Jewish Aleppo, Lost Forever
Joseph Dana, Tablet

The Syrian diaspora in Israel watches its once-vibrant ancestral home fall to ruin in the country’s civil war.

Republicans Are Wrong on Call for Gold Standard
Bruce Bartlett, New York Times

Read more on PowerLinks – 09.04.12…

It doesn’t seem that anyone would WANT to live in a slum. But that is not necessarily true, according to Charles Kenny of Foreign Policy. In fact, for many of the world’s poor, a slum can offer opportunities and services not available in rural areas.

Read more on Are slums ever good?…

Messianic claims and expectations about politicians are problematic whether they come from the left or from the right, says Ray Nothstine. In his speech at the John Locke Foundation, Nothstine discusses the problems associated with political messianism in American politics.

Read more on The Problem of Political Messianism…

The Gold Standard Goes Mainstream
Seth Lipsky, Wall Street Journal

In the ferment within today’s Republican Party, there’s a growing realization that America’s system of fiat money is part of the economic problem.

Read more on PowerLinks – 09.04.12…

Over several weeks we have been talking about the skills we need to develop as we are On Call in Culture; a Kingdom-focused memory, storytelling (which involves observation and reflection), and vulnerability. Each one plays an important part of us making an impact on our culture as God works through us daily. We have also provided resources to help you develop each skill.

In “My Mind in God’s Hands” we thought about focusing our minds on Kingdom values so our memories will be tools that God can use in our work. Remembering to ask your coworker how their mom did after surgery or whether your boss’ migraine is feeling better can be important in God’s plan for your relationships with them.

Read more on On Call in Culture Skills Review…