This week I have been participating in the Q Conference, a conference committed to exploring new ideas in the areas of Future, Culture, Church, and Gospel. Abraham Kuyper would be proud. This conference is stimulating, innovative and sane. Each speaker talks for 18 minutes, followed by smaller “talkbacks” to futher the conversation. Speakers have addressed issues from Nuclear Disarmament to Spirituality in the Suburbs. Here are a few noteworthy speakers/projects:

Two Futures Project – compelling case for the role of Christians in advocating nuclear disarmament. Tyler Wigg Stevenson made the case that Christian vocabulary and a theology of the impossible compel Christians to take up this cause for the sanctity of human life.

The Future of the Suburbs – presented data arguing for continued migration to the suburbs which will become new centers of cultural influence, competing with urban culture.

Culture, Power, & Privilege – Andy Crouch shared some seeds for his new book project on the role of power, privilege and sacrifice in culture.

Shannon Sedgwick Davis – advancing justice and mercy in the third world through groups like “The Elders” a collection of peace-making leaders like Desmond Tutu, President Carter, and Nelson Mandela.

*Yours truly will speak on a panel tonight on the topic of American Ecclesiology.