God In Chicago

On this morning in Logan Square, the main boulevard is busy with joggers, parents pushing strollers, and double-parked cars in front of two large Catholic churches.An upbeat gospel song plays softly over the loudspeakers as people enter the auditorium in groups of 2-4. Everyone seems like they have known each other for a while. They are comfortable with each other, and are in the middle of extended conversations as the event begins.A six-person band led the audience in a song with the chorus, “A mighty fortress is our God” as the main speaker came to the front stage and offered this commentary to the audience.“Back then, 400 years ago, when the [song’s] author wrote these lyrics, a town or village without a mighty fortress was in big trouble. And today, without a strong fortress, you and I are in big trouble.”The band then led the audience in another song, and about 10 people formed a line along the base of the stage and invited audience members to come forward if they wanted someone to pray with them.As some