By Leigh Reynolds Recently, while preparing a research paper on the rise of those claiming the designation spiritual but not religious (SBNR) and its impact on the Christian church in North America, I discovered the work of Linda Mercadante. Mercadante, an ordained Minister, Professor of Historical Theology at Methodist Theological School in Ohio, and leading … Continue reading
By Christie Thadikonda Jesus Christ is often referred to as ‘The Bridegroom’. This analogy can be understood clearly if one followed the ancient Jewish wedding cultural traditions. Marriage was an agreement between two families rather than between two individuals. The marriage consisted of two separate ceremonies a betrothal and a wedding, which were celebrated at … Continue reading
By Maggie Kennedy In 2021 I moved to a new city to begin my divinity school education. As I was shopping to furnish my first apartment, I wanted to get my kitchen table just right. Something big enough that I could have people over but small enough not to crowd the shoe box I am … Continue reading
By William Scruggs This title comes from a song—“Relatively Easy,” which is the last song on Jason Isbell’s album Southeastern. And these words come at the end of a verse about a brother on a “church kick.” Whoever tells us about it regards such seeking after salvation as akin to being “dope sick,” judging it … Continue reading
By Renee Edington I’ve been thinking a lot about chaos and disorder. It started around the time I was writing a prayer for my seminary’s Fall convocation—a prayer for the new academic year. I struggled to write the prayer. So much was happening in the world. In Kentucky, as in many other states in the … Continue reading
By Jessica McDougald On my first day of class during the fall semester, like we usually do on our first day, we went around and introduced ourselves. Everyone said their name, where they lived, what church they go to, and something they did this summer. When it was time for my professor’s introduction, he mentioned … Continue reading
By Crystal Ham Full disclosure, this time of the year has not been the easiest for me over the last few years. The fall and winter seasons bring many emotions with them, including grief, happiness, love, and sadness. Around this time, I always think about people in my life that I’ve lost, particularly my grandfather, … Continue reading
By Hunter Greene 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is … Continue reading
By Jennifer Baergen Davis I have two sons who up until recently LOVED legos. We have quite the collection of LEGO sets that could potentially make my husband and me rich if we knew anything about how to sell things on e-bay. We have probably every Star Wars and Harry Potter Lego Set made between … Continue reading
By: Joshua Stewart Every December, Christians around the world observe a season of Advent. It is during this season that we await the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior while also waiting for his second coming when he will call us to our eternal, heavenly home. During the advent season, as I … Continue reading