Kayko Driedger Hesslein
@crtcltheology.bsky.social
(she/her) PhD in Systematic Theology w/ an Allied Field in History; Professor of Theology and Dean of Studies; ELCIC pastor since 2002; Covid-cautious; against fascism; trans ally; Treaty 7 resident; collapse-accepting; FAFO
Pinned
When I post on theology or pastor things, consider me a professional expert. When I post on trans or covid/long covid things, consider me a personal expert and activist, when I post on anything else, that’s my own personal opinion, sometimes thought through but not always.
Toxic optimism is a close second. 🫣
Remember: If we allow ourselves to fall into fatalism, or wallow in disappointment, or become resigned to what is rather than what should be, we will lose the long game.
The greatest enemy of positive social change is cynicism about what can be changed.
The greatest enemy of positive social change is cynicism about what can be changed.
November 28, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Toxic optimism is a close second. 🫣
Canadian post-secondary will experience secondary ripples. But it’s so hard to explain to people who don’t work in post-secondary institutions. Even my siblings can’t comprehend that their kids might not have university as an option.
Again, there is no plan for running our universities without federal funding, or foreign students, at scale. But the public has no idea about this because no. one. is. telling. them. this. They expect their kids are still going to be able to do all the things at college in the next 4 years, & well:
The entire business model of R1 public universities rests on 4 revenue sources:
1. Federal grants
2. Private gifts/endowments
3. Tuition (esp. from foreign students)
4. State $
For decades, 📈 in 1-3 offset a secular 📉 in 4. Now, 1 & 3 are being decimated & 4 ain't coming back. The math is clear.
1. Federal grants
2. Private gifts/endowments
3. Tuition (esp. from foreign students)
4. State $
For decades, 📈 in 1-3 offset a secular 📉 in 4. Now, 1 & 3 are being decimated & 4 ain't coming back. The math is clear.
November 28, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Canadian post-secondary will experience secondary ripples. But it’s so hard to explain to people who don’t work in post-secondary institutions. Even my siblings can’t comprehend that their kids might not have university as an option.
People are upset about the pausing migration. We should also be very concerned about denaturalizing language. Stripping citizenship.
Trump: “I will permanently pause migration from all Third World Countries … denaturalize migrants who undermine domestic tranquility, and deport any Foreign National who is a public charge, security risk, or non-compatible with Western Civilization.“
November 28, 2025 at 2:42 PM
People are upset about the pausing migration. We should also be very concerned about denaturalizing language. Stripping citizenship.
1) his statement betrays a yearning for a “pure” and unchanging culture. “Purity” is a hallmark of supremacy thinking. 2) he erases the joys and gifts that people from other cultures bring that shape a country to be better. Another sign of exceptionalism, supremacist thinking. And sadly, very 🇺🇸.
Stephen Miller is now arguing that assimilation is fundamentally impossible and that certain cultures are not compatible with Western civilization
November 28, 2025 at 2:28 PM
1) his statement betrays a yearning for a “pure” and unchanging culture. “Purity” is a hallmark of supremacy thinking. 2) he erases the joys and gifts that people from other cultures bring that shape a country to be better. Another sign of exceptionalism, supremacist thinking. And sadly, very 🇺🇸.
Apropos of nothing, still masking in public because of covid. And also flu. And also rsv. And measles. Next thing you know it’s going to be TB. Anyway, still masking in public everywhere.
November 28, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Apropos of nothing, still masking in public because of covid. And also flu. And also rsv. And measles. Next thing you know it’s going to be TB. Anyway, still masking in public everywhere.
An example of why the church using Matthew 18:15-20 as a model for reconciliation is dangerous and needs to stop. It assumes equality and ignores power dynamics. When that happens, extreme hurt occurs. We need a different model for addressing “conflict” in the church.
Church leaders held meetings where children were told to forgive the man who sexually abused them and forget the abuse.
An internal church document also suggests that, when appropriate, both parties be brought together for a discussion.
With @startribune.com
An internal church document also suggests that, when appropriate, both parties be brought together for a discussion.
With @startribune.com
5 Takeaways From Our Investigation Into How Leaders of a Minnesota Church Community Enabled a Child Abuser
ProPublica and the Minnesota Star Tribune found that victims of abuse within an Old Apostolic Lutheran Church community in Duluth were told to forgive and forget. Here’s what to know from our reportin...
www.propublica.org
November 27, 2025 at 7:22 PM
An example of why the church using Matthew 18:15-20 as a model for reconciliation is dangerous and needs to stop. It assumes equality and ignores power dynamics. When that happens, extreme hurt occurs. We need a different model for addressing “conflict” in the church.
“Being a member of a First Nation in Canada or a tribe in the U.S. isn’t about which one you claim to belong to, it’s about which nation or tribe claims you.”
My thoughts on the Thomas King scandal: peggyblair.wordpress.com/2025/11/26/m...
My thoughts on the Thomas King scandal
I’ve been thinking about this business with Thomas King a lot. This was the week when he admitted he wasn’t Cherokee at all. First of all, I come from this as someone who is white and w…
peggyblair.wordpress.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:07 PM
“Being a member of a First Nation in Canada or a tribe in the U.S. isn’t about which one you claim to belong to, it’s about which nation or tribe claims you.”
As someone with both tattoos and long covid, this is fascinating!
New @pnas.org
"This work represents the most extensive study to
date regarding the effect of tattoo ink on the immune response and raises serious health concerns associated with the tattooing" including reduced response to Covid vaccination
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
"This work represents the most extensive study to
date regarding the effect of tattoo ink on the immune response and raises serious health concerns associated with the tattooing" including reduced response to Covid vaccination
www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/...
Tattoo ink induces inflammation in the draining lymph node and alters the immune response to vaccination | PNAS
Despite safety concerns regarding the toxicity of tattoo ink, no studies have reported
the consequences of tattooing on the immune response. In thi...
www.pnas.org
November 25, 2025 at 9:37 PM
As someone with both tattoos and long covid, this is fascinating!
Reposted by Kayko Driedger Hesslein
The notwithstanding clause allows a province to make laws overriding parts of the charter of rights for five years.
The Assembly of First Nations expressed concerns over Alberta’s use of the clause to limit the rights of two-spirit and trans youth.
The Assembly of First Nations expressed concerns over Alberta’s use of the clause to limit the rights of two-spirit and trans youth.
Notwithstanding clause in Alberta raises concerns from Assembly of First Nations | APTN News
YouTube video by APTN News
youtu.be
November 25, 2025 at 12:42 AM
The notwithstanding clause allows a province to make laws overriding parts of the charter of rights for five years.
The Assembly of First Nations expressed concerns over Alberta’s use of the clause to limit the rights of two-spirit and trans youth.
The Assembly of First Nations expressed concerns over Alberta’s use of the clause to limit the rights of two-spirit and trans youth.
Reposted by Kayko Driedger Hesslein
1. A landmark study was just published in The Journal of Pediatrics.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
Study In The Journal Of Pediatrics Finds Trans Youth Care Lowers Suicidality, Few Detransition
The groundbreaking study found that suicidality dropped for transgender youth receiving hormone therapy by nearly 70%, with only 7 patients of 432 discontinuing treatment.
www.erininthemorning.com
November 24, 2025 at 11:01 PM
1. A landmark study was just published in The Journal of Pediatrics.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
It found a 68% reduction in suicidality for trans youth getting HRT.
It also found only 7 of more than 400 stopped taking HRT... and of those that did, 4 still identified as gender-diverse.
Transgender care saves lives.
A long thread but great summary of the latest in Pauline studies - Lutherans might find it raises interesting questions since we are so theologically invested in Paul.
“Interrogating the Authenticity of the Pauline Epistles” (Pauline Epistles Section S23-318 #aarsbl25). Highlights:
November 24, 2025 at 2:43 PM
A long thread but great summary of the latest in Pauline studies - Lutherans might find it raises interesting questions since we are so theologically invested in Paul.
Reposted by Kayko Driedger Hesslein
Breaking News!
Code UFB!!!
On November 22nd, the planet hit 1.81°C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial baseline, making it the warmest November 22nd on record, and likely the warmest November 22nd in the last 120,000 years.
Hot times ahead.
Code UFB!!!
On November 22nd, the planet hit 1.81°C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial baseline, making it the warmest November 22nd on record, and likely the warmest November 22nd in the last 120,000 years.
Hot times ahead.
November 24, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Breaking News!
Code UFB!!!
On November 22nd, the planet hit 1.81°C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial baseline, making it the warmest November 22nd on record, and likely the warmest November 22nd in the last 120,000 years.
Hot times ahead.
Code UFB!!!
On November 22nd, the planet hit 1.81°C above the 1850-1900 pre-industrial baseline, making it the warmest November 22nd on record, and likely the warmest November 22nd in the last 120,000 years.
Hot times ahead.
Okay. The edges drive me completely nuts. It’s like a sticker that isn’t properly lined up. I hate it. A lot. Am I the only one?
November 24, 2025 at 3:35 AM
Okay. The edges drive me completely nuts. It’s like a sticker that isn’t properly lined up. I hate it. A lot. Am I the only one?
Love it when my interests intersect online!
A friend who teaches theology shared with me a post about CS Lewis's Mere Christianity, which discusses foundational Christian logic across denominations. It reminded me of Dale's tweet below, and I wanted to share some thoughts here regarding modesty and respectability, which are often hot topics.
November 23, 2025 at 7:48 PM
Love it when my interests intersect online!
November 23, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Reposted by Kayko Driedger Hesslein
Good to share my work on Usha Vance, white supremacy, and the immigrant exceptionalism of South Asians today at #aarsbl.
South Asian American conservatism relies on the anti immigrant narrative as a way to legitimize “good” immigrants. It’s an exclusionary politics of affirmation.
South Asian American conservatism relies on the anti immigrant narrative as a way to legitimize “good” immigrants. It’s an exclusionary politics of affirmation.
November 22, 2025 at 5:27 PM
Good to share my work on Usha Vance, white supremacy, and the immigrant exceptionalism of South Asians today at #aarsbl.
South Asian American conservatism relies on the anti immigrant narrative as a way to legitimize “good” immigrants. It’s an exclusionary politics of affirmation.
South Asian American conservatism relies on the anti immigrant narrative as a way to legitimize “good” immigrants. It’s an exclusionary politics of affirmation.
So proud to be a Lutheran in Alberta! 🏳️⚧️ 💕
November 23, 2025 at 12:49 AM
So proud to be a Lutheran in Alberta! 🏳️⚧️ 💕
Good.
November 22, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Good.
Reposted by Kayko Driedger Hesslein
Relying on ChatGPT to teach you about a topic leaves you with shallower knowledge than Googling and reading about it, according to new research that compared what more than 10,000 people knew after using one method or the other.
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
November 21, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Relying on ChatGPT to teach you about a topic leaves you with shallower knowledge than Googling and reading about it, according to new research that compared what more than 10,000 people knew after using one method or the other.
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
Shared by @gizmodo.com: buff.ly/yAAHtHq
Couldn’t happen to a better guy. Remove his access to all avenues of power. Classroom and scholarship. These are the consequences that matter to people like him.
#BREAKING: Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers will immediately leave his role as an instructor at Harvard while the University investigates his ties to child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Summers Will Not Finish Semester of Teaching as Harvard Investigates Epstein Ties | News | The Harvard Crimson
Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers will immediately leave his role as an instructor at Harvard while the University investigates his ties to child sex trafficker Jeffrey E. Epstein.
www.thecrimson.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:42 AM
Couldn’t happen to a better guy. Remove his access to all avenues of power. Classroom and scholarship. These are the consequences that matter to people like him.
Reposted by Kayko Driedger Hesslein
#BREAKING: Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers will immediately leave his role as an instructor at Harvard while the University investigates his ties to child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Summers Will Not Finish Semester of Teaching as Harvard Investigates Epstein Ties | News | The Harvard Crimson
Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers will immediately leave his role as an instructor at Harvard while the University investigates his ties to child sex trafficker Jeffrey E. Epstein.
www.thecrimson.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:30 AM
#BREAKING: Former Harvard President Lawrence H. Summers will immediately leave his role as an instructor at Harvard while the University investigates his ties to child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Dhruv T. Patel and Cam N. Srivastava report.
Some theologies (like an omnipotent and interventionist God who saves the faithful) can be spiritually abusive and also literally murderous.
November 19, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Some theologies (like an omnipotent and interventionist God who saves the faithful) can be spiritually abusive and also literally murderous.
The pope, whoever might be in the role, is Catholic. Any gestures towards solidarity will only ever be gestures until Catholic doctrine changes.
19 Nov 2025 -- Continuing Pope Francis's tradition, Pope Leo invites trans women to World Day of the Poor lunch but then doesn't sit with them, seating them at other tables. Leo has already spoken out against the “homosexual lifestyle” and gay families. @rikiwilchins.bsky.social
Pope Leo invites transgender women to Vatican lunch, but doesn't sit with them
Pope Leo is continuing Pope Francis' tradition of inviting transgender women to lunch, but not his tradition of sitting with them.
www.advocate.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:24 PM
The pope, whoever might be in the role, is Catholic. Any gestures towards solidarity will only ever be gestures until Catholic doctrine changes.