Is anyone out there?

Well apparently some of you read this thing because I have gotten several threats friendly reminders to update my blog.  It's funny how when I'm bored I can find an endless amount of nonsense to blog about, but when I'm busy I can't bring myself to take the time to update the world on my awesome adventures!

So this is my formal apology for being such a crappy blogger this past month...phew...I hate admitting I messed up...just ask Steven...he knows better than anyone

So I technically have 15 minutes to spare before I go down to Wednesday night church and meet even more new people at the amazing Wilshire Baptist Church where I am currently interning...i LOVE it here, but there is simply not time to explain that all right now...

Basically I thought I would let you all know how ECSTATIC I am about the two new books I just ordered on Amazon

Slaves, Women & Homosexuals: Exploring the Hermeneutics of Cultural Analysis

Saving Women from the Church: How Jesus Mends a Divide

Oh don't worry friends, I am completely aware that the first book title is perhaps the most loaded in all of literature...which is the main reason I ordered it.  And I do realize that depending on your theological perspectives the second book might seem a little off...in which case the first book probably seems REALLY off.  For me these titles made me drool profusely all over my computer as I hit the "add to cart" button.  But what I think is great is the fact that not all of my friends (including some of you) will agree with me on these issues, which I think it pretty fantastic actually.  If I've learned anything from seminary and social work it is that you must maintain a balance of perspectives around you so that you never stray too far off the path.  This is the same approach we must take with the Scriptures.  The Bible is an amazing book, but read alone (both without the Spirit and without counsel of fellow believers) can lead to dangerous interpretations.

So this is a shout-out to you my fellow readers.  First of all for caring enough to threaten...remind me to update my blog.  Secondly (and most importantly) for accepting me regardless of if we share the same theological, political, etc. views.  You enrich my lives with your perspectives!  I hope to share a review of these two books once I finish them and hear your thoughts!

Much love!

Theological musings...

Let it be known that doing a class presentation on a theologian you disagree with is exhausting intellectually, emotionally and spiritually.

Let it also be known that reading a primary source of the theologian you disagree with will take at least 3 times as long because you have to stop every other paragraph to argue with said theologian in your head.

Let it also be known that presenting on a theologian you disagree with, while exhausting and frustrating, has a strong capability of strengthening your faith.

It's at times like these I'm truly grateful Truett doesn't tell me what to believe and doesn't only present me with the ideas held by my professors and denomination.  I'm encouraged to wrestle with my faith and read very convincing arguments from theologians throughout history that don't support the views I have of God, salvation, Church, society...the list goes on and on.  While it's exhausting now, I know this struggle will only make me a better minister and only help me understand better the diversity of the Christian faith.

While we certainly don't all agree on everything it is comforting to know that through the centuries we have wrestled with the Scriptures and with each other all in order to try to understand better our mighty God.  We don't have all the answers, and God is certainly bigger than our human minds can ever comprehend; and yet, I rest assured that at the end of the day I am spiritually intertwined with a group of struggling believers (the church ecumenical) serves a loving Savior.  Praise be to God!