I recently heard a meditation on Rublev’s icon of the Trinity, called The Hospitality of Abraham. The icon, based on the story of Genesis 18:1-15, depicts Abraham’s three visitors, who within the icon represent the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Trinity is therefore cast within the theme of hospitality. This is not simply Abraham’s…

I recently spent three days with the United Methodist Association of Ministers with Disabilities and the United Methodist Committee on Disability Ministries. It was an enriching experience, to say the least. While I was the one speaking and facilitating discussion, I’m sure I learned at least as much as anyone else. The participants spoke meaningfully…

For the last few years I have been working on issues related to the Bible, the Church, and people with disabilities. In the last decade or so, thanks to the efforts of scholars like Jeremy Schipper, Candida Moss, Amos Young, Sarah Melcher, and several others, scholarship in this area has taken incredible steps forward. One…

I have spoken with many EUB’s during my eight years at United Theological Seminary, and almost to a person they feel that since the 1968 merger their distinct heritage has been increasingly devalued and ignored. John Meunier recently posted a very fine piece on this issue. I strongly encourage you to check it out. 

I often hear it said that United Methodists must agree to disagree. Okay…fine. In some matters of considerable complexity, this may be the best course of action. In most circumstances, however, wouldn’t it be better if we worked to develop a broad consensus on important issues? Are we resigned to remaining at loggerheads on any…

Recently Theo Hobson wrote an article in the Guardian, “My quest for an authentic liberal Christianity.” He asks the question, “ Is [liberal Christianity] the attempt to do Christianity in an honest, modern way; or is it an attempt to dodge the hard bits of this faith?” His answer: “The conclusion I have come to is…

People with intellectual disabilities represent perhaps the most vulnerable population on the planet. The nature of their disability can make it far more difficult for them to advocate for themselves. One of their great advocates, and one of the true saints of the church, is Jean Vanier. He founded the L’Arch Community in 1964. His…

The Church is the Body of Christ. This is one of the most widely acknowledged claims in the Christian world. Yet how often to we take the time really to think through the implications of this claim? To be the Body of Christ, when we think about it, is a pretty tall order. If the…

The Lord and giver of life. This is how the third article of the Nicene Creed begins. We confess belief in the Holy Spirit, who is not only our Lord, but the one who gives life to all creation, including the Church. This claim, of course, stands in stark contrast to much of the rhetoric…

Divine healing is not just about the healing of physical ailments. It’s also about healing a broken and sinful world. In this video, Mike Slaughter talks about the work of the Holy Spirit in socioeconomic healing–the Spirit’s work in bringing an end to issues of poverty and all forms of economic injustice.