Denominational Realities I recently wrote a series, One Faith: Many Traditions, outlining how my Christian faith has grown as a result of my experiences in several traditions. By focusing on the positives from seven of these groups, I sought to share part of my journey of faith and to encourage my readers to treasure the contributions of the traditions they have experienced. I struggled to limit my list as there are many other movements that have influenced me. I was also very Read More …
Reflections on 50 Recently Published Books (#0106)
Over the last year, I have posted my reflections on 50 recently published books (all but a handful were published between 2007 and 2010). I encourage you to browse the list. By clicking on a title, you will be linked to my review. Title Author Year A Multitude of Blessings: A Christian Approach to Religious Diversity Cynthia M. Campbell 2007 After the Baby Boomers: How Twenty- and Thirty-Somethings are Shaping the Future of American Religion Robert Read More …
The First MultiFaith Seminary (#0105)
In a bow to the growing diversity of America's religious landscape, the Claremont School of Theology, a Christian institution with long ties to the Methodist Church, will add clerical training for Muslims and Jews to its curriculum this fall, to become, in a sense, the first truly multi-faith American seminary. Those words begin Mitchell Landsberg's article in the Los Angeles Times that explains the school's recent announcement. Claremont School of Theology (CST) has been affiliated Read More …
Review of God is Not One (#0104)
Prothero, Stephen. God is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World - and Why Their Differences Matter. HarperOne, 2010. ISBN: 9780061571275. Meet the Author Stephen Prothero is professor of religion at Boston College and the author of six books including God Is Not One: The Eight Rival Religions That Run the World - and Why Their Differences Matter and Religious Literacy: What Every American Needs to Know - and Doesn't. He writes and reviews for the Read More …
Review of Putting Away Childish Things (#0103)
Borg, Marcus. Putting Away Childish Things: A Tale of Modern Faith. HarperOne, 2010. ISBN: 9780061888144. Meet the Author Marcus Borg is Canon Theologian at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Portland, Oregon. He is also professor emeritus in the philosophy department at Oregon State University, where he was the Hundere Chair in Religion until his retirement in 2007. Borg is among the most widely known and influential voices in progressive Read More …
Reflections on Year One (#0102)
As I began to read more and more blogs and participate in social media, I wanted to create a site to share some of my thoughts. Sowhatfaith.com started one year ago today when I launched a shell of a website and a simple introduction: Welcome to the site that continually asks the critical question, “So what?” when it comes to issues of faith. This is not the place for answers. It is a place to find encouragement for asking the important so what questions and responding with Read More …
My Faith – Influenced by the United Church of Christ (#0101)
The United Church of Christ (UCC) has influenced my faith. Currently, I am a member of Naples United Church of Christ. According to the UCC website, "No matter who you are or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here. We believe in extravagant welcome." It is estimated that there are just over one million members in the UCC with the vast majority located in the United States. So What? The greatest contribution the United Church of Christ has made to my faith is Read More …
My Faith – Influenced by Lutherans (#0100)
Lutherans have influenced my faith. I served in children's ministry and then as Director of Education at King of Glory Lutheran Church (KoG) in Dallas, Texas. KoG is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. According to the KoG website, "Lutherans understand that God comes to us through the Means of Grace, the Word of God and the Sacraments of Baptism and Communion. Through them, God Read More …
My Faith – Influenced by Presbyterians (#0099)
Presbyterians have influenced my faith. While in seminary, I served as Youth Director at First Presbyterian Church in Duncanville, Texas. More recently, I served as Director of Education at First Presbyterian Church in Naples, Florida. Both congregations are affiliated with the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. (PCUSA), the largest Presbyterian denomination in the United States. According to the PCUSA website, "Some of the principles articulated by John Calvin remain at the core of Read More …
My Faith – Influenced by Baptists (#0098)
Baptists have influenced my faith. I attended George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University and earned my Master of Divinity degree from Logsdon Seminary at Hardin-Simmons University. Both universities opted to enhance theological offerings in response to conflict within the Baptist world. Truett opened in 1994 and Logsdon expanded in 1995 to include a seminary program. Both Baptist General Convention of Texas affiliated seminaries now offer Read More …