At the encouragement of an anonymous colleague and friend, who has given me access to software that allows me to create infographics, I've been thinking about ways to put the software--Adioma--to good use. The first infographic I created features a set of six anti-proselytizing principles. I released it on Twitter, and I expanded on the … Continue reading Christian Dominionism: A Beginner’s Guide to Terms and Context
Ex-Evangelical Conversations: Writer and Former Minister Verdell A. Wright
As a trained theologian with degrees from the Howard School of Divinity and Wesley Theological Seminary, Verdell A. Wright is an atheist who knows the Bible well. In fact, while he enjoyed pursuing his theological education, he often found churches somewhat intellectually stifling. As he once remarked, "Depending on what church you’re going to, a … Continue reading Ex-Evangelical Conversations: Writer and Former Minister Verdell A. Wright
Ex-Evangelical Conversations: Professor of Psychology Joshua Grubbs (Featuring Advice for Exvies Seeking Therapists)
Joshua Grubbs, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist and professor at Bowling Green State University, where he researches the psychology of behavioral addictions, psychology of religion and spirituality, and issues related to personality. He's also one of my favorite follows on #Exvangelical Twitter, and I'm almost surprised at myself that I haven't featured him in Ex-Evangelical … Continue reading Ex-Evangelical Conversations: Professor of Psychology Joshua Grubbs (Featuring Advice for Exvies Seeking Therapists)
Escape from Jesus Land: On Recognizing Evangelical Abuse and Finding the Strength to Reject the Faith of Our Fathers
The View from Jesus Land, USA My great-grandpa was the only member of my mom's side of the family never to abandon the Democratic Party for the Republicans. He would not leave the political party of his father. Similarly, a friend of my family's who worked as a lawyer in a small Midwestern town for … Continue reading Escape from Jesus Land: On Recognizing Evangelical Abuse and Finding the Strength to Reject the Faith of Our Fathers
Authoritarian Christianity, or, what Franklin Graham Really Means when he Equates Progressivism with Godlessness
In a recent New York Times piece by Elizabeth Dias, President and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse Franklin Graham is quoted as defining "progressive" as "just another word for godless." This language might strike some readers as mere hyperbole, or as a polemical swipe at political opponents meant perhaps to be … Continue reading Authoritarian Christianity, or, what Franklin Graham Really Means when he Equates Progressivism with Godlessness
Who’s Afraid of the Rapture? Some Thoughts on Conservative Christian Apocalypticism and its Consequences
Happy Rapture Day? It's that time again. That time of year when the fall semester gets into full swing, the leaves in the Midwest and New England begin to change color (or maybe not this year, thanks Obama climate change), and certain conservative Christians go into a frenzy about the rapture. You know, that glorious event … Continue reading Who’s Afraid of the Rapture? Some Thoughts on Conservative Christian Apocalypticism and its Consequences
Of Megachurches and their Mini-Mes, or, What’s the Deal with “Relevant” Christianity?
Before really getting into this post, I'd like to thank all of you readers for bearing with me with respect to the paucity of new content delivered over the last month, much of which I spent traveling: In Indiana (where I visited family); in the Pacific Northwest (where I stayed with Tori Glass's family, hiked … Continue reading Of Megachurches and their Mini-Mes, or, What’s the Deal with “Relevant” Christianity?
Not Your Mission Field 