Our Next Underground – August 7, 2021
Registration is Open!
Peace. A concept raised often but rarely practiced in our modern age. Instead, it has been replaced by a commonplace hostility: in our spoken words, our social media posts and, sadly, in our actions. Why? Is it because hostility makes us feel better, superior, justified in our action? Or maybe the pursuit of peace is just too… difficult. On August 7th, from 6:30-8:30pm, our next Underground Session will tackle the topic of peace and hostility, specifically as it relates to Christian and Muslim relationships. Is peace possible? We’ll discuss current issues in the Middle East, how to have cross dialogue with different faith traditions, and how to love all people who are made in the image of God. At the Underground Session, we step into the tension for the glory of God. Peace and hostility create a natural tension—let’s discuss how to be people of peace in a world of hostility.
Register below. Childcare is provided.
Registration is Open!
Building peace in a climate of hostility?
If you plan on joining us virtually, information will be emailed to you prior to the event.
What are the Underground Sessions?
Everyone can benefit from an evening at the Underground.
Courageous Conversations:
Intersection of faith, culture & politics.
Underground Sessions is a live forum we hold several times a year where we discuss challenging and relevant issues in our world today. We do this with a spirit of grace and compassion while maintaining biblical faithfulness. In the past we covered topics from addiction and the opioid crisis to suicide awareness, from pornography and the sanctity of human life to issues of race and sexual and gender identity. We always have food, a live band and a presentation followed by audience participation and interaction.
The event is held in the lower level room of our Youth and Family Ministry Building. Childcare is typically provided up through 4th grade.
Stay tuned to find out when our next Underground will be taking place.
In the mean time check out our Underground Sessions Podcast.
Follow our Underground Sessions Podcast:
Check out our most recent Underground Sessions Podcast here and follow our Podcast on Google, Apple, or Iheart Radio.
Introducing our new Podcast that focuses on conversations at the intersection of faith, culture and politics. Come to the underground with us and step into the tension as we
discuss various topics in the form of pastoral commentary and culturally relevant interviews featuring guest professionals specializing within the topic of discussion. The Underground is not a place where everyone agrees. But a space where respectful dialog can happen, difficult topics addressed, and ultimately where Christ is exalted.
Previous Underground – March 6, 2021
How do we talk about race? The events of 2020 made clear that our country, and our churches are polarized by racial tension. Unfortunately, conversations about race often lead to division, strife, and blame. Is it possible to have productive dialogue in our current climate?
On March 6th, the Underground Sessions will once again tackle this difficult, but necessary topic. Defining terms is crucial. We will discuss the current understanding of racism—what do terms like “woke,” “white fragility,” “whiteness,” and “critical race theory” mean? Injecting these loaded words into the conversation on race has caused hurt and increased distrust among believers. Ultimately, Christ followers are called to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God (Micah 6:8). But is the current form of social justice truly biblical justice? Our call to action depends upon our grasp of this issue.
At this event, our aim is to use Scripture to define terms like humanity, race, love, and justice. We also want to bring practical tools to help people have better conversations and develop deep, meaningful relationships across racial and ethnic lines. We invite you to step into the tension and have the courage to engage in this important dialogue.
*Due to COVID restrictions, Seating for attending this event in person is very limited so make sure you register early.
If you plan on joining us virtually, information will be emailed to you prior to the event.
Previous Underground – October 3, 2020
Did you miss this event?
If missed out on this thought-provoking and challenging session below you will find all three parts for your viewing enjoyment.
Stay tuned for more Underground Sessions on our Podcasts and our biannual live events.
Income Inequality Recap
On October 3rd, 2020, MBC hosed its first ever virtual The Underground Sessions event where we discussed the important, and provocative, topic of “income inequality.” Our guest for this event was Dr. Anne Bradley, an expert economist who approaches this topic from a Christian worldview. After giving a keynote talk defining income inequality, she sat down with Pastor Bob and further discussed the related topics of socialism, capitalism, racial discrimination, as well as practical steps to address poverty in our world. You can watch the full-length session, or choose from three different segments on this page.
About the Speaker
Anne Bradley is the George and Sally Mayer Fellow for Economic Education and the Academic Director at the Fund for American Studies. She served as the Vice President of Economic Initiatives at The Institute for Faith, Work, and Economics, where she developed and commissioned research toward a systematic biblical theology of economic freedom. She is a visiting professor at Georgetown University and has previously taught at George Mason University and at Charles University, Prague. She is currently a visiting scholar at the Bernard Center for Women, Politics, and Public Policy. She served as the Associate Director for the Program in Economics, Politics, and the Law at the James M. Buchanan Center at George Mason University.
Dr. Bradley’s academic work focuses on the political economy of terrorism with specific emphasis on the industrial organization of al-Qaeda. Her academic research has been published in scholarly journals and edited volumes. She is currently working on a book that analyzes the political economy of al-Qaeda post 9/11. Based on her academic research she also worked as an Economic Analyst for the Central Intelligence Agency’s Office of Terrorism Analysis.
Dr. Bradley is the author of several books, and served as the general editor of For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty, in which she frames a solid biblical & economic understanding of how best to care for the poor and foster economic development.
Resources: Income Inequality
Session Presentation
Income Inequality, Poverty and Human Flourishing, Dr. Anne Bradley >
Books
For the Least of These: A Biblical Answer to Poverty. Anne Bradley >
Counting the Cost: Christian Perspectives on Capitalism by Art Lindsley PhD (Author), Anne R. Bradley PhD (Author) >
Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism Is the Solution and Not the Problem Paperback – Illustrated, May 4, 2010 by Jay W. Richards >
How would Jesus vote? By Darrell Bock (see Chapter 4 on economics) Howard Books, May 17, 2016 >
Articles & E-Books
A Critique of ‘Five Reasons Socialism Is Not Christian’ Craig M. Watts February 28, 2020 >
Free E-book. David Azerrad. Marx and the False Communist Promise. >
Video Teaching
Capitalism, Christianity and Income Inequality, Dr. Anne Bradley >
Exploring differences, unraveling stereotypes & seeking common ground so we may live with and care for our neighbors of differing faiths.
Judaism, Islam and Christianity. They all trace their roots to the biblical figure of Abraham, yet their modern expressions have differing beliefs. In our next Underground we will have a panel featuring a Jewish Rabbi, a devout Muslim, and Christian Minister. We will discuss their varying positions, where we can find common ground and how these ideas effect contemporary issues. Registration for attendance and childcare is required by March 11th.
- Previous Underground Sessions
Questions?
Questions?
Our next live Underground Session:
Our next Underground Session conversation will center around the current challenges to Religious Liberty, as well as how to love those who disagree with us. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Douglas Groothuis, Professor of Philosophy at Denver Seminary. There will also be a panel discussion featuring experts in the field of law, business, and education.
Our keynote and guest panelists:
Dr. Groothuis, PHD received a PhD and a BS from the University of Oregon, and an MA in philosophy from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He has served as an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University, visiting instructor in apologetics for Westminster Theological Seminary, and instructor at the University of Oregon.
He is the author of a variety of books, including Christian Apologetics, and has published articles in magazines such as Christianity Today, Moody Magazine, The Christian Research Journal, Christian Counseling Today, Modern Reformation and Perspectives. He has also written editorials for a variety of newspapers.
Rosette Adera, D. Mgmt.
Rosette is the Chair of the Business Administration Department at Pillar College where enjoys infusing Biblical principles into curriculum design and instruction. Rosette is also a student of Management, Leadership and Organizational Behavior where she engages in the Christian’s response to the issues of identity, diversity and inclusion. She is also currently serving on the Board of Garden of Hope Foundation, an initiative that is lifting the lives of youth, women and children from the slums of Nairobi.
Jesse P. Nash, JD is an attorney providing legal services covering Real Estate: Business and Banking and Business / Corporate.
Jesse Nash, who practices law in Princeton, New Jersey, was selected to Rising Stars for 2011 – 2017. This peer designation is awarded only to a select number of accomplished attorneys in each state. The Rising Stars selection process takes into account peer recognition, professional achievement in legal practice, and other cogent factors.
Prior to becoming an attorney, he studied at Seton Hall University School of Law. He graduated in 2003. After passing the bar exam, he was admitted to legal practice in 2003.
