Should churches open ASAP? Does the death of George Floyd matter? Today’s edition of TGIF covers these topics and we hope these resources will help you think clearly and carefully.
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Articles From Around The Web
1. Larry Lin: Asian American Complicity in Racism
“For much of my life, I was complicit in my racism toward African Americans, and I was completely oblivious to that racism. I was more devoted to order than to justice. I sought to honor the powerful, not realizing that doing so was dishonoring the powerless.”
2. Amy DiMarcangelo: Oh God, Make Us Angry!
“In a world wrought with racism, violence, corruption, crooked justice systems, oppression, exploitation, and abuse, the heat of angry love will enflame our resolve to keep contending for justice.”
3. Lexham Press: Preaching and the Need for Asian North American Voices
“We contend that Asian North American preachers are in need of a unique homiletical voice akin to other minority groups such as African American and Hispanic American preaching traditions.”
Books, Podcasts, Music, And More
1. SOLA Network Podcast Ep. 21: Should Churches Open ASAP?
A discussion with Thomas Hwang, P. J. Tibayan, and Hanley Liu. Daniel K. Eng moderated this talk about what it means to love their neighbors, submit to authority, and religious freedom. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Podcasts.
2. SOLA Network Podcast Ep. 22: Deriving the Infinite Wonder of Christ through Math
Charlene Hao talks about how and when she was able to connect math with God, how COVID-19 has affected her education, and how she would encourage other students to connect what they study and relate it back to God. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Podcasts.
3. SOLA Network Podcast Ep. 23: Addressing Sex Addiction and Pornography During Quarantine
Tim St. John and Roy Kim talk about how to address pornography use and how to support people who need help. Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Podcasts.
4. SOLA Network Podcast Ep. 24: Even If It Costs Us: A Plea to our Asian American Friends
“We will be there when racial injustice, big or small, happens to our black friends. And when it does, may we not stand around as cowards and do nothing. May we have the courage and love to do what is right and just — even if it costs us.” Available on YouTube, Spotify, and Podcasts.
5. Aaron Lee: Miscellaneous
Book reviews: Where is God in a Coronavirus World? by John C. Lennox, 5 Things to Pray in a Global Crisis by Rachel Jones. Our TGIF playlist is available on Spotify, with new music from contributors Sarah Kang and Uzuhan.
Featured This Week On SOLA Network
1. Richard J. Lee: George Floyd, Tou Thao and the Parable of Our Times
“For so many in our country, it is impossible to walk away. For so many in our country, looking at a house under construction, having police serve a no-knock warrant in your home, or even bird watching in Central Park … can lead to conflict and death.”
2. Dr. Roy Kim, Tim St. John: Addressing Sex Addiction and Pornography During Quarantine: An Interview with Dr. Roy Kim
“How can Christians and the church better understand sex addiction and pornography so that we can help those who are afflicted? How can those who are struggling with this addiction get help?”
3. Hannah Chao and Mitchel Lee: Learning to Talk About His Korean-ness: An Interview with Mitchel Lee, Lead Pastor of Grace Community Church
“Mitchel Lee was frank about the mistakes he made in his life as well as God’s faithfulness in preparing him for his role as the lead pastor of a multiethnic church. We talked about his journey, and what it means to be an Asian American pastor.”
4. Kevin Yi: Dear Ravi: An Open Letter to Ravi Zacharias
“The church will miss your humble leadership as it’s something that we desperately need. In the age of social-media church leaders, you’ve raised a team of Jesus-loving evangelists who care for and respect each and every audience they address.”
5. Daniel K. Eng, Thomas Hwang, Hanley Liu, P.J. Tibayan: Should Churches Open ASAP? A Panel Discussion with the SOLA Network
“They talk about what it means to love their neighbors, submit to authority, and religious freedom. We hope this conversation will spark healthy discussions within your church as we weather this pandemic together.”
6. Ivan Yu: How Ravi Zacharias and Fred Rogers Were Alike
“Ravi and Fred helped me to develop persuasion through character and emotion, which are necessary for effective evangelism, apologetics, and pastoral ministry. I would like to share of their influence on me by presenting three ways Ravi and Fred were alike.”
7. TGIF: Roundup for May 22, 2020
In case you missed it: Discovering Eternity / Why We Miss Congregational Singing / Church, Don’t Let Coronavirus Divide You.
8. SOLA Network: TGIF Subscription
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General disclaimer: Our link roundups are not endorsements of the positions or lives of the authors.