I am away at school this week, one of the week-long intensive classes for the Doctor of Ministry degree at Austin Presbyterian Theological School. (And boy, is it intensive – 8 required books, with another 5 recommended.) I’m on the “Leadership for Public Theology” track and this class applies to the “Religion in American Life” section. I think the subject matter is right on the mark: Christian nationalism. In January 2026, that’s the biggest religious issue we’re dealing with.

(You’ll be hearing more from me on this topic, but if you were to pick one book from the stack to read, I’d recommend Unholy: How White Christian Nationalists Powered the Trump Presidency, and the Devastating Legacy They Left Behind by Sarah Posner. It is investigative journalism, very detailed, tracking the work done over 5 decades – worldwide – that brought us to this moment.)

Continous learning is, of course, not just for ministers. I’m curious about what you’re learning right now. A musical instrument? A particular art form? A new interest? Something for work? Current events? Let me know! minister@liveoakuu.org