For Your Edification

I have read Prism, the magazine of Evangelicals for Social Action, off and on for the last 20 years or so, and I find it tremendously encouraging and illuminating.

I've also read Credenda/Agenda off and on for a few years, and I've found it tremendously irrelevant and pompous.

You can read Credenda for the thoughts of privileged, white Reformed "scholars" as they engage in self-congratulatory musings on culture, theology, and masculinity, or you can read Prism and learn about people whose worship of Jesus Christ compels them to live in egalitarian community, work for the inner-city poor, or educate men and women on the dangers of pornography.

You can read Credenda for pedantic theological hairsplitting and endless perspectives on the most obscure points of the Confession, or you can read Prism for solid evangelical scholarship on the Christian's sanctification, the inclusionary message of the Gospel, and a theology of worship that involves active engagement with the "Other" often ignored by the Church.

You can read Credenda for more of Nate Wilson's fascinating ruminations on story and imagery and metaphor, or Ben Merkle's confident declarations of husbandlike care for the little lady, or you can read Prism and discover how our brothers and sisters all over the world are rejoicing in Christ Jesus by proclaiming the Gospel, living lives of reconciliation and justice, and working to bring about the Kingdom of God in concrete, tangible ways.

You can read Credenda and come away sure that you know what self-educated, self-ordained, self-churched, self-important Reformed guys think about their education, ordination, ecclesiology, and importance, or you can read Prism and come away knowing that the Holy Spirit -- remember the Holy Spirit? -- is doing great things among Christ's people.

It's your choice. You probably know how to get a subscription to Credenda/Agenda. You can find Prism at Evangelicals for Social Action's website.