News I can use

I stopped watching/reading the news sometime over the past few years. I just couldn't take it anymore. It seemed so divisive, and depending on where you looked you could get a completely opposite take. It was like everyone just wanted to generate unrest or dislike for someone. So I stopped.

However, while it felt good to sort of "check out," I began to feel guilty. Where was my sense of social responsibility? There are things happening in the world that I need to know about. So... 

Lately I've been getting my news almost entirely from two sources: The Pour Over, and the 1440 Daily Digest. 

THE POUR OVER:

I heard about this from Michael Frost's new book 'Mission Is The Shape of Water.' In it he says of TPO: "Offering a daily email digest of news stories, interspersed with Scripture, they aim to keep Christians informed in what's happening in the world while remaining focused on Christ."

Or, as they say, "The biggest news of the day, summarized in a way you'll actually understand and enjoy, paired with brief Christian perspectives."

It doesn't actually seem to come daily, but I like it. They're sometimes funny, and it's not overly conservative or liberal. I really like how it points us to Christ regardless of the story.

1440:

I don't recall where I heard of this, but on their subscription page it says: "Join the 2M people waking up to more insight and less outrage. 100+ sources, summed up in ~5 minutes. Edited to be unbiased as humanly possible."

 

I will say, both contain sponsored stories - which is what keeps them free - so you still have to do some discerning (but they point out which stories are sponsored). I probably like The Pour Over better because it's briefer and gives good reminders of Who is ultimately in charge. 1440 can sometimes be a bit over my head, but it also provides a little wider look at things.

I think it terribly sad what has happened to the media in this country (and no doubt others as well), but I am thankful I found these sources because I think it's important that we stay informed, without being swayed one way or another.

That's my two cents (literally 'two'). ;)