Why support the Reformed Journal? Because we need voices that advocate for a reformed, or reformational, perspective.
There’s a form of Evangelicalism that is biblically and theologically robust and ecclesiologically necessary. Evangelicals point us back to the gospel; they tell us when we’re getting too uppity about our worship and arrogant in our theology. We need to be reminded that faith means trusting in the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Lately, however, there’s something different masquerading as Evangelicalism—something dangerous and un-Christian. This warped version infiltrates our communities in the form of demonizing, moralizing, and bible worship. It’s obsessed with power, believing the very existence of the church depends upon protecting a particular cultural expression of Christianity. (So much for faith!) This perspective turns Christianity into an abstract spirituality that undermines the orthodox Christian belief in the original goodness of God’s creation and the hope for the resurrection of the body.
This is why we’re asking you to support the Reformed Journal. Here you’ll find voices that speak in the reformational register. Not perfectly, of course, but hopefully reflecting the “always reforming” nature of the reformation. We try to get outside of the broader cultural ideology, even though we know, in the end, it’s impossible.
- We take on political and social issues, believing the gospel addresses more than our personal salvation.
- We take on cultural issues, believing the transformation that comes from faith in Jesus Christ reverberates outward into the ways we organize our life together.
- We speak from the reformed perspective because it has something to offer the broader Christian community. Claiming this theological and liturgical tradition provides a language for broader ecumenical conversation, because every dialogue begins by taking a stand somewhere, situating oneself in an identity from which to encounter others.
And where are Rienstra, Holberg, and Kooyman?
Of course, we have the usual ongoing expenses, even being frugal and volunteer-driven. But now we’re hoping for more. We have big plans for 2021 — a “new and improved” Reformed Journal, with much more than The Twelve, more voices, more features, a refreshed website. But we’ll need your help.
We hope you continue to read The Twelve and the Reformed Journal, agree or disagree; we also hope you will find it in your heart to support us financially — whatever you can give.
More importantly, we hope you will find a sense of peace and hope this holiday season. May 2020 disappear, and never be heard from again.
