In the past, when it came to engaging with politics and the social order, Christians were sometimes accused of 'being too heavenly minded to be any earthly use'. This was the charge of disconnected pietism.
These days another problem obtains. Christians have lost their shyness when it comes to acting politically, but all-too-often engage in a way that looks more like they are protecting their tribe or trying to force others into their mould, rather than demonstrating a different or better way of living. In a world crying out for less selfishness, they have now become too worldly to be any earthly use!
This week's bulletin looks at ways in which Christians, churches and people of faith can re-read both their own inheritance and the world around them from a much more hopeful perspective - one that combines genuine spirituality with political astuteness, without trying to reduce everything to a game of loss or advantage.
Our feature articles do this in contrasting registers. Simon Barrow makes the case for facing the full horror of some biblical texts with regard to divine violence, but does so in the context of the radical shift in understanding proposed by the Gospel. Symon Hill, meanwhile, looks at social mobility and discrimination in education - from the viewpoint of those left out (another Christian priority).
The issue of what happens when high Christian aspirations for peacemaking have to take pastoral responsibility for the tough realities of life in the army is the theme of a moving and personal contribution to the debate about military chaplaincy (see Research) from Ekklesia partner and Anglican priest Sande Ramage.
In terms of 'thinking in action', we highlight again the Real Change coalition of which Ekklesia is part - arguing the case for open politics and radical electoral and constitutional reform in Britain. This includes a unique opportunity for churches and faith groups to contribute to the wide civic debate by forming small 'focus groups'.
The event we are flagging up is the forthcoming London Mennonite Theology Forum in September, which is open to people from Britain and Ireland, mainland Europe and further afield. Its focus is on the renewing of Anabaptist vision for the twenty-first century - a Christian message of hope, subversion, community, building alternatives and working for just peace.
Last but not least, veteran ecumenist and Christian social witness pioneer Alastair Hulbert, from Scotland, provides our book recommendation - a collection of essays and observations about the renewal of the church, written in a way which will be a great encouragement to those who find 'institutional religion' trying or off-putting.
The weekly 'Thinking for a Change' bulletin now takes a break over the summer, returning in September. But this does not mean that the work of Ekklesia goes into hibernation. You can still access regularly updated news, features, columns, research, culture and review, comment and much, much more by visiting the website:
www.ekklesia.co.uk Likewise, you can subscribe to RSS feeds to maintain your inbox 'fix' if you so wish. See you again in September!
The Hint Half Guessed: Mission, Ecumenism and Other Holy Things by Alastair Hulbert 