Weekly Outlook - Can you spot dangerous theology hiding in plain sight?

Dear readers, October 8 is DAF Day, a national day of giving that encourages people with donor-advised funds to put their charitable dollars to work for the causes they care about most. If you have a donor-advised fund, please consider the Presbyterian Outlook in your DAF giving. Your gift directly supports our nonprofit ministry of independent journalism, thoughtful theological reflection, practical resources for ministry, and courageous conversations that equip and empower the church to engage today’s pressing issues. By directing a gift to the Presbyterian Outlook Foundation, Inc., EIN 54-1186581, you help ensure that the church continues to have a trusted, independent voice serving the church today and into the future. Peace, Teri McDowell Ott Editor/Publisher Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Thinking about Advent? We've got daily devotionals ready to order in addition to a whole list of resources: liturgies for Blue Christmas, Christmas Eve, an at-home Christmas and more! See all our Advent resources here.

Communion, eating disorders and the possibility of healing by Julia Burkley    You have youth. They just aren’t in your pews. by Phillip Blackburn Who is the Presbyterian pastor who won on ‘Jeopardy!’? by — Rich Copley When ruling elders preside at Communion by Joel Moody

In case you missed it... Columbia launches redesigned MDiv program for fall 2027 The redesigned curriculum reduces the degree requirement from 90 to 77 credit hours while creating a more intentional, integrated learning experience. — CTS What is theological education in the future?  What if theological education isn’t just for pastors, but for every Christian, asks Beth McCaw? What young adults are teaching the church about belonging  Campus minister Mathew Frease has watched students build community across differences. What he’s seen challenges churches to rethink how people become seen, known and loved. Here’s what to know about Pete Hegseth’s new Office of Religious Affairs A memo announcing the establishment of the Office of Religious Affairs said it would ‘oversee research, technology, and analytical tools to support and assess spiritual fitness, spiritual readiness, and spiritual resilience’ of soldiers. — Yonat Shimron and Jack Jenkins Harmful theology hiding in plain sight  Religion shapes our shared life. Theological education helps Christians discern when faith leads toward love and justice — and when it is used to justify exclusion and power, writes Teri McDowell Ott. Board of Pensions launches resources and support for Post-Retirement Medical Plan transition Engagement opportunities are being offered over the next few weeks. — BOP The church needs to meet young adults at their table Maggie Alsup learns from students that ministry with young adults begins not with perfect programs or invitations, but with consistent presence at the tables where they already gather.

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