Previously we have featured a series of video excerpts, but, as promised, we are now pleased to present the entirety of Pastor Derek Buikema’s recent interview with Rod Dreher, senior editor at the American Conservative and author of The Benedict Option.

Mr. Dreher begins by stating that one purpose of a Christian is to transform the world with the truth of the gospel – but how can that be accomplished when so many people don’t know what the faith teaches and lack spiritual discipline?

Pastor Derek and Rod engage in an in-depth discussion of the Benedict Option, detailing what it is and what it is not. Rod promotes the need for a “strategic” (not cowardly) retreat from anti-Christian culture in order to prepare and be strengthened to endure the persecution we know we will face.

The conversation continues with encouragement for Christians and the Church to be politically engaged and willing to fight for religious liberty, and Rod and Pastor Derek examine the value of distinctly Christian communities and institutions, especially institutions of higher learning. Rod concludes the interview with a personal example concerning the appropriate expression of righteous anger.

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In Part 3 of Pastor Derek Buikema’s compelling interview with author Rod Dreher, they discuss the difference between a cowardly retreat from culture and a “strategic retreat” intended to strengthen the faithful for the persecution that is coming to an increasingly anti-Christian world, including America.

Rod argues that Americans, who are “creatures of comfort, peace, and ease,” are not prepared for the suffering Christ has promised his followers will come. Pastor Derek and Rod discuss some of the reasons for the church’s ill-preparedness and what is necessary to instill in believers a willingness even to die for Christ.

Please watch and share on your social media platforms!

Watch: part 1 and part 2.

IFI is hosting our annual Worldview Conference on March 7th at the Village Church of Barrington. This year’s conference is titled “Thinking Biblically About Our Corrosive Culture” and features Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Rob Gagnon. For more information, please click HERE for a flyer or click the button below to register for the conference.

In Part 2 of Pastor Derek Buikema’s interview with author Rod Dreher, they discuss his book, The Benedict Option, which explores ways that Christians in our post-Christian societies can create communities in which a shared “basis for moral reasoning” can be fostered and in which Christians can “live out the faith” in ways that make it “resilient” and, thereby, help restore culture. Rod describes what the Benedict Option is and, equally important, what it isn’t. In such a time as this of radical and comprehensive moral, theological, and ideological chaos, Rod’s radical vision is both compelling and inspiring.

IFI is hosting our annual Worldview Conference on March 7th at the Village Church of Barrington. This year’s conference is titled “Thinking Biblically About Our Corrosive Culture” and features Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Rob Gagnon. For more information, please click HERE for a flyer or click the button below to register for the conference.

IFI has a special treat for our readers. Recently, Derek Buikema, senior pastor of Orland Park Christian Reformed Church, interviewed Rod Dreher, senior editor at the American Conservative and author of The Benedict Option, when Rod spoke at the Touchstone Magazine Conference held annually at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois.

Starting today, we will release the first in a series of short video excerpts from this informative, inspiring, and delightful interview and then will release the full uninterrupted video. In this first excerpt, Pastor Derek and Rod discuss the nature, importance, and cultural implications of a Christian worldview, and whether the church writ large has one. Enjoy!

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