One problem I have with modern Christian churches is that they seem laser-focused on the problem of overcoming personal adversity. I wonder if and when the churches will ever turn their attention to the problem of overcoming community adversity. Is that a real problem? Is that an important problem? Is that the churches’ problem? I think the answer is yes, yes, and yes. It seems manifestly true that personal problems bleed over into the public sphere, and so working on personal problems does help relieve pressing public burdens. But also, public shortcomings also clearly bleed over into the private realm of individuals and families. When churches work hard to clean up personal and family problems, they find that their hard work is quickly undone by forces outside their chosen jurisdiction. It’s time for the churches to commit to cleaning up public issues as well as personal issues.
