Shortly after his wife’s death, well-known Christian author C.S. Lewis wrote: “My idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered from time to time. God shatters it. Could we not almost say that this shattering is one of the marks of God’s presence?” Growing up Protestant and Evangelical, I wasn’t … More Being Shattered These 4 Ways Saved My Christian Faith
I just finished watching the first episode of The CW’s new Roswell reboot. There’s certainly potential in the show’s premise, but right now … it’s trying too hard. In college, my freshman roommate introduced me to Roswell — a beautifully cheesy teen drama that ran 1999-2001 — and I was quickly hooked. We’d stay up … More New CW reboot ‘Roswell, New Mexico’ is trying too hard
Before I left Seattle to move across the country for a Master of Divinity program, I met with about a dozen Christians whose faith and leadership I’ve come to respect over the years. Their insights have been immensely helpful so far, and highlighted a lot of concepts I think academia – especially dominant culture academia … More But … What About the Gospel?
I’m home in Seattle after finishing my first semester of seminary. And now that I’m officially 1/6 of the way done with my Master of Divinity, I thought I’d take the time to summarize my past semester with some of the tweets that best summarize it. 9. 😬 WRITING THIS PAPER ON THE FILIOQUE IS … More 9 Tweets From My First Semester of Seminary
Before starting seminary, I ate lunch with nine Christian leaders whose lives and ministry I deeply respect. We met all around Seattle, up in Bellingham, over cups of locally-roasted coffee, bowls of ramen, glasses of wine, Texas BBQ – and they shared many different perspectives, from a wide variety of areas of expertise. One friend, a recent … More Diverse & Representative Leadership is Crucial for the Church’s Future
In the time of the prophet Amos, Israel — God’s chosen nation — thought it was doing a pretty good job following God. The Israelites worshipped God in their holy cities, offered sacrifices, and had great worship music. They celebrated all the religious holidays. They were solemn and devout during religious services. So when God … More Amos 5: Convicting an Unjust Society that Thinks it’s Following God Pretty Freaking Well
I’ve always been a bit of a reluctant blonde. I don’t dislike my hair color, but blonde has never felt like me. I wasn’t a cheerleader. I have never cared about makeup or fashion. Growing up, I was the one who was good at school. I’d also worn glasses since age five, and I was … More Diversity in Hollywood: The Power (and Limits) of Narratives
Hey there. If you’ve been following the news, then you’re likely aware that hundreds of (literal, flag-carrying) American Nazis recently marched around Charlottesville, Virginia, carrying tiki torches, injured 19 people, and killed a woman. America’s racial wounds. They’re a thing. White Americans have spent over 400+ years, since we first started living on this continent, … More Glossary: How to Talk About America’s Racial Wounds — With Pop Culture Examples
Are you earnestly and authentically seeking to engage with dialogue around racism and systemic injustice? Sweet. You’re probably exhausted. Here are a few reminders: Sleep. Go to bed at 8pm if you need to. Rest. Eat. Get full meals. Make sure you have protein. Sugar and caffeine aren’t substitutes for real food. Get up from … More Racism & Injustice: Checklist for Those Engaging With It + an Extra List for White Allies
We prayed today for Charlottesville. It was — because I’m still such a total newbie at these things — the first time I walked into that time of prayer with a bit of fear. Ethnic and racial divides hurt Christian community We’re predominantly white, and the last time I came to one of our prayer … More So, Just Realizing That Some Spaces Don’t Care for POC, Including a Lot of Mine 😕
And Then There's Beth... 