EP253: The Unmasking of America -- I have some thoughts. / Lessons from Liz Cheney / What should the SBC do about Saddleback Church?

On this Episode: I HAVE SOME THOUGHTS AS AMERICANS TAKES OFF THEIR MASKS (0:00-17:40) I suspect the vast majority of Americans saw mask-wearing as a temporary, necessary step and felt it at various levels of annoyance. Another group hated them and refused. Still another imbued them with almost mystical powers or simply aren't mentally/emotionally ready to let them go. Now that the masks are coming off, there are groups to considers and to be considerate of, as they re-enter a maskless world. I'll also offer some thoughts on Covid policy in our new reality. WHY DID MASKING POLICY CHANGE (17:40-29:06) The CDC guidance on masking changed, seemingly, quite suddenly. I don't like assuming anyone's motives, but I will offer some theories as to why the policy changed dramatically and quickly. LESSONS FROM LIZ CHENEY (29:06-39:03) Liz Cheney is out as a leader of the House GOP Caucus. For me, this is a classic case of being able to recognize two truths simultaneously. Cheney might be mostly right about her concerns and priorities AND her concerns and priorities are causing her to be a poor leader for the goals of her organization. We can also learn a lesson here in the value of just moving on with your life. LIZ WARREN SAYS THE QUIET PART OUT LOUD (39:03-42:03) Senator Warren recently told Stephen Colbert how delighted she is with the current state of affairs. There's a little bit of a surprise in that. I'll give brief details. SADDLEBACK CHURCH, THE SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION, AND A COMING CONFLICT (42:03-50:10) Saddleback Church, currently in the SBC, recently ordained women as elders. That's in contradiction of the standards for inclusion in the Convention. It doesn't mean they're outside the faith, but they're certainly no longer Baptist. I have a few thoughts on the coming conflict as well as why this distinction matters.