Around the Horn :: 9.26.12

The Conservative Mind
From the NYT: Some people blame bad campaign managers for Romney’s underperforming campaign, but the problem is deeper. Conservatism has lost the balance between economic and traditional conservatism. The Republican Party has abandoned half of its intellectual ammunition. It appeals to people as potential business owners, but not as parents, neighbors and citizens.

We Are Hungry
A hilarious and creative video produced by High School students subjected to Michelle Obama’s new limited calorie lunch menu that now has federal backing.

Can You Catch Sin Like a Cold?
So many Christians live in cultural quarantine, shutting themselves off from what they see as sinful influences. They avoid “bad” people and even places. They talk about those people and places like they are disease carriers – “We can’t have them around” or “We couldn’t go there.” They act like someone can sneeze sin onto them, that they will catch the bad decisions and guilt of another through physical proximity. What does his shunning communicate to those we have labeled “unclean”? Exactly that, Christians think they are unclean. Not the ideal way to draw people to Jesus. But sin is not an infectious disease.

Preaching for a “Home Run”
Great article from 9Marks: How does a pastor handle the pressure of preaching every week?” If I’m being honest, I feel that I have to hit a home run* or I have wasted everyone’s time that week. Does the pastor prepare his sermon so that it’s a base hit* or do you swing for the fences* every week?

Has Chick-fil-A Made Concessions?
Last week, a Chicago politician told media that Chick-fil-A had agreed to no longer fund groups opposed to same-sex marriage. Dan Cathy, the company’s CEO, responded by denying the claims—and now the alderman is suggesting the fast-food company may have done something illegal. What’s up?

A Shrinking God-Gap?
From the world of politics: Is the fabled God Gap shrinking? A new Hartford Courart/UConn poll suggests that it is.