New Confession Gives Post-Reformation Unity a URL | Francis, Trump, and the Inconsistent Ethic of Life | Caribbean Churches Destroyed by Irma: CT Weekly

[Also: Being a Pastor's Wife Is Bad for Friendship | A Deeper Debate over Drums in Church] Also: Being a Pastor's Wife Is Bad for Friendship | A Deeper Debate over Drums in Church | [View online]( [ChristianityToday.org]( [Donate]( [Christianity Today Weekly Newsletter]( Friday, September 15, 2017 NEWS [Protestants: The Most 'Catholic' of Christians]( New confession by high-profile theologians gives post-Reformation unity a URL. Caleb Lindgren The most obvious effect of the Reformation — which celebrates its 500th anniversary this year — is division. It is estimated that more than 33,000 different Christian denominations now exist throughout the world, and much of this is blamed on the Reformation. While some are making the case that difference does not necessarily constitute division in Protestantism and the global church, the plethora of denominations is a source of concern for Protestants, who are the heirs of Martin Luther's movement that has tended to create new churches rather than reform existing ones. The "Reforming Catholic Confession," released today, aims to demonstrate that — despite "denominationalism" — Protestants are remarkably unified. [continue reading >>]( Speaking Out [Almost No One in the US Believes in a 'Consistent Ethic of Life']( Pope Francis' critique of President Trump would apply to 96 percent of Americans, surveys suggest. Ryan P. Burge News [Caribbean Churches Destroyed by Deadly Hurricane Irma]( Regional leaders are still assessing how millions of Christians fared in the storm. Kate Shellnutt Women [Survey: Being a Pastor's Wife Is Good for Faith, Bad for Friendship]( Though expectations have shifted, spouses still feel the weight of church drama. Kate Shellnutt Editorial [Hath God Truly Said, 'Avoid Foolish Controversies'?]( It turns out that lustily fighting for the truth isn't what God asks of us. Ted Olsen News [A Deeper Debate over Drums in Church]( Native Christians still wrestle with how their culture fits into their churches. Morgan Lee CT Pastors [6 Dos and Don'ts for Welcoming Church Guests]( Visitor connection should be organic, not contrived. Marty Duren The Exchange [This Dogma Won't Hunt: Feinstein, Durbin, Sanders, and the New Religious Test for Office]( So much for Article VI of the U.S. Constitution Ed Stetzer Podcast [Why FEMA Should Fund Churches Damaged by Disasters]( Communities can't be restored if their houses of worship aren't. CT Editors News [Trump Backs Churches Suing FEMA over Harvey Aid]( President also donates $100,000 to Samaritan's Purse for Texas hurricane relief efforts. Kate Shellnutt News [Icing on the Cake: Justice Dept. Backs Christian Baker Bound for Supreme Court]( Trump administration sides with Masterpiece Cakeshop's religious liberty claim for refusing same-sex wedding clients. Kate Shellnutt News [Tim Kaine: We Need All Parts of the Body to Fix Health Care]( The Corinthian church reminds us that Democrats and Republicans must work together to care for the least of these. By Senator Tim Kaine The Exchange [My Visit to Montreat]( I spent a day at the home of the Rev. Billy Graham. Ed Stetzer The Exchange [David Platt to Be a Teaching Pastor—Is it a Bridge Too Far for the IMB President?]( International Mission Board president to become McLean Bible teaching pastor. Ed Stetzer Women [The Demanding Faith of Flannery O'Connor]( In her writing, O'Connor made belief believable. Karen Wright Marsh Follow Us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Google+]( [RSS]( [Subscribe to this newsletter]( IN THE MAGAZINE [Current Issue]( [Facing Our Legacy of Lynching]( [Germans Are Welcoming Refugees as a Way to Honor Luther's Legacy]( [Bringing Back Baylor]( [View Full Issue]( [Subscribe Now]( More froM Christianity Today Tribute [Because God Is: A Tribute to Robert W. Jenson (1930-2017)]( Over 5 years of weekly dinners, 'America's Theologian' became a mentor and a dear friend. Matthew J. Aragon Bruce The Exchange [The Fallacy of Spiritual Gifts]( God uses weak people. Jeff Christopherson Women [Stay Woke: A Q&A with 'Faithfully Magazine']( The story behind a new, multiethnic journalistic enterprise. Jessy Shelton News [How Many Churches Does America Have? More Than Expected]( Best estimate yet of US congregations finds rise of the 'nons' has more impact than rise of the 'nones.' 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