Welcome back, Pilgrim. Here’s what’s happened in town since you’ve been away…
Welcome back to the Reformer Newsletter, where we can take a dive into various projects and activities from around Web3 and across the Christian community. You have joined this network to contribute to our collective mission of building for Christ’s Kingdom, and we will use this newsletter as a platform to enable that.
Reformers Credo Collection
Last week the ReformersNFT community dropped the first of 5 open edition NFTs in the Reformers Credo Collection. Restless.gif was created by the artist and community member Gabriel Reyes-Ordeix, and they can be minted through Thursday, September 22. Minters will receive a new Memento Mori role on the Reformers Discord, which gives access to the University #common-room channel. Don’t miss this opportunity to claim yours today!
Around Web3
The Ethereum Merge has completed, and all systems appear to be functioning normally. Much digital ink has already been spilled covering this transition of Ethereum from a proof of work (PoW) to a proof of stake (PoS) blockchain, and how it promises more energy efficiency, reduces the amount of ETH issued, and has the (hotly debated) potential to shift the nature of centralization in the Ethereum ecosystem. What does this mean for the Reformers Community? Here are a few takeaways:
This was a fantastic example of effective teamwork and impressive (albeit very delayed) delivery of value in the still-young world of web3. Metaphorically speaking, shifting a blockchain consensus mechanism while it is still operating can be equated to changing the engines out of an airplane mid-flight, and in the middle of an aerial dogfight. Look what can be built in the crypto world by motivated teams— let’s do more!
By increasing the energy efficiency of Ethereum, the Merge addresses a major roadblock to mass adoption of crypto. No telling where the narrative goes from here, but I suspect that this can have a significant impact on bringing crypto-resistors into the space. How are we preparing to accept them to help build for the Kingdom of God?
There is no telling what second, third, and higher order effects this will have. With the merge behind us, and the Cardano Vasil hard fork approaching this week, expect some ups and downs in markets. As always, remember our value lies in the Truth of the Gospel, and these things, too, shall pass.
3 Reasons Why NFTs will Shape the Future of Fundraising: Charitable organizations and churches are already exploring how to leverage web3 for their missions. In this article, our own Stephen McCaskell lays out a vision for how NFTs, and the blockchains that secure them, can unlock the potential of raising funds and supporting projects above and beyond a digital art sale.
We made the Internet Hard Again: Many people who are not that old remember a time when the internet was not fundamentally usable and not particularly useful to the common person. Sure, AOL was sort of fun (it’s like mail… but it’s e-mail!!) but the barriers to entry were too great for the uninitiated. The tools and standards which made the web more user-friendly also made it more centralized— so more useful and usable for me, but more profitable for the other people. This article asks the tough question- are we in web3 just rolling the clock back? Can we look at a Uniswap homepage and truly say that is an improvement on the Bank of America welcome screen to a first-time user?
The Next Leg Up Will Be Tougher: This thread is a painful read, but Tascha does the homework and provides some excellent takeaways. Understanding and wise counsel is always preferable to blind conviction that an asset will appreciate. Well worth your time.
What Could the Metaversity Look Like?: Tim Connors’ excellent Mirror essay detailing a roadmap to a totally different, decentralized model for university-style education credentialing. If this is going to happen, we’ve got a lot to build.
Around the Kingdom
The Secret to Spurgeon’s Success: So there is work to do, but how do we go about doing it? Looking to some of the champions of the past can certainly help. This article outlines some timeless ideas which can be learned from the life and ministry of Charles Spurgeon that can motivate us to action today.
Reformers Essay Series
The Reformers community is a network of Christ followers who believe there is an opportunity to spread Gospel Truth by using the next generation of digital tools we have available, commonly referred to as “web3” or “crypto” tools.
This week we are wrapping up our Christ Fixes This series in which we looked at how the Reality portrayed in the Sermon on the Mount gives believers a blueprint for how we might reform our institutions to align with God’s Kingdom.
Check out Christ Fixes Corrupted Systems of Injustice today!
The Call
The Reformers is a community of Christ followers who want to continuously explore new tools which can extend the reach of His Kingdom. If you want to lean in and support that mission, check out a Reformers NFT, become a patron of the community, get news and updates to start building with us, and help us run this race with endurance.