Happy Sunday,
“Wisdom is supreme—so get wisdom. And whatever else you get, get understanding.”
Proverbs 4:7
What about Christian news commentary?
There are many resources that apply Biblical truths to breaking news. On the surface, this sounds like exactly my thing (I’m probably “Jason Christian News Guy” in more than one phone).
But… I generally avoid them.
My issue is the speed and consistency these resources demand of wisdom. An event happens, and these pastors/commentators are immediately expected to weigh in, not with their own opinion or gut reaction, but with specific Godly wisdom.
That feels like unfair pressure, and a recipe for (at least occasional) problems.
I felt this pressure very early on with The Pour Over. To combat this need for wisdom-on-demand, TPO’s Christian Perspectives are pre-written with no particular story in mind, and almost always address one of the four sins the news reliably produces in us: anxiety, arrogance, anger, and apathy. The goal is not to give you the correct Christian perspective on an event (e.g., based on this story, you should vote for XYZ candidate), it’s just to remind you to not forget Jesus.
For me, daily Christian news commentary fed an unhealthy desire to prove my Christian bona fides by ensuring I had the “correct” stance on every issue, as if Jesus said, “they will know you are my followers by your online opinions.” My new goal is simply to know Christ better. If we constantly pursue Him, it will impact every area of our lives, including (almost by accident) the news we hear about.
So, when you’re confronted with a current event and are unsure about how Christ would think or act:
Hold off on forming or giving an opinion (it’s usually not required)
Ask someone who knows Jesus better than you (not who knows that issue better)
The most useful version of Christian news commentary I’ve found isn’t consuming a monologue, but participating in dialogue with wise, Godly people. The ability to wrestle through a topic live with my mom, dad, or pastor—and usually still leave with some level of uncertainty—is a wonderful spiritual gift.
Recommended*: For years, my dad (a pastor of 40 years) has sent The Friday Update—quick insights on culture, thought-provoking quotes, fascinating statistics, and Biblical wisdom. I didn’t read it for a long time (it was an email from my dad…), but finally gave it a shot and am pleased to say that he seems wiser and more interesting than when I was in high school. It’s free and worth your time. Subscribe in one click!
I’m writing a book! It’s a work in progress (41,786/55,000 words) but will be published by Tyndale ~Fall 2027. And… you’re the test subjects! If you’d reply and point out any heresy or faulty logic in these newsletters so I don’t print them in the book, that’d be lovely.
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*I’m fortunate enough to be paid to promote products I actually use and genuinely recommend. The Friday Update is one of them. I hope you enjoy it too!
