Morning after thoughts on Jesus and John Wayne: While reading there was a consistent thought in me that many seemingly faithful believers would read this history of Evangelicalism over the past 100 years and think,

"Looks like what we're doing is working. True Love Waits meant less sex outside marriage meaning stronger marriages. Quiverfull theology helped make more babies. Our discipline methods make those babies more disciplined. Homeschoolers are at the top of their classes in college,

(the stat of 7% of White House interns from PHC (mostly homeschooled kids) is telling). We're infiltrating bastions of liberal thought/action, and look at how much we can change culture if we keep this trajectory!"

They view this shift into the highest levels of power as taking dominion. It's virtuous work for them. That's partially @kkdumez's point. While some of us read and are aghast, others may read and think, "What's the problem?"

The problem is a theological one. It's a misunderstanding of "fruitfulness and multiplying," of "taking dominion and subduing." A subtle misunderstanding, but like a small degree change in navigation early on can result in wildly different destinations, that's where we are now.

@kkdumez is a historian and her book is a wild ride through history, but there's no real comment on the theology that led to where we are now, which I personally appreciated. For discerning readers, hopefully we do some soul-searching of our own.

The "cure" for where we are now will not be found in a new figurehead or movement. It will not. It will be found in many small self-corrective actions of individuals who emulate the Jesus of the Bible, not by *becoming* him and trying to save humanity, but by becoming *like* him.

This week we celebrate and consider the incarnation, the squalling red baby who needed his butt wiped and who nursed from his mother's physical breasts and sweat blood and tears in his obedience to his Father—this is true power. Laying down our lives—and power—for others.