Throughout the centuries, Christians have faced the vexing question: How are we to live as Christians in the midst of a secular culture? This question reaches to the heart of Christian discipleship and the meaning of the Gospel–and challenges the church of the twenty-first century no less than the earliest disciples.

George Orwell once described political language as words designed “to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind.” Orwell’s comment comes immediately to mind when considering the formation of the new “Clergy Leadership Network,” a new group of liberal religious leaders who intend to become “the Christian Coalition of the left.” This group is likely to produce considerable wind in its arguments, if not in its sails.

Thom Rainer thinks that most Christians have no clue about how unchurched people really think. Given Christianity’s mandate for evangelism, this represents a big problem.