Weekly Outlook - Bad Bunny, Jesus and the comment section 🎤

Dear readers, What does empathy look like in a divided world? It’s a question many Christians are asking with new urgency. Some public voices have recently dismissed empathy as weakness or even a cultural threat. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to something different: to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. That tension is part of what inspired our newest Fresh Outlook Bible Studies resource, "On the Road to Empathy." This four-session study, written by the Rev. Dr. Robyn Byrd Michalove, invites congregations to explore empathy as a faithful Christian practice through stories from Luke’s Gospel and the Book of Acts. Along the way, participants reflect on the stories that shape us, the blind spots we carry and the ways Christ calls us to move from understanding toward action. Written specifically for young adults, this study would also be a great fit for adult education programs, small groups, or a churchwide conversation. We hope this new resource will help your community listen more deeply and walk more faithfully with one another. Learn more about the study and read a sample. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

A PC(USA) statement on the escalating war with Iran by the Office of Public Witness Shortening the Book of Confessions? A stated clerk responds by Christian Boyd Bad Bunny, Jesus and the comment section by Trip Porch When foster youth age out, a church steps in by John Bolt Why vigils matter as anxiety rises by Maggie Alsup A sermon for elderly Christians in troubled times by Brenda Monroe Moten In case you missed it... Love Letters to God Andrew Taylor-Troutman praises "Love Letters to God' as a raw, brave epistolary friendship that wrestles honestly with suffering, faith, and a love strong enough to endure doubt. Presbyterian politicians mix faith with their civic service Elected officials and candidates find belief a powerful ally in leadership. — Gregg Brekke A homecoming Doug McMahon reflects on how a bone marrow transplant teaches us that we humans are bound together, each needing the other, even at a cellular level.   Middle, high school students invited to ‘Wholly Shift!’ at 2026 Hastings Youth Conference Hastings College and the ASPIRE program invite students to an inclusive space where young people can explore their faith, build lasting connections and recognize their value. Legal Defense Fund visits Springfield, Ohio Haitian immigrants and others live in fear, but faith communities stand with them. — Cindy Corell Discussion guide for our Empathy issue In each issue of the Outlook, we include a discussion guide to further reflect on the issue. — Don Griggs