close this racial divide. DEAR WHITE PEOPLE IS A COMEDY. DOES HUMOR PROVIDE A BETTER WAY TO HAVE DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS?
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Marque: Absolutely. Comedy
HAVE YOUR OWN IDEAS OF
makes knowledge easier to digest,
RACE CHANGED SINCE WORKING
especially with the subject of race
ON THE SHOW?
in America. Yeah, a lot of people
Marque: It’s interesting because the
don’t want to talk about it; but
TV series, more so than the film for
the only way we can progress
me, was the first piece of work in
people forward is talking about it.
which I actually got to explore what
At the end of the day, you choose
it means to be a young black man in
your strategy and [creator Justin
America. I’m realizing that art can,
Simien’s] strategy was with Dear
and should, be activism. I can’t go
White People and making it a satire,
home and pretend like nothing else
making it funny.
is going on in the world.
I’M REALIZING THAT ART CAN, AND SHOULD BE, ACTIVISM. — MARQUE RICHARDSON
Antoinette: There were definitely things that made me take a moment and have an introspection like a little heart-to-heart with myself and say, ‘Wait, hold on, are there things that I’ve done specifically because it might make my life easier in terms of conforming?’ And if so, why not be bold and brave enough to reveal to the world who I am in every capacity—instead of covering myself up to be accepted? WHAT DO YOU HOPE VIEWERS TAKE AWAY FROM DEAR WHITE PEOPLE? The Netflix series
Antoinette: I hope people take
follows the 2014 film of
away the universal theme that we’re
the same name.
all continuing to discover who we are, regardless of where we come from or where we aspire to be.
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1. MAKE A TOWN BUCKET LIST
“Start by talking to everyone. Ask them, ‘What do you like to do?’ or ‘Where do you like to eat?’ And start doing those things.” 4. MAKE FRIENDS
“An easy way to do that is to find a church community, which has always been really helpful for me.”
2. GET OUTSIDE
5 Keys to Putting Down Roots in Your New City Your next move doesn’t have to be so hard.
SUMMERS ARE ALWAYS BUSIER THAN
you expect, especially for people moving to new cities. In fact, the majority of people who move do so in the summer. This is especially true for millennials, 75 percent of whom say they’re
“It’s our way of experiencing a place at its most elemental. And it can help you connect and understand more about what it is deep down.”
considering moving to a new city.
5. GO TO YOUR TOWN’S FESTIVALS
“Almost every city in America has at least one during the summer. And they are the ways cities brag about themselves.”
Few things offer the excitement of exploring a new city, but moving always presents a problem: actually putting down roots and investing intentionally in a community. You know that feeling you get when you think about home? There’s a scientific term for that called “place attachment,” and journalist Melody Warnick, who last year published This Is Where You Belong: The Art and Science of Loving the Place You Live, has spent
3. WALK IN YOUR
years studying it and exploring how to
NEIGHBORHOOD
speed up the attachment process. Here’s
“This helps you feel more like you belong, like you know what’s going on here. You recognize things.”
what she says you need to do to make your new city feel like home:
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Crackdown: Russia’s Mounting War on Evangelism
MISC.
Well, Brooklyn has out Brooklyned itself. In the mecca Putin’s “Yarovaya laws” make some types of evangelism a crime.
of overpriced craft food and drink now sits an avocado bar called Avocaderia. Yes, a whole “bar” dedicated, we’re guessing, to avocado toast.
They’re calling them “Cereal Splashbacks,” three new flavors of Ben & Jerry’s
IN RUSSIA, SHARING your
laws. They’re billed as anti-
arrested—inviting friends
faith could land you in jail.
terrorism, but they actually
or strangers to church in
One of Russian President
ban evangelizing outside of
any way would be subject to
Vladimir Putin’s most
designated religious locations,
criminal punishment.
recent controversial moves
including your own home.
The laws also require
happened in July 2016 when
Based on the law—which
foreign missionaries to have
he signed a set of laws,
has already resulted in
a permit from government
known as the Yarovaya
religious leaders being
officials to speak at a church.
An HR Department’s Mark of the Beast Program
JULY-AUG
NOT ONLY ARE THEY KEEPING track
of your personal days, but your H.R. department may also be paving the way for the Mark of the Beast. Sort of. A Swedish tech company called Epicenter has begun implanting its employees with near-field communication microchips that allow
them to do things like unlock doors, use office printers and purchase beverages from the smoothie shop. To think, the end times are being ushered in because people want a convenient way to buy smoothies.
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ice cream that taste like drinking the milk from your favorite kid cereal. We can all just relax now, because Ben and Jerry are solving world problems.
The distressed fashion thing is getting out of hand. These sneakers from designer Maison Margiela cost $1,425. Seriously.
2017
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[T I M E C A P S U L E]
A Visual History of Dope Televangelist Suits Don’t be known for what you’re against, be known for what you wear.
S
INCE THE ADVENT OF BROADCASTING, preachers have been taking to the
airwaves to spread the Good News. But as any TV personality knows, if you’re going to be on primetime, you need to rock a dope suit. And just as normal fashion has evolved over the last several decades,
so to have televangelists’ suits—though much more radically. The following is a definitive visual history of the evolution of televangelist suits.
THE GLORY YEARS 1970S - 1980S
_ ALL BUSINESS 1950S - 1960S
_
Not only did tent revivals start looking like variety shows, but the suits and hair got straight-up audacious. No era has seen more bold fashion decisions.
Billy Graham always kept it classy.
Early TV ministry pioneers kept it simple—a good ol’ fashioned black suit and a smart necktie. Oh, how things would change.
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THE EXPERIMENTAL YEARS 1990S - 2000S
_
With three-quarter length, collarless suits that looked like they came from the future, Benny Hinn literally just invented new types of clothes. Of course, others followed suit. (Pun intended.) Sadly, only one of these pictures is of a fictional character.
Clockwise from top: Benny Hinn, Eddie Long, Leroy Jenkins, Jonas Nightengale
THE MODERN ERA
_
The modern era of televangelism is marked by flashy pantsuits, outlandishly flashy blazers and blindingly white teeth.
Clockwise from top: Oral Roberts, Jimmy Swaggart, Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Paul and Jan Crouch
L-R: T.B. Joshua, Joyce Meyer, Deitrick Haddon, Joel Osteen
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Millennials: Don’t Call Me a Millennial
You might have run into Poe at Cornerstone.
EVERYONE TALKS ABOUT
Oscar Isaac Was Once a CCM Scenester IN HOLLYWOOD TERMS, Oscar Isaac is
in the day. The actor, who grew up in
about as big of a deal as you can be these
a devoutly Christian home, told Chris
days. But before Inside Llewyn Davis,
Hardwick in a 2015 interview:
before The Force Awakens and before
“I went to this thing called Cornerstone
Ex Machina, Isaac spent his free time at
when I was in high school, which is like
Christian music festivals.
a Christian Woodstock. It was a Christian
Earlier this year, Juliana Theory
Coachella kind of thing. They had like
frontman Brett Detar said in a podcast
Christian metal bands, and Christian
interview that he heard Isaac attended a
hardcore bands and all sorts of different
Cornerstone festival sometime in the ’90s.
tents and all that. That was pretty wild.”
That got us digging, and it turns out—
Just think, that kid you elbowed a little
Isaac did indeed attend the now-defunct
too hard in the Five Iron Frenzy mosh pit
alternative Christian music festival back
might just have been Poe.
millennials. Well, almost. At this point, generational comparisons are a fixture of American public discourse, and this generation gets a lion’s share of attention. That is, unless you’re actually a millennial. For Gen Xers and boomers, those generational labels are fairly neutral, with about two-thirds of them telling researchers at LIMRA they use and are comfortable with the terms. Cut to millennials, and less than half (44 percent) actually identify as, well, millennials. Of course, millennials do have a reputation for eschewing labels. There’s irony in there somewhere. Or maybe just consistency.
MISC.
JULY-AUG
A new study just came out
There’s a new Dumbledore
Everyone knew Adele’s 2011 album,
saying that artificially sweetened
coming to the Harry Potter
21, was special. Now that album
drinks—e.g., diet soda—increase
franchise. This next version? Jude
holds the new record for longest
your risk for stroke or dementia—
Law. Because every British actor
time on the Billboard 200 by a
by triple(!). Warn your mom.
has to be in a Potter film.
woman, at 319 weeks and counting.
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14 SONGS FOR THE CHURCH INCLUDING “MANIFESTO” “HOLY (WEDDING DAY)” & NEW SONG “HONESTLY” RECORDED LIVE AT THEIR FINAL WORSHIP GATHERING
A V A I L A B L E
6 . 2 3
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MISC.
This Leaf Might Just Save the World
Former University of Michigan player turned NFL rookie has signed what’s quite possibly the greatest endorsement deal of all time. Jake Butt, who—no lie—is a tight end, is the new spokesman of
It produces 375% more oxygen
Charmin toilet paper.
than most normal plants.
AS A HIGH SCHOOL junior, Wyatt Pontius made
a large mark on how we can fight climate change and even approach space exploration. Pontius created a leaf that puts out 375 percent more oxygen than a regular leaf. That matters because as the climate changes, a major part
Compared to literally every
of that will be the declining amount of oxygen
other generation,
in the atmosphere. And when it comes to space
millennials are
travel, carrying oxygen up to space is one of the
the worst drivers.
heaviest and most expensive things to account for. With Pontius’ invention, trips up to space could be cheaper and last longer.
Only 39 percent Wyatt Pontius—
passed a written
and a satellite.
test distributed by a car insurance market. That’s the worst of any group measured. C’mon, guys.
36%
Only 36 Percent of Americans Think the Bible Is True
90%
Chance the Rapper
50% of American homes own a copy of the Bible
JULY-AUG
think the Bible is a good moral guide
AMERICANS LOVE THE BIBLE,
and it’s a big part of American life. That’s partly why nearly 90 percent of American homes own a copy. But when it comes to actually believing—much less, reading— the Bible, Americans aren’t quite as enthusiastic. Two recent surveys,
one by LifeWay and one by Barna, bear this out. At the same time, more than half of respondents think the Bible is a good moral guide for your life, but only 36 percent of Americans call the Bible true, which is about the same percentage who actively engage it.
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recently discussed his complicated relationship with labels, especially when it comes to his faith and art. He told Jordan Peele, “I don’t make Christian rap, but I am a Christian rapper.”
2017
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[ T H R O U G H T H E L E N S]
Adventure, Photography and Changing Perspectives British Columbia, Canada 50° 15’ 26” N • 122° 0’ 12” W
KEVIN RUSS IS LIVING THE LIFE every budding
photographer dreams of: He’s an adventurer that travels the world shooting pictures. In the early days of the iPhone, when every other photographer was flocking to digital SLR cameras, Russ decided he wanted to be a professional photographer that only shot with an iPhone. His shots ended up in commercial work and he garnered a large following, but for Russ it’s not about gear or a gimmick— it’s about finding beauty and capturing it as simply as possible. (He now shoots on analog film as well, including the image on this page.) Russ travels uniquely. You’re likely to find him hitching a ride on a freight train or sleeping in his car in the middle of the wilderness. He lives simply and intentionally—defining traits of his photography. “I put myself in places or situations that inspire me and document it,” Russ says. “I travel slow and allow the space and time I need to meet people and do things in a fully immersed way.” The approach has changed his perspective about the world. “It’s shown me how much I take for granted and the kindness of strangers. The world seems smaller than it used to, and people seem more alike than different.”
Kevin Russ Born & raised in California INSTAGRAM.COM/KEVINRUSS INSTAGRAM.COM/KEVINRUSSFILM
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[ T H E C H E AT S H E E T ]
Getting Out of Debt Doesn’t Have to Be Miserable Millennials are the most indebted generation in history. But managing it can be easier than you think.
MILLENNIALS ARE IN DEBT. That’s a fact that
Getting out of debt is hard, but it’s
consolidating the loans, refinancing
just about everyone knows to some extent.
necessary. Just remember it’s about
them or in the case of federal loans,
According to a recent report out of the Federal
the long game, and it doesn’t have to
make sure your monthly payments
Reserve Bank of New York, the household debt
take over your life.
are income-based. Depending on
for Americans went up in the fourth quarter of
what industry you’re in, you can
2016 across all types of debt: student loan, credit
1. TACKLE YOUR STUDENT
also consider a job in public service
cards, mortgages and auto loans. The Reserve
LOAN DEBT
that offers student loan forgiveness.
found that for 25- to 30-year-olds, student loan
See how you can make your student
It usually requires a long-term
debt made up 69 percent of a person’s debt.
loan more manageable, whether it’s
commitment, but it could be worth it for you. According to Inc., Sponsorchange.org connects you to volunteer programs that will help pay down your debt in exchange for your time. 2. EXPAND YOUR INCOME
More money will obviously make paying your debt down easier, and there are a few ways to get it. Nerdwallet advises not to be afraid to ask for a raise at your current job or consider another job that pays more. It’s also an option to get creative for extra income, whether that’s freelance writing or editing, selling things on Etsy, house sitting or babysitting, or even renting out extra space you may have. 3. GET INTERESTED IN INTEREST
Interest is that small, but sneaky thing that manages to add money to our debt balances each month. According to the ReadyforZero blog, it’s fairly easy to call your debtors and ask them to lower your interest rate. It’s a small step, but based on the terms of your loan, it could make a big difference.
JULY-AUG
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[T H E B IG Q U E S T IO N]
What Is the Best Piece of Relationship Advice You’ve Received? R
elationships are tricky things. Even though bookshelves and video series spill over with advice and coaching, just about everyone seems to struggle with friendship, dating or marriage at some point. Because life is complex and often just really busy. Yet
relationships have the power either to fuel or totally drain, so doing the work to make them healthy is never a waste. We asked three of the most dynamic—and busy!—people we know about the best relationship advice they’ve received.
Andy Mineo
Louie Giglio
Award-winning hip-hop
Founder of A21 and Propel, as
Pastor of Passion City Church
artist, whose latest album
well as an internationally sought-
and author of a new book,
drops this summer
after author and speaker
Goliath Must Fall
DO THE HARD WORK OF KNOWING
SOMEONE TOLD ME ONCE , “Christine, Nick is not Jesus. Jesus is Jesus.” Don’t expect your husband to be for you what only Jesus can be. Don’t expect from Nick what you can only ever get from God.
yourself. I think the greatest gift my wife ever gave me was her emotional healthiness. She came into our relationship having done the hard work of learning how to engage with her feelings honestly. ... That relationship will inform all of the other important ones.
JULY-AUG
Christine Caine
040
TO LOWER THE EXPECTATIONS WE
have for people ... especially a spouse. Relationships with others are a special treasure, but no one—no one—can meet the craving deep inside our hearts with sustenance and sustainability like our Creator. If you’re looking to people to be more than they can be, you’re headed for a relational roller coaster.
2017
Reflect on the Psalms with musician Bono, author Eugene Peterson, and Fuller theologian W. David O. Taylor Photo: Taylor Martyn
Read a candid conversation on reconciling race and why we need to step into the dialogue, not away from it
Watch internationally acclaimed artist Makoto Fujimura as he introduces the Culture Care movement
Hear stories of women in ministry, business, the arts, and academia from FULLER studio’s unique Story Table
Read noted theologian Oliver Crisp on why he chooses to be evangelical and what it really means
INTRODUCING FULLER STUDIO FULLER studio offers Fuller Seminary’s resources at a free online website, showcasing a wealth of theological material from our world-class faculty alongside exclusive releases such as the short film Bono and Eugene Peterson: The Psalms and a new podcast series from President Mark Labberton.
Fuller.edu/Studio 041
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HEY AGAIN, BROTHER Tony Hale plays some of the weirdest people on TV, and as he’ll be the first to tell you, that’s because he understands them better than anyone.
BY TYLER HUCKABEE
et’s start by dispelling the obvious, un-
tant who sticks by her closer than a leech. His neurotic, emo-
derstandable assumption: Tony Hale is not an
tionally destitute characterization is mesmerizing and stands
awkward guy. He’s thoughtful, funny, honest, dis-
out in a show full of standouts. Hale’s impression of Gary is
arming and chatty. He loves his wife of 14 years
a dark one, as will probably come as little surprise to fans.
and their daughter, Loy, who he calls his “every-
“Gary, he’s had no identity outside Selina Meyer,” Hale
thing.” He’s humble—endlessly, deliberately so—
says. “He gravitates to very powerful people to find his own
but he’s not self-deprecating. He says he’s cheap.
identity, co-dependently attaching himself to things just to
He’s even brave, opening up about issues public
find love and attention.”
figures likely wouldn’t be as forthright about.
This is one of Hale’s gifts—taking hopelessly broad, effec-
But Hale, contrary to the famed, Emmy-win-
tively helpless characters and finding their identifiably hu-
ning, remarkable performances that have made
man core. And if Hale seems unusually good at it, it’s only be-
him one of his generation’s most iconic comedic
cause it’s taken him some work to find out who he is as well.
talents, is not awkward. “I think it’s important to find the humanity in
AGGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT
any performance,” Hale says. “I don’t think any
Hale grew up in Tallahassee, Florida, the son of a teacher and
written character should come across as com-
a former political staffer. He always enjoyed acting but, like
pletely solid because that’s not real. ... You have
many, didn’t see much of a future in it. It was just a place to
to find the vulnerability and honesty in those
find a little bit of belonging in a part of the country famously
depths beyond those cracks and that’s what
obsessed with sports.
makes it relatable.”
“I was not an athletic kid,” Hale says with a tone that
He’s coming off the sixth season of Veep, HBO’s
suggests he was very much not an athletic kid. “My parents
astonishingly funny comedy that started out as
didn’t really know where to channel my energy, but we found
a look at the vice-presidential career of Selina
this small theater company called Young Actors Theater and
Meyer (as played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus) but has
it was just a gift. It was a place where I just felt like I could be
morphed into something more complex and, ulti-
myself. I felt like I wasn’t judged for my quirkiness and it was
mately, more satisfying. Hale plays Gary, Selina’s
a really freeing atmosphere.”
hopelessly devoted bagman and personal assis-
He wasn’t a popular kid, he says, though he ended up find-
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“You have to have people around you who see you for who you are, and speak truth into your life and can walk beside you during the highs and lows.”
That conviction is part of what led him to found Haven, a New York-based organization for actors in the entertainment industry who also want a faith community. Hale’s faith is a matter of deep importance to him and he and Haven co-founder Kathy Karbowski realized that they couldn’t be the only artists who were passionate about both faith and the arts. Haven was their attempt to feel a little less lonely. “We would also do service projects, because we all knew this business was selling ourselves and without doing things to get your eyes off yourself, it’s going to destroy you.”
ing a little social currency around the end of high
Hale is really into “getting his eyes off himself.” It comes
school. “But it was purely out of neediness,” he
up a lot in conversations about his notoriety. He’s not exactly
says. “I was trying to adapt to every clique I could
Brad Pitt or Will Smith, but there’s no denying that Hale is a
to get attention.”
distinctive person, and has carved a unique and fascinating
Hale is extraordinarily open about the insecurities of his younger days and the uphill battle to address them in a healthy way.
niche for himself in pop culture. And although he’s effusively grateful for the success, he’s open about the downsides. “I think the base of fame is that everyone wants to be known,” he says. “And they look at fame as the ultimate of be-
ILLUSIONS
ing known. ... But if you look at massive celebrities, they are
Hale speaks openly about his struggles with
isolated from the world, the opposite of being known.
stress and anxiety, the ways he’s overcome them
“You have to have people around you who see you for who
and the ways they continue to factor into his life.
you are, and speak truth into your life and can walk beside
“I’ve had pain in my past in regards to anx-
you during the highs and lows. That’s the stuff that matters
iety,” he says. “So it’s cool to see how it can be
and will give you longevity.”
used purposefully. It can be used in my work in a funny and positive way, which is cool to see. I’ve
HALE MARRY
learned a lot through it. I still have a lot of stress
Hale lives in Pasadena, California, so his current haven is his
and anxiety but through the mistakes, you learn
daughter and his wife, makeup artist Martel Thompson.
more truth as you grow older and older.”
daughter to school or the mall,” Hale says. “It’s keeping those
in the first place, though there was some initial
simple routines. That’s what love is. In this business, you’re
shame originally associated with it. “I think the
only as good as your last job. But it’s like, your value as a per-
shame comes from a place of our society always
son is the same before and after success. It doesn’t change.”
putting on the face that ‘I can do this,’” he says.
Hale and his wife met in New York City, when Hale was a
“Like a Facebook-perfection world where we all
struggling actor doing “every job under the sun of temp work”
put our best foot forward and no one sees behind
until he started landing a few commercial gigs, including the
the scenes. No one really has it all under control.
famous Volkswagen ad where he danced to “Mr. Roboto.” The
We’re all trying to work it out.”
commercials kept coming until Hale finally got his big break
On screen, Hale is famous for playing isolated
playing Buster on Arrested Development. He was a new face
characters whose comedy clearly comes from a
around seasoned pros, but delivered one of the show’s most
place of profound loneliness. So paradoxically,
enduring performances. Although, Arrested Development’s
Hale seems to have a deeply felt appreciation for
behind-the-scenes struggle to survive has now become al-
genuine community.
most as famous as the litany of running gags it spawned.
“I think the word ‘independent’ has been so
“We were always wondering whether we were going to
overglorified,” he explains. “No one sees the val-
be around or not,” he says of the early Arrested Development
ue in healthy dependence. What’s wrong with
days. “The anxiety is less now, but at the same time, I’m still a
needing healthy relationships and community,
freelancer. Every actor’s job is a job.”
and knowing we need each other and to speak
It’s not something you think about very often: well-known
into each other’s lives? It’s scary to open yourself
actors fretting about where the next paycheck is going to
up to people. It’s easier to put up a false armor
come from. Hale says it’s a real concern but it’s helped him to
than saying, ‘No, I actually need people around
learn to embrace the unknown.
me and the strength that people can provide.’”
JULY-AUG
“My favorite thing is having dinner with them or taking my
It was that stress that drove him to counseling
“I’ve had to accept the uncertainty of it, which has been
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2017
one of the hardest things to accept. ... I’ve been doing this for over 20 years and I still never know where the path is going to go or what will be the next thing.” The natural question is whether the next thing includes a return to the show that made him a star in the first place. The first three seasons of Arrested Development are in the comedy canon. The fourth season was more divisive, but finally won over its detractors as its ambitions revealed themselves. Would a fifth season be in the cards? “I love that question,” he says. “I don’t really know much. I think it’s going to happen, I just don’t know when. And if everyone is on board …” he breaks off for a second, either unsure of what to say or what he can say, before finally just letting it rest with: “I want it to happen.” Exactly three days after this conversation, Jason Bateman makes it official: There will be a fifth season in 2018, Hale and all. True to Hale’s experience, the next step keeps revealing itself. TONY AWARDS
“I think it’s pretty complex,” Hale says, musing about the difference between co-dependent relationships—like what Gary has with Selina, or Buster has with Lucille—and healthy relationships, like what he strives for in his own life. “I think with co-dependence, it’s a situation like ‘I need you to fix me or I need to fix them’ and taking on the responsibility of the other person. Healthy dependence is sharing and being there for each other and knowing you’re not responsible for the other person. Give them respect to stand on their two feet. It’s not yours to take.” It’s doubtful that Hale would be able to portray his characters with such an easy finesse if he had not come through the hardship already. He can view characters like Buster and Gary with empathy and respect because even if he hasn’t been in their exact shoes, he’s felt their anxiety, their need for love, their fear. He’s survived it, and he can interpret it with compassion. So maybe Hale is an awkward person. He’s as awkward as the rest of us. The difference is, unlike most people, he’s learned to embrace the awkwardness and the insecurities, and he’s come out more confident for it.
T YLER HUCK A BEE is a writer and editor living in Nashville.
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THIS ISN’T THE SAME LECRAE Speaking out about racial injustice almost cost him everything. And it changed everything.
JULY-AUG
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I N T E R V I E W BY A A RO N C LI N E H A N B U RY P H OTO S BY C H R I S TA N L A N T R Y
eading up to the release of 2014’s
new season, the direction he sees his career
Anomaly, Lecrae was on top of
and music going today, and how this last
the world. He was appearing on
year changed him forever.
TV, selling out shows and quickly establishing himself as one of the
YOU’VE BEEN PUBLIC ABOUT YOUR
biggest names in hip-hop.
EXHAUSTION FROM THE PAST YEAR OR SO.
Then Ferguson
I think as a Christian, people expect you to
happened. In the
be desensitized, and that’s just not reality.
following months,
We’re not a bunch of sanitized people; we’re
nine African-American
people with issues and struggles, people with
churchgoers would be shot by a white supremacist in Charleston,
addictions. You can’t talk about those types of issues because they’re extremely taboo.
South Carolina. Philando Castile would be
Beyonce creates a whole album about the
shot to death during a routine traffic stop.
pain of an affair, be it real or not, and there
Alton Sterling was killed by police outside
were many women across the world who
a convenience store. Across the country,
related to that. Why aren’t we writing those
dozens of unarmed black men and women
songs? Why aren’t we telling those stories?
were either killed by police or died while in
Why can’t I talk about what it’s like to be a
police custody.
black man in America? Because people say,
Though he’s always been vocal about injustice, Lecrae’s support of the Black Lives
“Oh, no! That’s too black.” If you suffocate my blackness, you’ve got
Matter movement and his renewed calls
to realize that’s supremacy. ... But because
for Christians to speak out against racial
of the tension within American history with
violence, struck a nerve amongst some of his
blacks and whites, you talk about blackness
fans. The backlash was fierce. It took its toll
too much and in some people’s minds, it
on hip-hop’s raising star.
means you’re anti-white or if you talk about
Now, with his new album, Lecrae, also a co-founder of Reach Records, says he’s
police brutality, you’re all of a sudden antipolice. We don’t do well with complexity.
over it. He’s done worrying about outcomes. They say you can’t please everyone. You can,
ON TOP OF ALL THAT, YOU’VE BEEN FACING
however, go mad trying to do so.
INTERNAL ISSUES, TOO, RIGHT?
Nowhere can you see this new Lecrae
It’s a collision of stuff from all the way back
more than in his new album, his first
in childhood, to losing my good friend DJ
since Reach partnered with mainstream
Official, to the scrutiny or social criticism—
powerhouse Columbia Records. His new
feeling like you’re in some ways a slave to
songs—the first single became a top 10
an audience, because it feels like, “We’re
mainstream hip-hop chart hit—ooze emotion
not buying your music or supporting you at
and vulnerability and, now, contentment.
concerts if you don’t line up with what we
We sat down with Lecrae to talk about this
want you to line up with.”
“ I ’ M I N A V E RY CO M FO RTA B LE P L AC E , A N D S O M E O F TH AT CO M E S F R O M TH E S H AC K LE S O F N OT H AV I N G TO B E W H AT P E O P LE WA NT YO U TO B E .”
Part of it is having to sit in a counselor’s
dentures now.
chair and have people unpack that stuff
Long story short, I was bred with such
for you. I strongly advocate for that—let
insecurity from not having my dad around.
professionals work with you through stuff.
You don’t realize you’re vying for the
Whether you think you’re jacked up or not,
approval of everyone so much until being
we’re all broken people and until we can
yourself is not approved of. You’re like, “Oh
admit that, we’re not going to progress.
wow, you guys don’t like me unless I’m what you want me to be.”
HOW HAVE THINGS CHANGED SINCE YOUR LAST ALBUM, ANOMALY?
OK, awesome, I can’t do that. It’s just me saying I’m going to make music
So much has to go on to get you to where
that’s as authentic as it can possibly be. I’m
you’re very comfortable in your own skin.
going to talk about issues that everybody
It’s kind of like you have your uncles or
may or may not want to hear. I think now it’s
grandfathers and they have no problem
really saying, “Look, this is me.”
just being themselves, because they’re like,
JULY-AUG
“Listen I’ve lived enough life. I’m fine. I’m
WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE CREATIVELY—
taking my teeth out and putting them on
LYRICS OR SOUND OR WHAT?
the table and I don’t care what you think.”
When I’m in the studio this time around, it’s
I think that’s where I’m at. I’m OK with my
me saying, “Let’s say some hard things. Let’s
050
2017
say some stuff that is difficult and needed,
I’m nuanced and complex and I like both of
and then let’s go back and say it again and
them.” I’m not going to worry about the way
again until we find a song where it’s done in
people perceive me because if you meet me
the way we wanted it to be done.”
you’ll say, “Oh, OK, I didn’t realize that there
I think more than anything, there are
was this lane in the middle here that people
songs on the album that are explicitly about
could run in.” But that’s what you’re going to
love and relationships. There are some songs
have to deal with.
like “Can’t Stop Me Now” where I said, I’m glad that Jesus ain’t American / That’s the
HAVE YOU CHANGED AS A PERSON?
reason I care again.
I think we’re all growing. I’ve definitely
I don’t know what kind of reaction that’s gonna get, but that’s where I’m at.
grown as a person. I haven’t switched or anything like that. I think I’ve just come into a freedom of being complex, and people are
SOME PEOPLE WONDERED IF YOU WERE
going to not agree with me on everything.
DONE WITH EVANGELICAL CHRISTIANITY. YOU
Every team is going to say, “No, he plays for
SAY IT’S MORE COMPLICATED THAN THAT.
us now” and they’re all going to be sorely
I’ve never been in a box. It’s really the irony
disappointed at times.
of it, but publicly I didn’t realize how much of a box I was in. Personally, I was able to
RIGHT NOW, WHERE ARE YOU ON THE
navigate in a million different spaces, but
SPECTRUM OF THE LECRAE JOURNEY?
I remember [author/theologian] Christena
I’m definitely on the other side of it; I’m
Cleveland challenged me by saying I was
totally liberated.
an evangelical mascot. I said, “Wow, is that really how I’m perceived?”
I went to Egypt; sometimes getting out of your own backyard reminds you America is
When I saw that, it really made me do
only 500 years old. It’s not the only country
some internal soul searching and say, “Wow,
in existence. There are so many issues all
I didn’t realize that was the perception.”
over the world that people are wrestling
I had to ask friends. I was in the dark. By
through. You just realize there’s so much
placating people so often in certain circles,
more going on and it gave me perspective.
you’re viewed as an advocate. If you hang
When all you can see is the problem in
out at the biker club so many times, people
front of you, it’s like you tell your kid they
will say, “He’s a biker.”
can’t have any ice cream and they think
I’m way more complex and nuanced than
the world is coming to end. Not to belittle
that. It’s not to say that I hate that world or
my issues, but, like, I just couldn’t have ice
anything like that; I have great friends over
cream. It was just really helpful for me to see
there and everywhere. Now I’m just content
that there was a 3,000-year-old civilization
with saying I’m just a follower of Jesus.
that survived in some kind of way. I’ll be
That’s it. I don’t belong in any camp.
fine. God’s got me, and I’ll be fine.
IS THAT REALLY SOMETHING YOU CAN AVOID,
great joy, great liberation. I’m in a very
BEING PUT IN BOXES?
comfortable place, and some of that comes
I guess to drive it home for me, it’s not
from the shackles of not having to be what
being worried if I disappoint the box people
people want you to be.
I’m on the other side of it. I’m full of
thought I was in in the first place. Because it’s like, “Oh, you’re hanging out with this person? You must be liberal. No, wait. Why are you hanging out with this person? Are you conservative?” It’s like, “No, because
051
A ARON CLINE HA NBURY is the editorial director of RELEVANT. He’s on Twitter @ achanbury. Matt Conner contributed to this interview.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
BY JESSE CAREY
JULY-AUG
052
2017
053
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
T here’s a world around us few can see. It exists alongside our physical reality. It can enhance our understanding beyond the five 0
senses, and it even manipulates
10
our perceptions. It is a realm in which those
101010
who tap into it can find great 01010
power, and those who embrace it can have their lives changed in
1000
nearly unimaginable ways.
1011010 010101000 101010 1010
This is the world of augmented reality. THE HUMBLE BEGINNINGS OF THE
01010
REVOLUTION
10101011 1001 010 1
But “Pokemon Go” isn’t simply revo-
about ethics—whether you use the
The week of July 6, 2016, marked an unex-
lutionary for its unique game play, but
term or whether you don’t,” says eth-
pected turning point in the history of tech-
because of what it represents. For the
icist Nigel Cameron, the president
nology and humankind. In the days that fol-
first time on a large scale, millions of
of the Center for Policy on Emerging
lowed, millions of people around the world
people broke down the barrier separat-
Technologies and the Fulbright Visiting
began wandering the streets, phones in hand,
ing the digital and natural worlds.
Research Chair in Science and Society
looking for stuff that didn’t really exist.
Devices like Google Glass—which
at the University of Ottawa, Canada.
projects images and data onto the
“Partly because there are, of course,
lens of actual glasses like Arnold
such profound ethical questions bound
For decades, sci-fi movies like Minority
Schwarzenegger’s terminator eye—had
up in all of these technologies, because
Report created fantastic pictures of what a
long been released, but nothing caught
they are all ways of leveraging power
world powered by augmented reality could
on like the phenomenon of “Pokemon
of people ultimately. And partly, be-
look like, but it was the simple smartphone
Go,” which became one of the most suc-
cause ultimately, values drive value.”
game that provided the initial firsthand intro-
cessful apps of all time.
They were playing a revolutionary game
00
called “Pokemon Go.”
1
duction to the concept of augmented reality for millions.
The game is based on a harmless— and pretty ridiculous—concept, but the
by the personal values of consumers.
The game itself is simple: Using GPS maps
technology that it uses has some of the
“It’s going to be investors and capital
on their phones, players look for Pokemon
world’s foremost researchers, futurists
markets that mainly determine what
hiding nearby. When their phone’s camera is
and ethicists deeply concerned about
happens with these technologies,” he
pointed in the direction where the Pokemon
what lies ahead.
explains. “And the way to get the atten-
is, players see it on the phone screen, float-
JULY-AUG
The bottom line, Cameron says, is these powerful technologies are driven
tion of those people is to point out that
ing on top of the actual ground in front of the
THE BIGGER ISSUES
people’s values actually drive the value
player. From there, the objective is to “catch”
“As soon as you start talking about
that they give to products.”
them all.
technology in the future, you’re talking
054
The implication is this: Though the
2017
port-like implants: Basically you would have implants in the brain that would augment your vision,” she explains. “So
instead
of
seeing a white wall, say
mented reality is predicated on the ability to
there’s
that
detect and triangulate precise locations, uti-
you’re walking past, it’s
lize facial-recognition technology and to put
just a plain white building,
tiny cameras literally everywhere.
a
building
it could have individualized
Creighton says this will force new legisla-
projections based on who
tion and mobilize activists concerned about
you are.”
privacy to ask big questions.
She thinks it’s basically
“Is the company in control of that tech-
an extension of how e-com-
nology allowed to keep what you record as
merce already works.
you’re walking around? Are they allowed
“So, much the same way
to sell what you record as you’re walking
Facebook has targeted ads
around?” she asks. “There’s a lot of concern
on their site ... a building
that governments starting from the state lev-
could have ads that as you
el all the way up to the federal level and even
walk by, they are catered to-
local governments will have to determine.
ward you,” she explains.
But, of course, a lot of these conversations are
However
Creighton
driven by individuals, and I think throughout
doesn’t think these predic-
history we have seen that when people truly
tions should overshadow
mobilize and form movements behind issues
the benefits of augmented reality, and the promise that a digitized vision of the world could hold. She points to an examidea for any emerging technology may
ple of a plumber, years into the future,
“DOWN THE ROAD, THE IDEA
be based on purely utilitarian or altru-
helping a homeowner utilizing aug-
istic motivations—digitally connecting
mented reality glasses: “You put on
WOULD BE ... BASICALLY
people with the world around them
these glasses; you connect with them
YOU WOULD HAVE IMPLANTS
and furthering the enabling of their
via Skype or some other messaging ser-
IN THE BRAIN THAT WOULD
own personal values—the people and
vice and they can literally draw on the
commercial entities funding innova-
wall in front of you in order to show
AUGMENT YOUR VISION.”
tion ultimately have a financial stake.
you what you need to do to sort of fix
At the end of the day, how can this
the plumbing issue.”
new technology be used to sell consum-
She also points to the revolutionary
ers products or provide corporations
educational possibilities: “Other appli-
with valuable data about buying hab-
cations involve things in the classroom,
that they truly care about, we can drive con-
its? Can the physical world around us
where students are able to not just see
versation and also political action.”
be even more programmed to gear our
a picture of Niagara Falls or some alien
This kind of action will be necessary. At
thinking into constant consumption?
world like Venus—we have maps from
least according to Jon Fisher, the CEO and
Jolene Creighton thinks a lot about
our various spacecrafts of Mars and Ve-
co-founder of the company CrowdOptic,
these kinds of questions. She’s the ed-
nus that would allow students not just
known for its cutting-edge augmented reality
itor-in-chief at Futurism magazine and
to hear about far-off places, but will
products—some of which have sparked ma-
is a well-known speaker, researcher
allow them to scroll around the world
jor breakthroughs. Their technology is cur-
and university professor who specializ-
at will.”
rently the single patented solution utilized in
es in emerging technologies.
Still, there are also growing concerns
wearable devices like Google Glass.
“If we’re looking at specifically brain
about how augmented reality-equipped
Fisher says it’s not inconceivable that in
hacking, down the road the idea would
devices and infrastructure will infringe
the future, more products—meant to safe-
be to kind of have these Minority Re-
on individuals’ privacy. After all, aug-
guard your privacy in a world constantly
055
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
being scanned by tiny sensors or cameras— would also be prevalent. “You have to realize our privacy and security is out the window with stuff like this— not my stuff in particular—but with AR and VR to identify people’s faces and to identify all kind of characteristics,” he explains. “My wife and I have a 7-year-old, and maybe the next invention will be a type of sunblock to protect her from all these types of crazy technology. And I think that’s the downside with all the great improvements; we are going to have defend her against all the crazy types of technology as far as security goes.” The concerns on a consumer level are multifaceted—with both commercial and socially beneficial implications. But, for the Christian who is concerned with the ethical and the biblical, what are the spiritual ramifications of modifying the design of God’s creation? DEEPER QUESTIONS
There’s a major difference between virtual reality and augmented reality. Virtual reality is based on the ability to overtake an individual’s primary senses. Nothing you experience with a VR headset is actually “real.” You are virtually taken somewhere else entirely. Augmented reality, however, isn’t concerned with supplanting reality; it instead attempts to enhance it. Either through projections—via a smartphone screen, car windshield or glasses, like ones currently being developed by companies like Google and Snapchat—or, in the future, some sort of neurological or optical implant, augmented reality works with the world around you. The technology overlays what people see with digital images associated with real-world landmarks. Unlike virtual reality, AR messes with how you see the world. In a sense, it augments the way God designed people to perceive the world. But what does that mean in relationship to our Creator? “My criteria that I bring to these things, within the Christian context specifically, is the image of God,” Cameron says. “Within a public context I’m talking about human dignity and humans flourishing, and my question, ‘Is this basically good or bad for the human? … Is it making us more or less human?
JULY-AUG
056
2017
Is it enabling our human capacities to
But I think the answer does not lie in
be more fully unfolded or is it dimin-
distinguishing between the digital and
ishing them, by turning us into some-
the analog, or the real world and the
thing more like a machine?’”
unreal world.”
1000 101
When it comes to the biblical ethic
Having to decide where the line is
1010
behind the coming advancements into
in the merger of the human brain and
010101000
the AR revolution, Cameron sees two
augmented reality devices may seem
competing
like a far-off concern. But these reali-
philosophies—each
with
different spiritual implications.
ties may be closer than you think.
Are these technologies enhancing
101010 1010
can be projected before us. On the surface, these are two completely
01010
independent concepts, but with the optimis-
10100101 10101011
God’s design, or are they concerned
THE COMING REALITY
tic approach Cameron encourages, they don’t
with ultimately replacing it with a less
Experts across the spectrum agree that
have to be mutually exclusive. Augmented
“inferior” technology?
there are very real considerations to be
reality holds untapped promises to heal the
To people on Cameron’s side of
made when embracing, developing and
sick, help the poor and connect communities
the debate, the truly exciting part of
legislating how augmented reality will
around the world.
“brain-hacking” technologies like aug-
be incorporated into lives. But they also
Creighton says that this technology could
mented reality isn’t its ability to replace
agree on another point—augmented re-
give people the ability to do things “like make
parts of our brains and thinking with
ality is the future.
brain-computer interfaces that will allow you to connect to computers, making things like mobile storage devices so you can store memories externally and doing those really remarkable, moonshot things.” What if doctors could operate on patients
“WHAT WILL IT MEAN TO BE
at long distances? What if we could see virtual projections of a brain tumor to better
HUMAN IN THOSE TECHNOLOGICAL
understand ways to treat cancer? What if
CONTEXTS? WE HAVE TO BE OPEN
augmented reality interfaces could help hu-
TO HAVING THAT CONVERSATION.”
manitarians better assist victims of disasters? “This is not all taking God by surprise,
- NIGEL CAMERON
you know,” Cameron says. “I think we have to work on the assumption—[that whatever you believe about] creation and evolution— humans have not been around for that long at all, and we have to make the assumption
software—it’s to better understand the
And, for Nigel Cameron, that’s a rea-
that we are likely to be around in a thousand
son not to be fearful; but to be hopeful.
years time, and possibly in a million years
ongoing
“We have to have non-naive opti-
time, and possibly a billion years time. What
debate with “transhumanist” philos-
mism in these discussions,” he says.
will it mean to be human in those technolog-
ophers, who are proponents of the
“I think we need to have an optimism
ical contexts? We have to be open to having
possible benefits of a future humanity
and look to the future as a human fu-
that conversation.”
merged with technology.
ture, and have this fundamental crite-
This is a big conversation that can’t be ig-
“I would always say to them, ‘Why
ria: What is good for humans? What
nored, but it’s about more than technology.
are you not more interested with this
makes us more human rather than less
It’s about bringing together the world of the
human thing and what we could do
human? And how can technology ulti-
unseen with the one in front of our eyes.
with this human thing before you want
mately serve the purposes which Scrip-
to leave it behind?’” he says. “It seems
ture tells us, as Christians, that God has
to me if we can see these technology de-
had—that we might indeed flourish as
velopments essentially as ways to hack
a human community and serve Him.”
brain God has already given us. Cameron
references
an
into humanness, and discover more
The message of the Gospel requires
about our humanness and our human
that Christians seek the merger of two
abilities ... If the intent of this is to en-
worlds: On earth as it is in heaven.
able us to be more fully human and de-
Augmented reality is based on the
velop our human characteristics, then
idea that the digital can merge with the
I think that will be all well and good.
organic, and the world of the unseen
057
JESSE CAREY is the brand director for RELEVANT. He lives with his wife and two kids in Virginia Beach, Virginia.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
1001 0 010 1 00 1
A N
I S S U E
O F
L I F E
A N D
D E A T H TH E I N CO NVE N I E NT TR UTH TH AT C LI M ATE CHANGE IS THE LIFE ISSUE THE CHURCH I S N ’ T TA LK I N G A B O UT.
en years ago, An Inconvenient
documentary’s predictions came
Truth debuted. The
true, including 2015 being the
groundbreaking, Oscar-winning
hottest year on record (which, of
documentary showed the world
course, wasn’t predicted down
the devastating effects of climate
to the year). But notably, one of
change on the Earth. For many it
the film’s most incredulously
signified an important moment
received predictions was the
of awareness, education and
most specific. An Inconvenient
action, but in my family it was
Truth predicted that a storm
viewed with ridicule.
surge combined with the rising
In my home and the
sea level would flood the 9/11
community I belonged to—and
Memorial site. And in 2012, it
to millions like it around the
happened precisely that way
BY
United States—Al Gore was just
with Hurricane Sandy—a fact
KIM HUNT
trying to capitalize financially
that the sequel is not afraid
off of a ruse while he flew
to acknowledge. The new film
around the world in his private
documents these things, and
jet that produced more carbon
presents progress being made to
emissions in a year than I could
reverse climate damage.
in a lifetime.
This new film is markedly
Unfortunately, this film
more positive as it shows the
that sparked a movement also
ways different places around the
alienated an entire segment of
world are adapting and taking
the population that could have
steps to reduce their footprint.
been one of the movement’s
“This is a hopeful cause
strongest allies, decidedly
now,” Gore said. “We have the
politicizing the way a lot of
solutions.”
people view climate change.
This time around, the film’s
You know the story: The issue
directors followed Gore for two
became framed within terms
years to see some of the most
of belief (whether you believe
vulnerable people and places
climate change is real or not)
dealing with climate change.
rather than focusing on the facts. But people from this world,
In a very emotional portion of the film, Gore is in the
which is to say people like me,
Philippines comforting a man
became disillusioned with the
who survived Typhoon Haiyan
whole global warming-climate
in 2013—its severity could be
change plight.
attributed to climate change—
This summer, more than 10
and is still recovering.
years later, Gore is at the center
“I’ve met so many people with
of a sequel documentary called
burdens on their hearts that are
An Inconvenient Sequel. It’s a
just impossible to imagine,” he
film he’s sad was necessary
has said.
because he thought the facts
JULY-AUG
Still, An Inconvenient
were so clearly laid out in
Sequel retains the original’s
the original. In the decade
aggression—the politicization
that followed, several of the
that made it so controversial
060
2017
The No. 1 reason we care about climate change is because it is exacerbating issues we already face today. — Katharine Hayhoe
During the 2008 hurricane season, Haiti was subjected to four powerful hurricanes in the span of 20 days. This increasing severity and quantity of hurricanes is one of the effects of climate change.
and polarizing. If it’s possible,
attention to climate change—a
change doesn’t often make the
this new movie ramps up the
huge portion of which, in the
list of major Christian social
political parts.
U.S., are Christians.
concerns, one of the country’s
It’s clear that Gore and
And as it turns out, Christians
the filmmakers fear many of
have more reason than anyone
the forward steps taken over
to be concerned—and more
the past decade or so could
impetus to take action.
be reversed in the decidedly
leading climate scientists thinks that’s a big mistake. “The No. 1 reason we care about climate change is because it is exacerbating issues we
different political world of 2017
BEYOND THE POLITICS
already face today,” says
and beyond.
For as long as Christians have
Katharine Hayhoe, Christian
been a functional part of society,
climate scientist and author
is certainly about science,
the idea of “love of neighbor”
of A Climate for Change. “It is
but less so than before. And,
has been a guiding ethic. These
taking all the risks that used to
unfortunately, that could mean
days, American Christians
be natural and it’s weighting
it will face an uphill battle in
express that most recognizably
the dice on them. Storms are
reaching people who don’t
in charity for the poor and pro-
getting stronger, more extreme
see the importance of paying
life advocacy. And while climate
and more frequent, and we care
An Inconvenient Sequel
061
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
about it because it affects us. It affects our energy, our water, our agriculture, our food, our health, but it disproportionately affects people who are already on the edge, who are already struggling to get by.” The crux of the matter is, climate change is affecting people now. Most notably, it’s affecting those living in poverty and those who are already vulnerable. And Hayhoe thinks it’s central to almost all global concerns for life. Ben Lowe, senior adviser to Young Evangelicals for Climate Action and author of Doing Good Without Giving Up, echoes this sentiment precisely: “It is the poor and vulnerable who will continue to suffer the most—such as the communities I work with around Lake Tanganyika who are struggling from climate-driven declines in this critical inland fishery. They’re among the smallest contributors to climate change, yet they bear some of the greatest impacts and have the least capacity to adapt.” When you live day to day for subsistence, there are few to no options for you when that routine is interrupted. As scientists track the impacts of climate change with the changing weather and precipitation patterns, the subsequent droughts and floods permanently harm subsistence farming, forcing people into extreme poverty. Lowe and Hayhoe are clear: Climate change exacerbates many of the other issues in the Climate change in the Arctic Ocean leads to shrinking of the sea ice cove
world we’re already seeking to address: poverty, war, disease, trafficking and care for refugees. Take, for example, the Syrian
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
civil war, which has partial roots
“Many of us who are among the most privileged and
see climate change for what it
hit the country causing people
insulated people in the world
is: an injustice imposed by the
to migrate and quarrel over
will often get to ignore the
wealthy upon the world’s poor.”
water access. The World Health
impacts of climate change the
Organization and scientists
longest,” Lowe says. “But we
have built our prosperity on
across the globe are seeking
can’t hide forever.”
the use of fossils fuels, but our
to prepare for the increase in
In the West, most have the
Hayhoe explains it: “We
prosperity is not free. The bill is
infectious diseases expected due
opportunity to visit grocery
coming due, and right now, that
to climate change. When people
stores and enjoy water straight
bill is being disproportionately
are forced to move because of
from a faucet, but many will feel
paid by those who did nothing to
war, lack of food or water, or
the impacts of climate change
contribute to it.”
any number of other reasons
soon if they haven’t already.
based in survival, they become
Hurricane Sandy was the
If you look at a global map showing countries with the
much more at-risk of being
largest Atlantic hurricane ever
highest carbon emissions next to
taken advantage of or trafficked.
recorded due to abnormally
a map of the areas of the world
The impacts of climate change
warm ocean temperatures. It
that are most vulnerable to the
already have and will continue
completely devastated parts of
effects of climate change, it
to ripple across many justice
the East Coast.
becomes glaringly obvious how
issues we already care about. But we will feel the effects eventually, too.
I’d like to believe that the American Church will begin to see climate change for what it is: an injustice imposed by the wealthy upon the world’s poor. — Brian Webb
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has released
much of a justice issue this is. The wealthiest in the world
multiple reports on the subject
(which includes us) contribute
with information on mitigation,
the most to climate change with
adaptation and cost estimation
our cars, planes, electricity
as climate change is expected
and wasteful habits, while it is
to greatly impact both crop and
the most impoverished areas
livestock production here in the
that are most vulnerable to the
United States.
negative effects with little to no
Why does climate change matter so much? Because it’s
ability to adapt. Our choices can be
not just apocalyptic predictions:
oppressive, whether or not we
It’s affecting people negatively
realize what we’re doing.
now, it will aggravate issues we
Christians, therefore, are
already care about and it’s going
once again mandated—not
to more strongly impact us and
recommended or asked nicely—
those closest to us, soon.
to care for the poor, the orphan, the widow, the oppressed; it’s
CENTRAL CHRISTIAN CONCERN
One of the most basic reasons
the Christian duty. Humankind is destroying
we as Christians should care
God’s creation, causing
about climate change is because
irreversible changes in climate
God entrusted the care of His
and weather patterns, and in
creation to His people (Genesis
doing this, we inadvertently find
2:15). But beyond that simple
ourselves further oppressing the
imperative to care for the Earth
poor and vulnerable. You simply
as God commanded, according to
can’t escape that climate change
Brian Webb—who is the director
must be considered a Christian
of Climate Caretakers—climate
ethical issue.
change is increasingly becoming a justice issue. “I’m an optimist by nature, and I’d like to believe that the
JULY-AUG
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in the massive drought that
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WHAT CAN WE DO NOW?
Webb thinks, for Christians concerned about the climate,
2017
2005
2 016
work needs to be done to grow
Eat less meat. Install LED bulbs.
them to tighten fuel standards
beyond the divisive legacy An
Carpool. Buy reusable items
and support a carbon tax. Ask
Glacier shrinkage
Inconvenient Truth left among
instead of single-use. Cut down
them to join the international
Island
Evangelical Christians. Instead,
on your plastic usage. Invest in
community on efforts to tackle
he suggests, the motivator
clean energy.
climate issues.
needs to shift from panic and
All of these are relatively
It’s easy to get bogged down
even guilt to acting on the
easily integrated into your
in political propaganda, but you
biblical imperative to care
everyday life, and they will make
can instead prepare and aim to
for God’s creation and for the
a difference. The more difficult
mitigate the impacts of climate
impoverished.
task—and more impactful in the
change. After all, aren’t elected
long term—includes political
officials supposed to represent
that Christians can do to
involvement. The consensus of
your interests (that’s their job!)?
decrease their contribution to
experts is that the government
global warming, but it all starts
must act, and that means those
organization like Micah
by paying attention,” he says.
looking for change must reach
Challenge USA, Climate
out to elected representatives
Caretakers or Young
and implore them to take action
Evangelicals for Climate Action,
on climate change.
and join their communities as
“There are a million things
So what does paying attention look like? If you google “What can I do about climate change?”
Webb suggests simply letting
hundreds of lists show up. Drive
your politicians know you
smaller, more fuel-efficient cars.
care about climate change. Ask
on South Georgia
You can also find an
they take political action on these important issues. Lowe says, “The most
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Village in Bangladesh where climate change has triggered tidal surges, floods and the loss of land for growing crops.
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important thing we can do to fight climate change is to know and follow Jesus with obedience; to seek, by the power of the Spirit, to live out the gospel across all aspects of our lives. This isn’t just a short list of climate-friendly actions we can check off. It’s a lifelong journey to grow into our calling as God’s people doing God’s work in God’s world.” But if the task seems too vast, Lowe says there are actually abundant opportunities to take a stand—if only we open our eyes to the needs around us. Yes, there may be a lot of doom and gloom out there regarding climate change—have you listened to S-Town?—but Christians cannot let that stop us from taking action now or in the future. Mike McHargue (aka, Science Mike), while visiting his elected officials in Washington along with some of the Micah Challenge team, connected the issue of climate change to his faith in terms beyond the ethical: “My faith tells me it’s never too late, no matter the political climate or how many parts per million of carbon there are in the air, it is never too late to work for a better tomorrow starting now,” he says. Despite where you have come from ideologically and regardless of the dim view many parrot about our future, Christians can make a difference. We’ve been called to make a difference.
KIM HUNT is an activist and writer living in Portland, Oregon.
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RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
A Real-Life Guide to Not Burning Out From Church BY B O N N I E G R AY
T
here’s a secret among
experienced—or are experiencing—too.
out on church and ended up leaving the tradi-
certain Christian millen-
Across the board, millennials are opting
nials: More than a few
out of church in record numbers. The of-
“I was burned by the way the leadership
Sundays have passed,
ten-cited 2015 survey by Pew Research Center
treated other people,” he says. “Seeing some-
and they, well, haven’t
revealed that of the massive portion of people
thing happen hurts me because you’re hurt-
been to church. Maybe
leaving organized religion, more than a third
ing my close friends.
the intention was there,
are millennials.
but
something
tional church setting.
“What made me burn out the most was a
kept
Yes, loss of faith and general apathy are
lack of community and authenticity. They
them away from the
factors here. But for people like Nik Bartunek,
were saying one thing, but the reality was
very place they found themselves week after
a musician in the San Francisco area, the ap-
reflecting something different. They said they
week for between two and three decades.
propriate way to describe it is burnout.
wanted to be open to the way God moved, but
But they’re just burnt out from church. It’s
Bartunek has been a Christian for most of
any time that happened and it went against
a very real experience, likely one you have
his life, but several years ago, he got burned
the way they felt—they took a hammer and
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2017
shut it down.” In Christian culture, feelings of church burnout are often met with well-meaning en-
holds a doctorate from Harvard and is the
look like losing sleep and having less patience
author of Fried: Why You Burn Out and How
than usual to serious physical symptoms.
to Revive.
Borysenko points out that, ironically, burn-
couragement like, “Going to church shouldn’t
“Burnout, like a lot of things, has a gra-
out happens because of intense hard work
be based on a feeling. It’s what God com-
dient from feeling tired and overwhelmed,
and wanting to do well, and is often mistak-
mands His people to do.”
to a complete loss of motivation,” she says.
en for the same initial symptoms as clinical
The Church is for real people. And people
“Things you used to be passionate about, you
depression.
sometimes get burned out. If that’s you, here
just can’t get into anymore. That’s when your
When it comes to church, this can be mag-
are some things you can do.
work really falls apart because you’ve killed
nified: Borysenko actually says people who
off the inner root of what’s most important
are passionate about changing the world and
and don’t know how to restart it again.”
making a difference are the most likely to
BURNOUT IS REAL, AND IT IS A PROBLEM
Burnout doesn’t just happen; it’s multidimen-
Psychologists have come up with a 12-stage
burn out. “Idealists actually burn out before
sional, according to Joan Borysenko, who
scale for burnout and in its mild forms, it can
anybody else,” she says. “They really, really
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want to make a difference in the world and work very hard to do that and have a great work ethic.”
perceived value we assign to church. “From laypeople and from pastors, they wonder what the significance is of getting together for an hour. If it makes any differ-
The pressures you face are valid. Embrace your journey with Jesus and share your stories, instead of withdrawing.
BE AWARE OF SIGNS OF BURNOUT
ence. It’s hard for people to commit to a par-
To avoid burnout, Solomon Rexius, who
ticular hour as it has become increasingly
pastors and trains college students at Cor-
difficult in a culture where schedules are
nerstone Church in Ames, Iowa, keeps an
so fragmented. For families with kids with
eye on the posture of his heart, even when
sports events and people who are drawn to
he powers through in obedience to do min-
work projects all the time—they find it hard
istry work.
to commit their one free day.”
“Religion is not a good enough motiva-
Your journey to find value in church may
tion,” he says. “It’s continual grace to be
not be Point A to Point B like previous gener-
loved by God and become more like Jesus.
ations growing up going to church services.
So, if I find myself wishing I was sick be-
Phillips refers to what anthropologists call
cause I felt fatigued to do church, or I’m not
“cultural transmission.” Our view of the
as patient with people, I figure out what the
church experience was shaped by personal
energy-givers and the energy-takers are.
choice, as we went to Sunday school engag-
“I ask myself how is my personal devo-
ing in a variety of activities, while the adults
tional life. Is it vibrant or dutiful? I confess
experienced church service more as a spiri-
to a mentor—‘Here is how I’m feeling.’ I ad-
tual discipline.
just the way I pray, or switch up how I spend
Basically, the pressures you face are val-
time with God—playing music, exercising or
id. Embrace your journey with Jesus and
pulling out to spend time with my family.”
share your stories, instead of withdrawing.
To encourage his leadership team from burning out, Rexius reminds them: — Be the squeaky wheel (that gets the oil). If your church has overworked you and
IDENTIFY WHAT YOU WANT FROM CHURCH
Phillips asks people to reflect on their church experience.
used up your time, ask for clarity. Confide
“I help them notice what they are truly
in someone. Let them know you want to get
desiring,” she says. “And see how they can
motivated, but also that you need to be re-
find a community of other Christians who
minded why this matters.
are expressing and pursuing the same de-
— Forgive them, because we are grace people. God will use you and use them. Borysenko stresses the importance of setting boundaries in our personal rela-
sires. Some of them find small contemplative worship experiences, some get involved with an enormous social justice component rather than the worship piece.”
tionships. “We all have needs and people
Here’s her point: Your needs shift during
are happy in a relationship with each other
different seasons. You don’t have to love ev-
when they are able to express what their
ery aspect of church.
needs are in a kind way and get them met.” That means being strong enough to verbalize your needs to the people around you.
LET IT GO
Like Borysenko, Joshua Becker, author of The More of Less: Finding the Life You Want
WATCH THE CLOCK
Under Everything You Own and founder of
Sociologist and Christianity professor Susan
BecomingMinimalist.com, says Christians
Phillips, author of The Cultivated Life and
often don’t see church burnout coming be-
executive director of New College Berkeley,
cause it happens subtly.
validates the impact of time stress on our
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“We don’t realize we’ve dedicated so
2017
much of our energy toward working hard to make more money and buy more stuff, we start cutting things out of life ... like church and community,” Becker says.
And begin new.” Ortberg sees burnout among church leaders as just as common. “To the church leaders—who are often
“We are constantly pursuing upgrades in
as burnt out as the people we’re trying to
our lives—we’re so busy managing the stuff
serve,” Ortberg says. “It will be very difficult
we have—we don’t have time to focus on
for a burnt-out pastor to bring good news
our spiritual life and our soul pursuits.”
to a burnt-out listener. You’ll work as hard
He suggests taking an evening or week-
as [you] can to be successful—right up the
end to soul search and take inventory of
point of burnout. Instead you should say, my
your stuff and why you’re doing what you’re
goal is becoming the right person. Resting
doing. Rate how happy or well-rested you
[with Jesus].”
are. Be bold. Make radical changes to create space in your life for what really satisfies:
DO A SPIRITUAL DETOX
loving and being loved in a faith community
One thing Ortberg is working on these days
of different people.
is engaging with the Alcoholics Anonymous
Borysenko agrees that the first step in any
community and looking to the 12 steps as a
case is to take time to journal—what you
practical way of following Jesus or pursuing
think the problem is, how you’re feeling—
discipleship in a transformational way.
and then take inventory of the things that make you happy and bring you joy.
Spiritual sobriety, he says, is the concept of being honest about your needs and strug-
She cautions that it may not feel good
gles with others. Once you can be honest
when you start at first, but it will feel better
and express these things, Ortberg suggests,
as you continue.
community is formed.
“Just get it out. You will feel bad doing it
This is also personal for Ortberg. He says
but within two weeks you’ll actually start to
that once, when he himself was asking ques-
feel much better.
tions about the reason to go to church, his
“Some of the gloom clouds will leave.
mentor Dallas Willard replied that, “The
You’ll have more insights. We know now
main reason to go to church is to find people
even the immune system will start to im-
to love.’
prove [through] expressive writing.”
“The central commitment is to love God with all your heart and love people,” Ort-
REST IN JESUS
berg says. “The main reason followers of
John Ortberg, author of Soul Keeping and
Jesus just inevitably find themselves gath-
senior pastor of Menlo Church in Northern
ering together over the centuries is to find
California, encourages burnt-out believers
people to love and with whom they can re-
first by validating what some church lead-
ceive help to love God more.”
ers often leave unspoken.
He suggests community is a fruit of being
“People struggle with being burnt out
transparent and vulnerable—not something
generally,” he says. “Problems of feeling
churches can just create or produce. And it’s
stressed, sickness, exhaustion, depression,
not something you can consume as a prod-
meaninglessness and boredom. The greatest
uct or feature of church.
difficulty is that most people don’t feel like the Church has something to say that can help them with those problems. “Often our churches add onto the treadmill of more, instead of helping people to step back. To see what they need to let go of.
BONNIE GR AY is author of Finding Spiritual Whitespace. Connect with Bonnie online via Twitter/FB/IG @TheBonnieGray. www.TheBonnieGray.com
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RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
BY ROB FEE
MAY-JUNE
072
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8
S U R E F I R E
W A Y S
T O
F I N D
Y O U R
B O A Z
T H I S
S U M M E R tremendous. It’s much better than hanging
someone as incredible as ME on an app.
out in a booth at TGI Fridays all day hoping someone picks up on the chill vibes you’re
6. ASK OUT A FRIEND
putting out. Plus you’re going to meet
A lot of us have tried asking our friends
someone who genuinely cares about others
to set us up on dates, but those rarely end
instead of someone who eats at a chain
well. Sure, asking out a friend is a gamble
restaurant at 3:30 p.m. on a Tuesday.
because if they say no, it’s going to be a little awkward, but it’s summer! If they say no,
3. HIT CAMP MEETING
just blame it on a heat stroke or ultraviolet
If you don’t want to give up a Sunday at
rays. Not only will it give you an out, but it’ll
your church to visit a different one, you can
spark an important dialogue on the effects of
just wait until camp meeting rolls around,
global warming.
The best things about summer are the
because it’s basically what would happen
beautiful nights, a slew of fun movies on the
if Jesus threw an eHarmony event. Singles
7. GO TO A SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVAL
horizon and that you can finally shake off all
from all the churches in your area come
Nothing says, “This relationship is only going
those emotional shackles of winter like Mary
together and, best of all, they weren’t around
to last for the summer” more than meeting
Mary composed the soundtrack for your
a few years ago when you declared your love
at a music festival. There’s just magic in the
psyche. It’s been long enough since your last
to the children’s pastor by doing a human
air, and by magic I mean the overwhelming
breakup. It’s about time you go find a true
video to “Be My Escape.”
evidence that no one in your immediate
love of your own. Worst-case scenario you’ll
vicinity wore deodorant. But you’ll never be
have a nice, little summer love just like John
4. SHOP THE FARMERS MARKET
cuter than when you’re dancing to Toby Mac
Travolta in Grease. Here are eight surefire
This one is an absolute no-brainer. If you’re
with one of those flower crowns on, so why
ways to find your Boaz this summer:
single and not going to the farmers market,
not parlay that into a full-on summer love?
you’re seriously missing out. It’s a great 1. GO TO A NEW CHURCH
origin story for your relationship. Which
8. OR JUST DON’T DATE
During summer, church attendance drops
would you prefer: “We met at the farmers
You’re a strong, independent woman who
because of vacations and travel, so your
market when we both reached for the
can take care of herself and doesn’t need a
pastor isn’t going to think much of it if you
same container of organic, farm-to-table
man to complete her. And you, sir, are the
miss a service or two. This is the perfect
blueberries” or “We met at Walmart when
opposite of everything TLC mentioned in
opportunity to try out a new church. Now
we were both stuck in line for 30 minutes
“No Scrubs.” So why would you waste your
obviously you’re there to lift His name on
because this lady insisted on price-checking
time searching for someone to be your other
high and whatnot, but it’s also a great chance
every box of Marlboro cigarettes they had so
half when you’re whole on your own? When
to meet new people. It’s like being the new
she could fully utilize her Marlboro Miles”?
you’re not looking for a relationship, that’s usually when you find one. You can go into it
guy in school. They’ll be all like, “Oh wow, did you see the new guy? He knows all the
5. TRY AN APP
because you want to, not because you need
words to that Hillsong United song without
When I say, “try an app” what I really mean
to. But if that’s not your thing right now,
even looking at the screen. I must love him.”
is, “Try any app that’s not Tinder.” That
then enjoy the summer, do whatever you’d
thing is a cesspool of broken dreams, but
like and buy a used Kia with the money you
2. VOLUNTEER
there are good apps out there. Hinge is really
saved by not going on all those dates.
It’s funny when people complain about not
fun because you can actually communicate
being able to find a good person when the
instead of just swiping through humans
only place they look are spots where garbage
like they’re thirst-trap Pokemon cards. I
humans would reside. Volunteering is great
just started seeing someone from it and
because even if you don’t meet someone
she’s funny, smart, kind, beautiful and just
you like, you’re still doing something
an amazing person. See, you can even find
073
ROB FEE is a writer and comedian. Follow him on Twitter @robfee for more jokes.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
JULY-AUG
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rare achievement today that speaks to alt-J’s creativity. Unger-Hamilton appreciates their unique path at this point, even if he’s not quite sure how to explain it. alt-J’s origins as a four-piece at University of Leeds, including
After three years, the British rockers are back with a twist on their world-famous sound.
BY M AT T C O N N E R
ALT- J’ S FIR ST S IN G L E in three years comes
then-guitarist Gwil Sainsbury, were like that
in movements.
of most young bands, a distraction from
Eschewing any verse-chorus-bridge-chorus
schoolwork or what Unger-Hamilton calls
structure, “3WW” enters as some pleasant
a “musical hobby.” After school, the band—
bass-heavy Bedouin instrumental and exits
then
just the same, all the while interweaving
record a four-song demo and reached a deal
guitar distortion, layered acoustics, strings
with Infectious Records.
from the London Symphony and additional vocals from Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell. It darkly yearns and pulses, lingers and
called
Films—decided
to
properly
From there, the music did the rest. Hypnotic singles like “Breezeblocks,” “Matilda” and “Tessellate”
formed
the
foundation
for
passes as vocalist Joe Newman sings, “I just
their debut, acclaimed album, An Awesome
want to love you in my own language.”
Wave, which won the coveted Mercury
If that seems an odd place to start, both
Prize and three Brit Awards. Global touring
with an album and an interview, it is, except
opportunities came calling as word of mouth
to say that alt-J has always allowed their
kept spreading, all without the typical social
music to do the work. Forced into some vague
engine or publicity machine.
categorization, the London-based trio could
“I think we were lucky enough that on
be considered a globally renowned rock
our first album, things really took off for
band. Beyond that, however, they’re nearly
us,” Unger-Hamilton says. “At that point, we
impossible to describe, and they never play
didn’t really appreciate how well things were
a part.
going, how lucky we were and what a unique
“That was always our foreign policy, really,
position we were in. I feel like it’s only really
to let the music do the talking,” explains Gus
now, on our third album, that it’s starting to
Unger-Hamilton, vocalist and keyboardist
sink in a bit. ... At the time we thought we
for the trio. “I think we’ve always put our
were experiencing the path that every band
best into a song, so to explain it any further
was going to experience, but now we realize
is not a very useful exercise. Of course, you
that’s not the case.”
can’t really do that in this job, so we’ve gotten
Relaxer is the band’s new album, an
used to talking and letting our personalities
eight-song suite that includes more classical
be a bit more exposed to the media and the
leanings than before and features singles
public. However, we still feel that we express ourselves best through the music. A little bit of mystery goes a long way.” alt-J is on the verge of launching a large-
R E L AX E R
scale North American tour, with dates coast
The band’s third
to coast already sold out. Yet its members—
album showcases a
Unger-Hamilton, Newman and drummer Thom Green—could walk down virtually any
totally new approach to songwriting.
street in their own hometown without being recognized. Success without fame—a very
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RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
like the aforementioned “3WW” and “In Cold Blood.” Unger-Hamilton believes the band is able to get away with their musical experimentation because they’ve set the tone from the outset. After all, if your band is
sound is present, yet new flavors have been
difficult to categorize then you can willingly
added—an already inventive band intent on
defy categorization.
pushing the boundaries even more. Green’s
“We made a name for ourselves on our
own solo work as an electronic artist has now
first album, which was to be eccentric,
entered the band’s catalog as well as other
experimental or left-field or other words like
recent influences.
that,” Unger-Hamilton says. “Because it was
“I think Relaxer is influenced by a lot of
that kind of an album, we now feel that we
what we’re listening to,” Unger-Hamilton
have a license to be as unusual as we want
says. “For example, Thom, our drummer, has
and to try to do new things. We have a fan
been listening to a lot of electronic music. I
base that appreciates that, that actually
think some of the production values that
seems to like that instead of being afraid of it
he’s added to this album have clearly been
or freaked out by it.”
influenced by his own listening habits. Joe,
He remembers a distinct point when the
between albums two and three, listened to a
band realized their experimental style was
lot of contemporary classical music like Philip
spreading faster than expected. In the fall
Glass, which you can hear on this album.
We made a name for ourselves on our first album, which was to be eccentric, experimental or left-field. ... We have a fan base that appreciates that. of 2011, a music magazine, Loud And Quiet,
Then again I think it’s also about our musical
had partnered with alt-J to release a vinyl
upbringing, which is a clash of classical and
single of two songs that would become live
folk from my side, some Americana and
favorites, “Bloodflood” and “Tessellate.”
singer-songwriter from Joe’s side, and then
“We had just done a little single deal with a music magazine called Loud And Quiet
some drumming from Thom that makes up alt-J, really.”
to release a limited-edition vinyl single of
Their confidence in the studio has also
a couple of our songs,” he says. “We had a
translated to the stage, where alt-J will be
launch party for it in a pub in East London
busiest in 2017. A summer European tour that
and the place was absolutely rammed. People
includes a festival appearance at Glastonbury
couldn’t fit into the room. They were spilling
cascades into a North American tour with
out onto the street and standing out there
stops at Red Rocks and Lollapalooza before
watching through the doors. At that point, we
heading back to Europe and then back to
were just like, ‘Hmm, this feels like it might be
the U.S. in the fall for Austin City Limits
a little bit more than just our hobby while we
and a year-ending set in Mexico City. Unger-
were students.’”
Hamilton says he’s ready for it, since, as
Relaxer is a natural next step after 2014’s This Is All Yours, which hit No. 1 in the U.K. and landed in the top 10 in 12 different countries. The band’s experimental dub-folk
JULY-AUG
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2017
usual, the music will do most of the speaking
“We’re now in the position of being able to
for them. He’s also much more self-assured as
make quite a comfortable living while making
Thom Green
a performer than he was in those early days
music,” he says. “That’s a huge, huge blessing.
Joe Newman
around London.
We never thought that was going to be
LEFT TO RIGHT: Gus Unger-Hamilton
“We have room to improve on all fronts
the case. We were a university band who
still, but we do finally feel now that if
thought we’d enjoy making music together for
someone comes to a gig, we’re confident they
a few years and then maybe go our separate
will be impressed and not like, ‘Oh I hope
ways. I think now we’re actually doing what
they don’t judge us too harshly. I hope they
some people dream of doing, which is to have
buy the album and judge us on that,’” Unger-
this as our sole job. Now that means we get
Hamilton says.
to live in London, spend our time traveling,
Despite the critical acclaim, the headlining slots at global festivals and the chart-topping
writing songs or hanging out at home. That’s pretty awesome.”
albums, the members of alt-J are still able to describe their lives as “normal,” at least as much as possible given their vocation. Unger-Hamilton says he hopes the band can
M ATT CONNER is a writer and editor living in Indianapolis.
continue to stay grounded even as they enjoy the fruits of their labor.
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RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
BY AARON CLINE H A N B U RY A N D JESSE CAREY
“Please block me. You are welcome. Signed, your mom.” That actual sentence—which preceded a long Facebook comment referencing several, highly charged political issues— popped up on Craig’s feed (not his real name) shortly after he shared an article of Bible verses
of political arguments and
commanding Christians to help
heated debates between 20- and
immigrants. The story related
30-somethings and their parents.
the Scriptures to the modern-day
But what happens when these
refugee crisis.
differences don’t just serve as
It was followed by: “Block
punchlines or fuel for social
me, please! I am tired of your
media feuds? What happens
dishonor.” Then, a concerned Facebook-
when they start to threaten real is the author of The Next
families and even threaten to
lurking bystander chimed in:
America: Boomers, Millennials,
divide the Church?
“With all due respect, you’ll
and the Looming Generational
have to block him in order to not
Showdown.
see what he posts.” The exchange highlights an
Taylor says the strength of
A REAL DIVIDE
A recent Gallup poll found that
his methodology is that it allows
77 percent of Americans now
increasingly common situation
researchers “to tell stories with
believe the country “is divided
for millennials—and even more
numbers.” And the story it’s
on the most important values.”
for millennial Christians: Adult
telling is one of a growing divide
That number is at an all-time
children and their parents are
between two generations who
high. And, in many cases,
becoming divided. (And not just
share different values about
those divides are falling on
in their understanding of how
race, religion, politics, marriage,
generational lines.
“blocking” someone works on
family and money.
social media.) “[In looking at] attitudes
It’s also playing out in pop
“It is impressive how consistent the differences are
parents. Because of this, they’ve become very different people, with very different values.
culture. Sure, “kids these days”
across multiple realms,” Taylor
toward religion and politics,
plot-lines have long been staples
says. “I think these differences
realm is this more apparent than
what you see is a very consistent
of sitcoms and family movies,
and lifestyles, economic
when it comes to religion.
pattern: that today’s young
but one of the most contentious
circumstances and values kind
adults across all of these realms
election seasons in recent
of reinforce each other.”
are leading different lives from
memory has taken generational
the boomer generation,” Paul
differences from playful jokes to
different values “reinforcing”
difference between millennials
Taylor says.
genuine anxieties.
each other is that there is a
and boomers,” Taylor explains.
sort of domino effect of social,
“Millennials are notably less
What he means by the
And perhaps in no other
“If you ask people ‘How important is religion in your life?’ you will see a big
Taylor spent more than a
Throughout the holidays, a
decade studying generational
running joke on Saturday Night
economic, technical and
religious than older adults. Not
demographics and data as
Live was people attempting
cultural changes that have led
just older adults now, but older
the executive vice president
to escape holiday dinners,
to millennials growing up in a
adults when they were the age
at Pew Research Center and
which had become a minefield
very different world than their
that millennials are now. Now
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million times in the 14 days after its release and mobilized it’s interesting, society in general
thousands of millennial activists
is becoming a little less religious
in an effort to bring down
so there’s an impact of time on
warlord Joseph Kony. The
people of all ages, but this is a
video—and its effectiveness—
phenomenon where millennials
has since been debated by
are sort of in the lead.”
critics, but one thing isn’t
What’s caused this observable
debatable: It struck a nerve with
difference in faith and religion?
many millennials.
Experts point to a variety of
Through his work with
factors, but Taylor has observed
the organization he founded,
a correlation: Millennials are
Invisible Children, Russell has
marrying much later in life than
seen thousands of millennials
their parents did.
dedicate their time, talent and
“This is why all these things
even money to helping orphans,
are somewhat interrelated
foundation to get married.’”
and by the way, being married
One domino falls (debt and a
supporting public awareness campaigns and becoming
is correlated with religious
tough job market), and another
politically active. He says that
behavior,” he explains. “Married
is knocked over (getting married
this value—this sense of being
people are more likely to be
later in life) and suddenly,
able to enact big change in
affiliated with a church and to
values start to shift (giving up on
far corners of the world—was
attend church, etc. Although the
more traditional church settings,
shaped by something unique in
correlation doesn’t necessarily
often ones geared toward
this generation: being raised in
indicate causation, these things
families and couples).
the era of social media.
tend to go together.”
But along with data-backed
Taylor says the reason for
He says that this “sense of
information, there could
connectivity” to be able to help
getting married and starting
also be some additional, less
people was fostered, in part,
families later isn’t simply a
quantifiable factors at play.
because “of the way they could
shift in values, it’s a matter of
navigate the world through the
practicality. Millennials—who
THAT’S NOT HOW ANY
are frequently strapped with
OF THIS OF WORKS
debt after graduating college—
“What I witnessed firsthand
engagement with the millennial
often simply can’t afford to settle
by the hundreds, if not the
generation, specifically at
into adult life as soon as their
thousands, is young people who
Invisible Children and even all
parents once did.
were able to commit themselves
the communities that they went
to something larger than
out into,” he says. “I had a lot
adults has had a very tough time
themselves for people who are
of hope—and still do—that the
getting started,” Taylor says.
not really their neighbors, but
millennial generation can and
“As they came out of school,
also at the same time take care
will change the world in a very
whether high school or college
of their neighbors or like people
profound way.”
in the last 10-12 years, [it’s been
affected by homelessness in the
a] pretty tough economy. They’re
community; really intelligent
having trouble finding their
and driven and sacrificial,” says
first career job. They’re having
Jason Russell.
“This generation of young
trouble making a career wage
internet and social media.” “That was my experience and
Russell understands what
and they’re saying to themselves,
makes millennials tick. He’s
‘I don’t have the economic
probably most famous for masterminding the “Kony 2012” viral video, a short documentary that was viewed more than 83
JULY-AUG
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This time of connectivity has led to an exposure to new ideas and new perspectives at volumes never experienced by any generation in history. “I do believe that when we look back, we will see it as a generation that is not only deconstructing everything that they have been told from the generation that came before them—their parents, their bosses—but they’re also waking up in a way that no generation has ever been able to experience
“I t al k to my grandfat h er, I t a l k to my d a d , I t a l k to my ba by c ou s i n s a n d w hat we a re t ry i n g to get at i s t h at we a re go i n g to h ave d ifferent st rate g i es t h ro ug h out t h e yea rs . ”
in the world and that is largely
that we are not each other’s enemies,” she explains. Though many millennials are members of increasingly diverse communities, racial injustice is still prevalent. And fighting it means coming together across racial lines and generations. For her, it starts with real dialogue. “We have intentionally prioritized moving across generational lines and moving those boundaries,” she explains. Higgins directs an annual kitchen-table talks.
and the connectivity that they
white Europeans. The majority
have,” he says.
is Hispanic and Asian. So racially
that exposes millennials to new
“Ethnic solidarity is participation in [the] statement
conference where they have
in part because of technology
But it’s not only technology
is the idea of ethnic solidarity.
“We start with these large-
it’s different.”
MICHELLE HIGGINS
This change in demographics
scale events, and we move down to [the church’s] old folks, young folks, [and ask], ‘How do we get
ideas and worldviews—often
has led to a core change
ones that are very different
in values and worldview:
than their parents. According
Millennials celebrate their
UNITING ACROSS THE DIVIDE
table conversations where we
to research, millennials are
generation’s diversity instead
Michelle Higgins is an activist
actually do real talk. I talk to
surrounded by more diversity in
of taking the approach of
in the Black Lives Matter
my grandfather, I talk to my
the real world than most in their
being “colorblind” to racial
movement who serves as
dad, I talk to my baby cousins
parent’s generation ever were.
differences, like many in
the director of worship and
and what we are trying to get
previous generations.
outreach at South City Church
at is that we are going to have
in St. Louis. She’s also been a
different strategies throughout
As Taylor explains, millennials are the “transitional
past this?’” she explains. “And then we move into kitchen-
“One way to summarize this
generation to a majority non-
is in the 20th century, the phrase
speaker at the Urbana missions
white America … because of the
and metaphor that was used to
conference, which is popular
decadeslong immigration wave.”
describe an immigrant-driven
among millennial Christians.
He breaks down the new,
population was melting pot,”
Higgins, self-described as
changing face of America: “Most
Taylor explains. “People come
“between millennials and
of this is driven by our modern
from all over the world but in
boomers” in age, says that one
immigration wave, which is now
the course of a generation or
of the most important things for
50 years old and unlike previous
two we all melt together, we
millennial Christians to engage
immigration waves which were
all become American. That’s
almost all white European, this
the American ideal. In the 21st
is only about 10-12 percent
century, I would say the value is more mosaic. “People come from all over the world, together we build a beautiful whole but not by losing our individual identities.” These ideas about race, diversity and multiculturalism have been the cause of major cross-generational divisions. And it’s recently even divided some within the Church itself.
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the years.” These types of crossgenerational conversations allow for real connection
“I t i s i m p res s ive how c o n s i s tent t h e diffe ren c es a re a c ros s mult i pl e rea l m s . A n d I t hi nk th es e d ifferen c es and l ifes t y l es , ec on om i c c i rc u m s t a n c es , va l u es ki nd o f rei n forc e eac h ot h er. ”
because they are based on
honest about both the known and the unknown. “Authentic and transparent is not that I’m airing my dirty laundry. I want people to actually go, ‘You know what Chris, you can connect. You’re honest, you’re adopted, you were broken. You’re not this angry, bitter old woman.’ You’re saying, ‘Look this stuff happened to me and I can’t change it, but Jesus has redeemed it and look at the victory on the other side of it.’ … “You couldn’t preach what I preach and have that many
finding areas of agreement
Propel. “One really good thing
young people still listening if
and can help each generation
about just being around this
there wasn’t something deeper
understand issues from the
long is I don’t really freak out
spiritually going on.”
other’s perspective.
much—because there is nothing
For Caine, that’s where the
Often times, this can lead
new under the sun. … You tell
disparity is: Generational divide
to greater understandings on
me anywhere in history where
seeps in where one—or both—
important issues.
one generation has not thought
party thinks the other isn’t
that the other one is entirely evil
practicing what it preaches. It’s
or doesn’t understand.
an issue of the personal actions,
“Older folks in my tradition really don’t want to grapple with
PAUL
TAYLOR
mental health,” she explains. “Younger folk, especially since
“I’m 50 years old now and
something younger Christians
I’m being asked—which is not
have a lifetime of opportunity
the Ferguson uprising and
all, everything—how you look,
surprising but it’s making me
observing in the generations
maybe even toward the early
how you talk, how you say you
press pause—to do more both
ahead of them.
2000s as well, you’ll see more
feel—matters.”
student and college-age ministry
folks really coming to terms with
It’s when they engage from
“If you lived abandoned to
events on like large scales,
Christ and laid down your life
their need for mental health
across the generational lines
like from Passion to Motion to
and there was not a disparity
services, for accountability for
that these types of issues can be
Forward, than you would think
between your telling everyone
their emotional survival. I think
exposed and explored.
a 50-year-old would be being
to love everyone and then you’re
asked to do.”
blurting offensive negativity
that a lot of our older folks were at one point hesitant because it
THE UPSIDE OF
She takes this as a solid
all over social media and your
GENERATIONAL TENSIONS
indicator that generational
kids are hearing you gossip and
This isn’t exclusively an
divides aren’t fundamentally
slander at home and you’re full
American phenomenon. Just
about, well, generations.
of fear and doubt, well then,
ask Christine Caine. She spent
“I actually think young people
her first 15 years of ministry
want to hear from older people
working with youth (which
who are still running their race
in Australian contexts usually
and still very committed to
includes college and early
running their race on mission
professional ages).
toward Jesus,” she says.
“I think not being able to
She’s talking about
vote in America is great for me
authenticity—the idea that you
because it gives me a different
are still learning and you’re
perspective and you’re even looking at the whole process very differently,” says Caine, an internationally sought speaker, and the founder of A21 and
JULY-AUG
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2017
sake of my rights then we’re just like the world. There’s nothing different about us.” to connect and see how a BREAKING THE MOLD
shared goal might help them
If there’s a takeaway from
understand each other better
Taylor’s research, it’s that
and find ways to work toward
while this generation owns
a common goal—whether that’s
singular points of disagreement
helping refugees or simply
and differentiation from its
trying to live your life based on
predecessors, the phenomenon
biblical premises.
is not a millennial one. Of
Essentially, they’re
of course, they’re not going to
course, as he says, a whole slew
follow you.”
of factors shape each generation.
Still, Caine’s point only
JASON
But Caine pushes back against
diagnoses the problem. How
the idea that insurmountable
do Christians of this—and the
divisions are inevitable. It’s just
older—generation actually learn
the opposite; Christians are free
to come together?
to see tensions as a way to grow. This is essentially the same
posture: “Remember the issue
thing Higgins is getting at when
here isn’t that, ‘I want to be
she talks about her community
heard and have my rights!’
demoting the import of
In fact, Christianity is quite
generational divides in order to
the opposite,” she says. “The
focus on a common need or goal. The public doesn’t know
especially those older in the
whether or not “Craig” ever
faith. I think within our faith
resolved things with his mom.
community and our Christian
Maybe there’s a genuine
community, we need to really
ideological or theological
take a look at how we’re talking
division there, or maybe they
to each other.”
stopped being Facebook friends.
Bridging the generation
But you can see in that
gap is important, but Caine
example how the dynamic
doesn’t think that necessarily
Higgins and Caine describe
means focusing on dissolving
could play out: Craig sharing
generational tensions.
an article about God’s concern
In fact, learning through the
for refugees is the opposite of
tension might actually be the
dishonor, but for one reason or
whole point.
another, his mom perceived the
“I’m not saying to be
talking about extending their connectivity tendency to relationships outside of
Caine says it’s an issue of
battle of this is do good to all,
RUSSELL
“ Wh at I technology. When that happens, w it n es s ed generational tensions offer a chance to grow—and if a f i rs t h a n d generation of Christians can eschew the us-vs-parent norm, by t h e the resulting change in the h u n d red s , world could be, as Russell says, profound. if n ot t h e t h ou s a n d s , i s you n g p eop l e w h o were a b l e to c om m it t h em s elves to s om et h i n g l a rg er t han t h em s elves for p eople t h at a re n ot rea l ly t h ei r n ei g h b ors . ”
post as a political affirmation
abused,” she says. “But I think
of something that has almost
the dismissive, and almost
nothing to do with refugees.
condescending, attitude
Whatever else is going on,
sometimes of the younger
this thread opened up an
toward the older doesn’t serve
opportunity for Christians from
them well. Because what you
different generational influences
have to also accept is that through older processes, Jesus is trying to form His image in us
JESSE CAREY A ND A ARON CLINE HA NBURY both write and edit for RELEVANT. Jesse lives in Virginia Beach, Virginia; Aaron lives in Winter Park, Florida.
as well. Sometimes that tension is part of our sanctification process. If we throw out the need to be sanctified for the
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RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
C O
BY M AT T C O N N E R
JULY-AUG
W
S
D
R K I D S
ix studio albums in, Nathan Willett has learned to live in the tension.
and evil, love and loss, and life. Over the last few years, Willett’s unstated
The Cold War Kids frontman and principal
yet obvious belief that diligence in crafting
songwriter has always stood in the middle,
meaningful music that will eventually break
so to speak, not capitulating to either side on
through has come true. The band has always
a number of fronts: He’s been upfront about
enjoyed just enough success to make music
his own spiritual pursuits even while eschew-
full time, tour nationally and enjoy solid re-
ing conservative or fundamental beliefs. He
sults. However in 2015, nearly a decade after
wrestles openly about light and dark, good
their debut, Robbers & Cowards, Cold War
084
2017
Kids found the mainstream as “First” became
not explain? / If this life is all that we get / We
their highest-charting single, landing at No. 1
better hope something good comes next.
on the Billboard Alternative charts.
“I think people often think about relation-
“Love is Mystical” is the lead single from
ships as something that requires you to set-
Cold War Kids’ newest album, L.A. Divine, and
tle, as if you have to have your dream or you
it followed suit by jumping to No. 3 overall,
settle,” explains Willett about the album’s
the first two top 10 hits for the SoCal band.
approach to love songs. “I think having both
Success, it seems, has arrived in a much
and dealing with the sacrifices and messiness
bigger way for Cold War Kids—which also
and vulnerability and the unorthodox way
includes Matt Maust, bassist; Joe Plummer,
that you stay together is everything that’s in-
drums; Matthew Schwartz, multi-instrumen-
teresting to me.
album in nearly
“I’m not interested in a love song about
that’s rewarded the band’s long-held commit-
someone who just met someone else or a
first to have wide
ment to substantive style.
one-night stand or new love,” he continues.
mainstream success.
“There’s Leonard Cohen on one side and
“I think people are bored with that. From Tin-
pop radio on the other,” Willett says about his
der to every magazine cover to everywhere
songwriting approach. It perfectly illustrates
you look, people are more interested in
the balance he’s committed to achieving. Pop
something that answers what happens when
music can be enjoyable but also escapist. Wil-
you get past all of that. I think as a culture,
lett wants to capture the former while creat-
we’re struggling with not wanting to sacrifice
ing something lasting for the listener—some-
enough to get to that place but also wanting
thing valuable rather than vapid.
deep, deep intimacy and everything that
three years and the
comes with that and how to get there.”
songwriting,” says Willett. “If it’s too person-
Willett found some literary inspiration
al, it’s not good songwriting. That’s one thing
for L.A. Divine in the fiction of Italian-Amer-
I’ve learned. ... The most important thing is
ican author John Fante and popular theolo-
that I want people to be able to hear some-
gian-author Richard Rohr.
thing and have their own experience and
“Spirituality is a huge part of where my
own interpretation without being necessarily
head’s at,” says Willett. “I recently discovered
told upfront what it’s all about.”
a writer, Richard Rohr. He’s one of those peo-
Willett points to the new Dirty Projectors
ple who I read and the whole time I’m think-
self-titled record as one example of art that
ing, ‘I can’t believe no one ever told me about
walks the fine line he’s most interested in cre-
this guy after all these years.’ Falling Upward
ating. And Kanye West.
had a huge impact on me, as did Breathing Un-
“Doing things that feel very modern and
der Water, which is sort of about 12-step pro-
contemporary but not cheesy is very hard,
grams. Thinking about his work is so broad.
but that’s the space you want to walk,” says
There’s so much psychology and philosophy
Willett. “The new Dirty Projectors record
and spirituality and religion, and those are all
does this, and I know Dave [Longstreth, front-
things I’ve always been interested in.
man for DP] listened to a lot of Kanye making
“In a way, I want to take some of these Rich-
that. Kanye does that thing that makes ev-
ard Rohr depths or, in the case of the new re-
erybody wince. ... We need it. We need to en-
cord, L.A. Divine, the writer John Fante’s Ask
gage with more than just what’s immediately
the Dust or his L.A. stories that are 100 years
around us.”
old but very much deal with the same stuff.
L.A. Divine is undoubtedly Cold War
He’s a writer in L.A. struggling with doubt,
Kids’ most mature record to date, an album
struggling with vanity and the highs and lows
steeped in SoCal clichés. It includes dream
that come with finding and losing God. All
LEFT TO RIGHT:
chasers and fame seekers, but doesn’t reduce
that stuff is in there. You just have to find it.”
Matthew Schwartz
them to two-dimensional tropes. Instead it
As Cold War Kids continue to gain ground
explores their longings and asks their ques-
on the charts and stay true to their substan-
Nathan Willett
tions, bringing them to life in meaningful
tive ethos, Willett and company will undoubt-
David Quon
ways and, in turn, allows the listener to find
edly occupy the same influential roles for
themselves in the story. As Willett sings on
newer artists filled with the same hope to fill
“Free to Breathe,” What kind of father leaves
the spaces of popular culture with meaning-
his kids in the rain? / What kind of god would
ful work.
Matt Maust
War Kids’ first new
talist; David Quon, guitarist—a breakthrough
“If it’s not personal enough, it’s not good
Joe Plummer
L . A . DIVINE L.A. Divine was Cold
085
M ATT CONNER is a writer and editor living in Indianapolis.
RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
MARCH-APRIL
086
2017
A conversation with the author of The Message about really following God.
T
here’s a poem Eugene Peterson can’t get out
pressive knowledge of Hebrew, Greek and English (yes, he
of his head. It’s a brief, difficult poem called
did all his own translations from the original languages).
“As Kingfishers Catch Fire” by 19th-century
Before The Message, Peterson was a seminary profes-
poet Gerard Manley Hopkins, just the kind
sor and pastor in upstate New York, where he first began
you might expect a thinky, reclusive person
to recognize the disparity in Christians’ lives that would
like Peterson to like. “Kingfishers” layers on simile, point-
simultaneously haunt and fuel the rest of his career. Lat-
ing to a “just man” (seemingly “just” as in “moral”), whom
er, he planted a church in Bel Air, Maryland, where he’d
it describes as one who “Acts in God’s eye what in God’s
spend almost 30 years before turning more attention to
eye he is—Christ.”
academics—as a professor of spiritual theology at Regent
“As Kingfishers Catch Fire” is about things—or people—
College—writing and doing translations.
acting within their nature—behaving like what they are.
At first glance, Peterson’s career may look eclectic, and
Today, you’ll hear this called authenticity. And that’s what
that’s certainly true. But that doesn’t mean he’s not fo-
lingers with Peterson.
cused. If you look for it, you can see a uniting thread to
You see, he spent his life in the Church, pastoring,
Peterson’s work and ministry, and it all centers around
preaching and (famously) writing. But if you talk to him
answering—and helping others answer—the question,
about it, he’ll readily tell you not all of his career accom-
what does it really means to be a follower of Jesus?
plished what he now thinks it should have.
The problem, as he now sees it, was that he wasn’t teaching people how to truly be who they are: Christians.
***
Opposite from the kind of authenticity in Hopkins’ poem,
If you’re only a little bit familiar with Christian culture,
church life stood disconnected from Monday through Sat-
you know Peterson’s work. He’s the author of some 30
urday life. Sermons didn’t help people live. As a result,
books of theology, poetry and commentary, all of which
people listening to Peterson didn’t understand what it re-
are worth your attention. But one book in particular
ally means to be followers of Jesus. They were Christians,
promises to make up his legacy. In 2002, Peterson pub-
yes, but they didn’t grasp what that means beyond the
lished his defining work, The Message.
points of salvation.
This groundbreaking idiomatic (read: casual and high-
In Peterson’s words, he failed.
ly colloquial) translation of the Bible made Peterson a household name among Christians. The Message now ex-
***
ists in countless forms and editions (remember The Mes-
Peterson has a name for the problem he encountered all
sage Remix?). Incredibly, though not free from derision,
those years ago: “incongruence.” The idea is that what
The Message finds an audience with people normally in-
he preached and the way he lived were out of alignment,
timidated by the Bible and, on the other side of the spec-
incongruous. He doesn’t mean hypocrisy, though, at least
trum, scholars who recognize Peterson’s deep and im-
not the way Christians typically conceive of it. He means
BY A A RO N C LI N E H A N B U RY
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RELEVANTMAGAZINE.COM
AS KINGFISHERS CATCH FIRE In May of this year, Eugene Peterson published a selection of sermons he preached during his 30 years as a pastor.
something more like disconnected. The problem, he says,
people, which is usually what they do.”
stems from how people encounter the gospel message.
The “entertaining” he’s talking about is the same thing
“I think the way we present Jesus and the whole story
he saw in himself back at the beginning of his ministry.
of the gospel is adapted in individual ways,” he says.
“I wasn’t preaching,” he says. “I was entertaining, I was
The kind of individualism Peterson means crops up, most clearly he says, in American Christianity. When the
looking for things that would catch people’s imagination for 20 minutes, and that’s it.”
seeker-sensitive church model took off in the mid-20th century, the Church began thinking of salvation almost
The “that’s it” part is key, and it captures everything Peterson fears about incongruence.
exclusively as something individuals experience on a
Peterson doesn’t deny the applications of the gospel for
deeply personal basis. The problem comes in when the
individuals, far from it. But the true mark of the Christian
Christian life comes across as a one-size-fits-all package.
life—what he calls the “essential Christian life”—is a fo-
You could say it’s incongruous.
cus on salvation, yes, and then how following Jesus affects
“I’m not a Christian the same way you are, although we
others around you.
accept the same basis of fundamental truth and relation-
This is Peterson’s solution to disconnected ways of liv-
ship,” Peterson says. “That’s why spiritual formation is
ing the Christian life, and practically, it looks a lot like be-
so important in this whole process because you can’t just
ing a good neighbor.
copy it; you can’t just copy other things the people or the pastors are doing.”
“I mean treating the people in your home, in the neighborhood, in your congregation as fellow Christians or
Once he realized this, he spent the rest of his career as
fellow non-Christians, instead of having a programmat-
a writer, theologian and pastor—the past 30 years or so—
ic-style church life,” Peterson says. “I’m after something
trying to fix the problem, connecting people to what (and
that has much more integration to it.”
who) a Christian really is.
JULY-AUG
It’s something he’s been after in his personal life. “Since I was a pastor, I knew the names of everyone in
***
the neighborhood,” he says. “It didn’t mean they all came
When you talk to Peterson about where the American
to church—but they were all influenced by the way I con-
Church got off track, he gets prickly.
ducted my life.”
“The megachurch is the biggest perpetrator of the
This influence flows directly from the Bible, but it
disbanding of a congruent place,” he says. “If you pack
doesn’t stop with just listening to a sermon. The person
5,000 people into a church, the pastor doesn’t know a sin-
preaching—or believing it—has to live it out.
gle person’s name and as a result, when people come to
“Scripture is at the core of this,” Peterson says. “Every
church talking about how great the sermon was, the pas-
sermon has some sort of application and you don’t get the
tor doesn’t know what he’s done. He’s just entertaining
application just by listening to the sermon—but by watch-
088
2017
“I’m not a Christian the same way you are, although we accept the same basis of fundamental truth and relationship.”
ing the man who is saying it.”
something special, it’s that it specifically points to God’s relationship with his people. Because Abraham himself
***
isn’t special at all.
Christianity, he says, isn’t something you can reduce to a
“There’s nothing in Abraham’s life that is spectacular,”
Sunday morning service. And the imaginations of Chris-
Peterson explains. “It’s all faithfulness and doing good
tians don’t need tickling, they need expanding. That’s a big
work. I mean, all those altars he built, what does he get
project, one that stands against the tide of thousands of
out of that? But they are acts of devotion, acts of obedi-
American churches. But big and ambitious doesn’t mean
ence and relationships. You know, you don’t just build an
complicated.
altar for yourself. It’s for your family or your community
“I’m trying to provide an imagination that develops
around you.”
congruence,” he says. “I don’t think it’s anything compli-
And that’s it, in a nutshell. What it means to be a Chris-
cated: It’s just a matter of developing an imagination that
tian is living shaped by God’s word, obedient to Him and
gathers things together rather than just setting them apart
prioritizing others over yourself. For Peterson, it’s just
in different things.”
that simple, which is why he keeps describing the Chris-
He’s talking about a Christian life that fragments
tian life as “not complicated.”
church life from the daily life. And the problem there is
For him, this is what it means to be a Christian: “To be
the myriad influences that shape—Peterson would say
a person who knows how to worship, how to be faithful. I
“capture the imagination”—Christians’ lives.
think just those central things.”
And like everything in Peterson’s imagination, he sees the solution as something simple.
“They realized the depth of the Christian faith and that it wasn’t just about getting saved but they were also find-
“There’s no trick or nothing that allows you to do it,”
ing out how this whole salvation relationship worked.”
he says. But he will say there’s a big indicator, an often-ig-
You can see why Hopkins’ “As Kingfishers Catch Fire”
nored idea Christians miss in the pursuit of authentic
captures Peterson the way it does. The poem forms an
Christianity: friendship.
imaginative but simple look at the Christian life. In this
“We are people who have feelings, and friendships are a big thing to me,” he says. “When you’re treating the peo-
way, “Kingfishers” represents a microcosm of Peterson’s whole career.
ple in your neighborhood and congregation as friends,
And it all comes down to this: The poet and the pastor
you made the first big step in having a congregation that
leave the world with an individual-reducing, yet simple vi-
knows how to worship and how to love their neighbors.”
sion for what it means to follow Jesus: It’s a community of
Peterson actually says friendship is fundamental to the
people who live exactly like God sees them—as Christ.
Christian life, which you can see by looking, for example, at Abraham. The point for Peterson isn’t that Abraham is
EUGENE PETERSON is a world-renowned author and theologian and pastor. He’s most famous for his translation of the Bible, The Message.
089
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LAST WORD A Thought Before We Go
The Unexpected Power of Mentorship Why you should be a mentor ... and a mentee.
one-directional knowledge trans-
and offices in San Diego, at his
fer but about learning from one
lakehouse in upstate New York
another. There are a handful
and on the virtual land of Skype,
of important best practices that
we worked on a book that told a
make great mentoring happen.
story of why mentoring matters
The most important one of them
in work and in life.
all? The relationship. Doing the
When we started writing, I
daily work of making that rela-
was already well-versed on the
tionship as strong, resilient and
power of mentoring and was
trusting as possible is key.
known for shouting its magic
Ken thought I could teach
from rooftops. I had several key
him. And I did. And along the
business mentors in technology
way I saw the very best mentors
and social innovation that had
always learn from those they
gotten me to where I was in my
teach. In the end, I may have
career, and I had also been a
written the book on mentoring,
mentor to a Kenyan boy.
but I learned all the things.
Yet I didn’t fully understand why the best of mentoring
2007, I was living on the ground
IN
story of mentoring. At his home
floor of an orphanage in Kenya when a volunteer for the scrappy nonprofit organization I was trying
to get off the ground lugged over a treasured hardback book from the U.S.
relationships are two-way
DOING THE
streets. When I started working
DAILY WORK OF
with Ken I thought I understood the lay of the land: He’d be
MAKING THAT
my new mentor, and I’d be his
RELATIONSHIP
bumbling and loyal mentee.
AS STRONG,
Starting in our first meeting, Ken made it clear that was not
RESILIENT AND
the case. Despite the 40-year
TRUSTING AS
lead he has on me in business,
POSSIBLE IS KEY.
he told me I had things to teach That book, Leaving Microsoft to
Twitter could be a force for
him; putting humility aside for a
Change the World, was the story
good in the world. The nonprofit
moment, he was right.
of Microsoft executive John
organization I chose for our
Wood’s journey to start Room
first initiative? Room to Read,
knows well what it means to be
to Read, the premier nonprofit
of course. The day I met John
a mentee—despite his success
organization improving girls’
Wood, I knew I had come full
and all the fancy frames he
literacy in Asia and Africa today.
circle. A mentor who started
could have hanging on his walls.
through the pages had become
Similarly, when asked why he
one in the flesh.
co-authors so many books, he
It was a game-changer for me, and made me rethink everything I knew at the time
The story of my connection
As he has since said, he
is quick to reply, “Because I
about becoming the social
with Ken Blanchard, with
already know what I know. I
entrepreneur I wanted to be.
whom I recently co-authored
value learning.”
Using premises I learned
One Minute Mentoring, shares
That value of learning is
in that book, I soon went on
a similar arc. Three years ago,
something we both share, and
to business school and then
after an introduction to Ken
something I believe all great
became an early employee
Blanchard turned into a book
mentors must long for. At its
at Twitter, where I had the
idea turned into a proposal, Ken
core, powerful mentoring
opportunity to show how
and I began collaborating on a
relationships are not about
JULY-AUG
096
CL A IR E DI A Z- OR T IZ is a speaker and tech innovator. Her new book is
One Minute Mentoring.
2017
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