Q Ideas

Are we a democracy or a republic?  There is confusion surrounding the United States’ governmental structure. Where does the term “democratic republic” fit in? Wow does it change how we interact with the government? Political philosopher William B. Allen of Michigan State University help us understand these terms better.

It’s often difficult to live in the moment. Is there an alternate way to live as a Christian? Can contentment become real and tangible in our lives? Pastor Scott Sauls talks about living from a place of wholeness and trust in where God has placed us.

Rather than having thoughtful conversations about contentious issues, people of all sides have decided to leave conversations they don’t agree with. Is this the way of Jesus? Rebekah Lyons encourages us to become people of peace, bridging the divide and bringing unity among the body of Christ.

Rather than having thoughtful conversations about contentious issues, people of all sides have decided to leave conversations they don’t agree with. Is this the way of Jesus? Rebekah Lyons encourages us to become people of peace, bridging the divide and bringing unity among the body of Christ.

A decade after the release of "When Helping Hurts," Brian Fikkert has teamed up with Kelly Kapic to offer deeper reflections on the topics of poverty, human flourishing, and God’s story of change for the poor and ourselves. They believe the opposite of poverty isn’t the American dream.

Natural disasters are occuring with increasing frequency and force. The number of slaves in the world lingers at an unacceptably high number. Abuse is in our churches. Children are dying. Diane Langberg argues that trauma is perhaps the most important place for service and mission in the 21st century.

How do we move our nation past the systemic racism existing in workplaces, schools, and prisons?  Adam Thomason leads a conversation on how we can dismantle unjust structures still so prevalent in society - and encourages us to think about how and what to build in their place.

In 2018, social scientist Lisa Littman published a study on “rapid-onset gender dysphoria.” The study pointed to an increasing trend of adolescent girls suddenly identifying themselves as transgender, perhaps due to social pressure and media influence. Preston Sprinkle, President of the Center for Faith, Sexuality and Gender, talks with a former transgender person Helena Kerschner to discuss this topic and provide practical guidance for parents and teens.

Can Christians engage conversations around the LGBTQ+ issue with both theological faithfulness and courageous love? Dr. Preston Sprinkle along with Laurie Krieg, Matthew Liu and Kat LaPrairie share how Christ followers consider the difficult questions surrounding faith, sexuality and gender.

A bedrock principle of our nation is its ability to accommodate diverse beliefs and practices, but this is challenging and citizens of the U.S. are more polarized than ever.  John Inazu and others talks about how Christians can help the nation live together peacefully and honor our differences.