The Weekend – 7-12-25

July 11, 2025
July 11, 2025
CT Weekly

This edition is sponsored by Gloo AI Chat

weekend reads

Christian researchers are examining how autism and neurodivergence could reshape church services, reports our worship correspondent Kelsey Kramer McGinnis this week. Adjustments might include a printed order of service, quieter music, and fidget toys on offer. 

“Neurodiversity in our communities can reveal our fear of being out of control,” said one researcher. “So much of our polity and rituals are about exerting control.”

“Creating a culture of informality can go hand in hand with creating a welcoming community,” said a graduate student who experiences sensitivity to loud noises. “At my church, I like how it is not uncommon for a worship leader to pause the sermon because of a passing train or do something like restart a song.” 

Another recommended accommodation, lower lights, relates to a second piece on our site this week: a reflection on chronic migraines and the extreme light sensitivity that often accompanies them. For one woman, that photophobia made worship—her church met in a conference room with LED lights—excruciating. It also revealed something about God’s blinding brilliance.

“I was, in some small way, able to feel God’s glory in my body. It was as if, on the map [that was Scripture], God had drawn an X next to Paul on the road to Damascus or an arrow labeled ‘You Are Here’ pointing to the mountaintop with the disciples.”

Inclusive Worship Shouts, Shushes, and Sings to the Lord

All the Light It Hurts to See

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weekend listen

This week, Russell Moore and technology journalist Nicholas Carr discuss the mirage of screens as socialization, an AI priest, and all-knowing algorithms.

“In some ways, I think Mark Zuckerberg and the other pioneers of social media think of society itself as kind of like the internet. … Society is a community of communities, and you can scale those things up the way you scale up digital networks. It’s a view of the social world, and of humanity, that omits what to me is most important about us. That’s our ability and our need to form societies through relationships through other people.” | Listen here.

Nicholas Carr on Building Attention in a Digital Age

Nicholas Carr on AI Doctors and Internet Edgelords

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editors’ picks

Sara Kyoungah White, editor: I was skeptical about wool clothing working in the summer, but I loved my wool T-shirt while traveling for two weeks in Japan this summer. It really did need less washing, absorbed less odors, and worked well in the heat. For a budget-friendly and solid option, I recommend Quince’s version for both women and men.

Kara Bettis Carvalho, ideas editor: A couple of years ago, we invested in a mid-level bocce set. It’s super convenient to take to the park, the beach, or the grandparents’ house. Plus, it’s an easy game for adults to still converse, enjoy beverages, or watch the kids while playing.

Ashley Hales, editorial director, print: On a camping trip in middle school, one of my parents got the fantastic idea that instead of Hershey’s, we’d grab a mini Reese’s peanut butter cup to use for s’mores. When the marshmallow is nice and toasty, place a peanut butter cup on the end of the skewer until it’s slightly melty. Then pull off the marshmallow around the peanut butter cup, creating a delightful glob of goodness. Stuff between two graham crackers and you’ll be the hit of your summer camping trip! 

2025 Holiday Gift Guide for Book Lovers

This holiday season, we invite you to share comfort, quiet, or excitement with each person on your gift list. From beautifully illustrated Bibles and devotionals to novels and picture books,…

Read more

prayers of the people

more from CT

T.D. Jakes Hands Over Leadership of Dallas Megachurch

The next generation takes the helm at The Potter’s House.

Churches Can Endorse Political Candidates, IRS Says

New interpretation of tax law is a win for conservative Christians who have long opposed the Johnson Amendment.

7 Significant Changes in Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

Evangelical ministries and advocates respond to the legislation’s impacts on immigration enforcement, food aid, and abortion funding.

Texas Flood Washes Away Dozens of Young Girls from Christian Camp

Rescue teams continue their search after the Guadalupe River overtook cabins at Camp Mystic, a nondenominational camp in the Hill Country.

IN THE MAGAZINE

As developments in artificial intelligence change daily, we’re increasingly asking what makes humanity different from the machines we use. In this issue, Emily Belz introduces us to tech workers on the frontlines of AI development, Harvest Prude explains how algorithms affect Christian courtship, and Miroslav Volf writes on the transhumanist question. Several writers call our attention to the gifts of being human: Haejin and Makoto Fujimura point us to beauty and justice, Kelly Kapic reminds us God’s highest purpose isn’t efficiency, and Jen Pollock Michel writes on the effects of Alzheimer’s . We bring together futurists, theologians, artists, practitioners, and professors to consider how technology shapes us even as we use it.

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