Apparently, I’m a “Weird Christian”?

A recent opinion piece in the New York Times gave some exposure to a Twitter subculture that enjoys open philosophical and theological discussions peppered with memes and dressed in a traditional aesthetic. “Weird Catholic Twitter,” as the article categorizes this group, is a collection of jaded millennials and Gen Zers who find authentic connections with… Continue reading Apparently, I’m a “Weird Christian”?

UCC General Synod Resolution 8 and the Need for Church to not Mimic the World’s Polarization

What do progressive faith metaphors of a wide open table and a tent for everyone actually mean? If we take that call seriously, who are we compelled to let in and how does that break the “purity” of progressivism we often like to maintain? As a delegate to this year’s General Synod of the United… Continue reading UCC General Synod Resolution 8 and the Need for Church to not Mimic the World’s Polarization

Goodreads Review–A Brief History of Theology

A Brief History of Theology: From the New Testament to Feminist Theology by Derek Johnston My rating: 4 of 5 stars In this book, Johnston presents an accessible and clear overview of dominant, Western Christian thought from Paul through 20th and 21st century thinkers. It’s a useful resource for those who are new to Christian… Continue reading Goodreads Review–A Brief History of Theology

The City of God is Made of Intersections: Reflections on the ONA Coalition Gathering and General Synod

Intersectionality is growing as the preferred approach to unpack identity and justice. I heard the Church discuss this term much more than I expected during the Open and Affirming Coalition gathering and General Synod. The United Church of Christ’s Open and Affirming (ONA) movement is celebrating 45 years of diligent work to change the Church… Continue reading The City of God is Made of Intersections: Reflections on the ONA Coalition Gathering and General Synod

Loving the Enemy and Building Community in My Little Pony and Steven Universe

As I prepared for the sermon I preached at my church several weeks ago, this notion of loving the enemy stayed fresh in my mind and I joked with the youth group that I’d preach about Steven Universe (some of the kids are fans). Both this series and My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic have told us redemptive… Continue reading Loving the Enemy and Building Community in My Little Pony and Steven Universe

Refusing Octavia Butler’s Vision in The Parable of the Sower

My church family has been passing around The Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler. When I finished it, I closed the book thinking, “Huh, okay then.” I’ve read my fair share of bleak novels all through college and for me, The Parable of the Sower comes in second place in the extremely short list… Continue reading Refusing Octavia Butler’s Vision in The Parable of the Sower

Forrest Gump, Cameron’s Avatar, and the White God Complex

The other day, I went to the city with a friend and ended up at a Bubba Gump’s Shrimp. My friend is from out of the country, so she didn’t get all the references and photographs hanging around the area. I explained the story of Forrest Gump as best as I could and when I told her… Continue reading Forrest Gump, Cameron’s Avatar, and the White God Complex