Fall 2026 · Vol. 55 No. 2 · p. 148
From the Editor: Faith in Contemporary Culture
Sixteen years ago (Fall 2010), Direction devoted an issue to faith in popular culture. Although not all of the feature articles strictly followed the “popular” part of that theme, the issue included a review of the electronic church (Richard G. Kyle), emerging technologies (Jason Derr), C. S. Lewis’s insights on theology in culture (Randy Klassen), horror as a genre (Brian Froese), and Gary Larson’s cartooning (Michael J. Gilmour). Five years later (Fall 2015), the journal addressed “Christ and Culture” with another helpful and interesting collection of essays concerning North American cultural expressions and their impact on the church, with possibilities for its mission.
Though various articles in the years since have touched on parts of church and world matters, the Direction editorial council thought it was time for a more focused engagement on things cultural. And the invited writers for Feature Articles have not disappointed. David Balzer reports on his intriguing research concerning the phrase “Oh my God.” With concern for the workplace, marriages, and the church, Rebecca Stanley investigates the phenomenon of “quiet quitting.” Brian Ross presents key elements of cultural change, evidences of the Spirit at work, and the significance of both strengths and possible shortcomings of the Anabaptist tradition. In his critique of the church’s public witness, Chris Clements argues that visibly manifesting genuine life is the most impactful. Simon Jones speaks from his British context, offering a more startling and socially engaged reading of Jesus’ Beatitudes for our post-Christendom context.
Two essays tease out the present implications of philosophical writings from previous eras. D. H. Lunn argues for the positive faith potential of Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction, especially when coupled with an appropriate apologetic. Alex Suderman responds to some of Friedrich Nietzsche’s criticisms of theology, particularly the philosopher’s concern about a coercive moral absolutism. The feature articles conclude with an investigation by Arnold Neufeldt-Fast into Fürstenland, a small nineteenth- and twentieth-century Mennonite Brethren community in Ukraine that manifested both conviction and adaptability.
In Ministry Compass, pastor Jeremy Matlock urges the importance of a discipleship program in the local church, sharing insights from his own experience. Seven Book Reviews in this issue address North American culture, the teachings of Jesus, concise guides to Anabaptism, and essays on Mennonite imagination in literature.
