Institute on Religion & Democracy
@theird.bsky.social
The Institute on Religion & Democracy is an ecumenical Christian think tank committed to responsible Christian witness in society rooted in historic church teaching. We affirm democracy, human rights and religious freedom for all. www.theird.org
The word “Advent” is meant to imply the various “comings” of Christ. He came as the babe in the manger, he comes to us now by faith, and he will come again in glory to finish the work of the new creation.
Wesley, Advent and the Means of Grace
Ryan Danker writes that, for Wesley, there were two groups of means of grace; acts of piety and works of mercy.
juicyecumenism.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The word “Advent” is meant to imply the various “comings” of Christ. He came as the babe in the manger, he comes to us now by faith, and he will come again in glory to finish the work of the new creation.
“Early Christians were bookish, they used books early and pervasively,” notes Albin Huss.
Challenges to the New Testament Canon
It is important to recognize the difference 'between the existence of the canon, and the recognition of the canon.'
juicyecumenism.com
December 5, 2025 at 4:03 PM
“Early Christians were bookish, they used books early and pervasively,” notes Albin Huss.
Assumptions of equal justice and social equality are so pervasive that many in the West just assume they are intrinsic, natural, and universal, writes @markdtooley.bsky.social. They fall upon all like an April rainstorm.
Taking our Rights and Dignities for Granted
Those who want the West to ditch Christianity would destroy the foundation of its success, writes IRD President Mark Tooley.
juicyecumenism.com
December 4, 2025 at 9:51 PM
Assumptions of equal justice and social equality are so pervasive that many in the West just assume they are intrinsic, natural, and universal, writes @markdtooley.bsky.social. They fall upon all like an April rainstorm.
While the Church should be distinct from political parties, Jonathan Rauch tells @bariweiss.skystack.xyz that it is important for churches to disciple their members in Christian civic engagement. “That’s where the church has really fallen down and that’s where it has the most to contribute."
Can America Survive Without Christianity?
What happens to America’s democracy when its historic foundation begins to erode?
juicyecumenism.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:49 PM
While the Church should be distinct from political parties, Jonathan Rauch tells @bariweiss.skystack.xyz that it is important for churches to disciple their members in Christian civic engagement. “That’s where the church has really fallen down and that’s where it has the most to contribute."
As Illinois nears becoming the 13th jurisdiction in the U.S. to legalize assisted suicide, opponents caution that the law now allows it for minors as young as twelve in the Netherlands or for the mentally ill in Belgium.
As Illinois Advances Assisted Suicide, Opponents Warn of Devalued Life
Opponents warn of a slippery slope that could lead to normalizing suicide and creating a society that views the elderly and infirm as burdensome.
juicyecumenism.com
December 3, 2025 at 4:12 PM
As Illinois nears becoming the 13th jurisdiction in the U.S. to legalize assisted suicide, opponents caution that the law now allows it for minors as young as twelve in the Netherlands or for the mentally ill in Belgium.
“Go for souls and go for the worst!” Salvation Army founders William and Catherine Booth proclaimed of the “submerged tenth” who had virtually no escape from the clutches of misery and poverty.
Generous Love: The Salvation Army
launched in Victorian London by William and Catherine Booth, a powerhouse couple overwhelmed and horrified by the conditions of the poorest of the poor.
juicyecumenism.com
December 2, 2025 at 6:19 PM
“Go for souls and go for the worst!” Salvation Army founders William and Catherine Booth proclaimed of the “submerged tenth” who had virtually no escape from the clutches of misery and poverty.
Pentecostal-but-not-weird-about-it? IRD's Jeff Walton thinks the Assemblies of God's institutions and networks matter, even as denomination identity is downplayed in the pews.
Assemblies of God and Denominations: How They Might (Still) Matter
Do people in the pews care about denominational affiliation? Maybe not, but institutions that facilitate growth make a contribution beyond identity.
juicyecumenism.com
December 1, 2025 at 9:43 PM
Pentecostal-but-not-weird-about-it? IRD's Jeff Walton thinks the Assemblies of God's institutions and networks matter, even as denomination identity is downplayed in the pews.
Christ “emptied himself of all but love,” as Charles Wesley wrote. And he did this for you.
Holiness: Set Apart to Give Thanks to God
God’s judgement is mirrored by his mercy. And those who are in Christ, those whom Christ died to save, need not fear the judgement.
juicyecumenism.com
November 28, 2025 at 4:27 PM
Christ “emptied himself of all but love,” as Charles Wesley wrote. And he did this for you.
A timely conversation amid America’s Thanksgiving: the pilgrims were ultra-Protestant separatists whose persecution in England foreshadowed the parliamentary Puritan revolt against King Charles I and the established church. @markdtooley.bsky.social interviews Oxford historian Jonathan Healey.
Thanksgiving & England's Civil War
American democracy and religious freedom were the largely unintentional fruits of what emerged from Britain's civil war and the compromises that followed.
juicyecumenism.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:51 PM
A timely conversation amid America’s Thanksgiving: the pilgrims were ultra-Protestant separatists whose persecution in England foreshadowed the parliamentary Puritan revolt against King Charles I and the established church. @markdtooley.bsky.social interviews Oxford historian Jonathan Healey.
The Christian seeks to respect other citizens’ conscience, dignity and autonomy while recognizing that common grace enables cooperation despite deep disagreement.
Christian Realism & Faithful Disagreement
The state of American pluralism begs the question: how can Christians faithfully live alongside those who reject God?
juicyecumenism.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:12 PM
The Christian seeks to respect other citizens’ conscience, dignity and autonomy while recognizing that common grace enables cooperation despite deep disagreement.
It’s not Christmas yet, nor Thanksgiving or even Advent, but with all of this taking place around us it’s a good time to think about the Incarnation, to ponder the awe-inspiring reality that God became one of us, lived with us, touched us, and continues to walk with us even now.
The Incarnation: God’s Rescue Plan Fulfilled
The Incarnation—something the Church celebrates in March, nine months before Christmas, which is the celebration of the Nativity—changed everything.
juicyecumenism.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:17 PM
It’s not Christmas yet, nor Thanksgiving or even Advent, but with all of this taking place around us it’s a good time to think about the Incarnation, to ponder the awe-inspiring reality that God became one of us, lived with us, touched us, and continues to walk with us even now.
The moral genius of Anglo Protestants who crafted The Declaration was aspiration of human equality for all, not just for people like themselves, writes @markdtooley.bsky.social. “Heritage Americans” prioritize ancestry over Declaration’s universality.
Heritage Americans?
The moral genius of Anglo Protestants who crafted The Declaration was aspiration of human equality for all, not just for people like themselves.
juicyecumenism.com
November 21, 2025 at 5:59 PM
The moral genius of Anglo Protestants who crafted The Declaration was aspiration of human equality for all, not just for people like themselves, writes @markdtooley.bsky.social. “Heritage Americans” prioritize ancestry over Declaration’s universality.
Faith which begins from personal choice - rather than authority one has good reason to trust - seems to be the “common thread” running through the deconstruction stories told by many people who have turned away from Christianity.
Examining the Meaning of Faith for Those Who Walk Away
Faith which begins from personal choice - rather than authority one has good reason to trust - seems to be the “common thread” running through the deconstruction stories told by many people who have t...
juicyecumenism.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:43 PM
Faith which begins from personal choice - rather than authority one has good reason to trust - seems to be the “common thread” running through the deconstruction stories told by many people who have turned away from Christianity.
WATCH: IRD hosts the Rev. Theodore Hoham, Associate Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia on November 19 for our “Wednesday Worship” noonday prayer. Hoham spoke on Ephesians 6:10-13 and John 8:31-36 themed “Stay in the Fight.”
Wednesday Worship with Theodore Hoham
Lutheran minister Theodore Hoham spoke to the IRD staff and guests on Ephesians 6:10-13 and John 8:31-36 themed “Stay in the Fight.”
juicyecumenism.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:33 PM
WATCH: IRD hosts the Rev. Theodore Hoham, Associate Pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alexandria, Virginia on November 19 for our “Wednesday Worship” noonday prayer. Hoham spoke on Ephesians 6:10-13 and John 8:31-36 themed “Stay in the Fight.”
Even though American churches are in a period of decline, God has been raising up churches in other places, writes Riley Case.
Third World Methodism's Rise
These churches thrive not because of strategies conceived by U.S. persons in high places but because of U.S. churches and individuals supporting indigenous efforts.
juicyecumenism.com
November 18, 2025 at 9:50 PM
Even though American churches are in a period of decline, God has been raising up churches in other places, writes Riley Case.
Professional Women: please join us on Saturday, November 22 for our next Women’s Brunch featuring Dr. Becky Munson, Department Chair for Government and Public Policy and an associate professor in Liberty University’s School of Government. More: theird.org/events/ird-p...
November 18, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Professional Women: please join us on Saturday, November 22 for our next Women’s Brunch featuring Dr. Becky Munson, Department Chair for Government and Public Policy and an associate professor in Liberty University’s School of Government. More: theird.org/events/ird-p...
As Archbishop Steve Wood is suspended by the senior-most bishops of the Anglican Church in North America, some stress that complaints against Wood are not the extent of a crisis of trust.
‘Season of Strain and Sorrow’: Anglican Bishops Inhibit Archbishop
Influential voices within the denomination have raised concerns for weeks, not only about the allegations made against Wood but also processes and canonical structures.
juicyecumenism.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:54 PM
As Archbishop Steve Wood is suspended by the senior-most bishops of the Anglican Church in North America, some stress that complaints against Wood are not the extent of a crisis of trust.
LISTEN: IRD's @markdtooley.bsky.social joins Andy Miller on the More to the Story podcast to discuss how Christians should engage the public square—especially in light of rising antisemitism on both sides of the political spectrum.
Antisemitism, Christian Zionism & Methodism.
Here’s Andy Miller of Wesley Biblical Seminary asking me about antisemitism, Christian Zionism and Methodism. And here’s podcast:
juicyecumenism.com
November 17, 2025 at 3:18 PM
LISTEN: IRD's @markdtooley.bsky.social joins Andy Miller on the More to the Story podcast to discuss how Christians should engage the public square—especially in light of rising antisemitism on both sides of the political spectrum.
Can "Side B" and its proposed ideas of “gay Christian” and “spiritual friendship” be understood as Biblical?
Alisa Childers and the 'Side B' Framework
Repentance of homosexual or transgender identity is possible and is the only way to be an obedient Christian. The same message of faith and repentance applies to anyone struggling with any sin.
juicyecumenism.com
November 13, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Can "Side B" and its proposed ideas of “gay Christian” and “spiritual friendship” be understood as Biblical?
“Communal life in Christ is messy,” Global Methodist Pastor Jeffrey Rickman notes in a recent episode of the PlainSpoken podcast. “Methodists and Anglicans have a lot in common. I think that, by learning about them, believers in other tribes can also learn to see themselves rightly.”
Global Anglicanism's Challenges
IRD's Jeff Walton joins Global Methodist Pastor Jeffrey Rickman of the PlainSpoken podcast to discuss the state of Global Anglicanism as well as present crises within the Anglican Church.
juicyecumenism.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:44 PM
“Communal life in Christ is messy,” Global Methodist Pastor Jeffrey Rickman notes in a recent episode of the PlainSpoken podcast. “Methodists and Anglicans have a lot in common. I think that, by learning about them, believers in other tribes can also learn to see themselves rightly.”
With new opportunity comes a familiar challenge. Syria is not yet realizing the fruits of its valiant uprising, writes Richard Ghazal.
Trump must hold Syria’s new leader al-Sharaa accountable
Legitimacy will depend on whether he defends all Syrians.
juicyecumenism.com
November 10, 2025 at 9:42 PM
With new opportunity comes a familiar challenge. Syria is not yet realizing the fruits of its valiant uprising, writes Richard Ghazal.
In the homes of his newspaper delivery customers, Riley Case as a young boy observed how they lived, becoming convinced many of these were the “poor in spirit” whom Jesus spoke of.
Mennonites, Methodists, and ‘The Poor in Spirit’
If we allow Scripture to permeate our heart and mind, it is bound to affect us, writes Riley Case on the Beatitudes and 'the Poor in Spirit.'
juicyecumenism.com
November 10, 2025 at 3:11 PM
In the homes of his newspaper delivery customers, Riley Case as a young boy observed how they lived, becoming convinced many of these were the “poor in spirit” whom Jesus spoke of.
The charge that Christian Zionism is "heresy" evinces that pro-Israel Christians need to upgrade their talking points and their theology, writes @markdtooley.bsky.social.
Christian Zionism as Heresy?
Is Christian Zionism a “heresy?” Some think so, including a publicized young staffer at the Heritage Foundation, who said: Gen...
juicyecumenism.com
November 7, 2025 at 10:39 PM
The charge that Christian Zionism is "heresy" evinces that pro-Israel Christians need to upgrade their talking points and their theology, writes @markdtooley.bsky.social.
In Christian circles, a major paradox is emerging: the rise of intellectualism that is, in practice, anti-intellectual, writes Lauren Knights.
Anti-Intellectual Christianity’s Rise in the Digital Age
In this digital era, where every meme is a manifesto and every reel a micro-sermon, young believers are reframing Christian witness in ways that bypass traditional church structures.
juicyecumenism.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:56 PM
In Christian circles, a major paradox is emerging: the rise of intellectualism that is, in practice, anti-intellectual, writes Lauren Knights.
It’s not the rule follower that God is looking for, it’s the one who loves him, the one with a changed heart.
Wesley, Commandments and Changed Hearts
The God who is love acts according to his character, writes John Wesley Institute Director Dr. Ryan N. Danker.
juicyecumenism.com
November 6, 2025 at 7:09 PM
It’s not the rule follower that God is looking for, it’s the one who loves him, the one with a changed heart.