I’m pleased to announce that, under the leadership of Dr. Alicia Myers and MDiv student Diana M. Davis, the Harriet Miller Women’s Center at United Theological Seminary has launched a new blog, the purpose of which is to “celebrate, encourage, and empower women leaders.” If you have a moment, take some time to visit the…

There is, among Protestants, a seemingly unavoidable urge to divide. The Reformation did not so much Reform as it did fracture the Church, and like a glass bowl breaking in slow motion we continue this process even today, five hundred years later. I’m certainly not suggesting that the protests of the Reformation were illegitimate, but…

Language is powerful. Language shapes the way in which we view the world, other people, and ourselves. Recently, Ann Coulter tweeted regarding the presidential debate and used the word “retard” with reference to President Obama. There are, of course, the problems of the sophomoric level of political discourse that this demonstrates and the total disrespect of…

I just received an advance copy of a book that Joel Green and I edited called Wesley, Wesleyans, and Reading Bible as Scripture. It is scheduled for release later this month. The idea for this book came out of a meeting of the Wesleyan Theological Society a few years ago, the theme of which was…

Just a reminder…. Don’t forget about our upcoming conference called, “Jesus, Criteria, and the Demise of Authenticity,” to be held on October 4 and 5 at South Park United Methodist Church, near the University of Dayton. This is going to be a very fine event and a great opportunity to explore some of the core…

I’ve been working my way through Luke-Acts for a research project related to the Bible and disabilities. In so doing, I’ve been struck by the extent to which Luke is concerned with bodies. Time and again, Luke stresses the physical, corporeal nature of human existence, and God’s concern for us as embodied beings. If you’d like…

United Theological Seminary and the University of Dayton’s Center for Scriptural Exegesis, Philosophy, and Doctrine will host a conference on October 4 and 5 called “Jesus, Criteria, and the Demise of Authenticity.” Speakers will include: Dale C. Allison Jr. Mark Goodacre Chris Keith Anthony LeDonne Loren T. StuckenbruckJens SchroeterDagmar WinterRafael Rodriguez The conference is based on a book by the same…

This one seems to have gotten in under the radar in the furor of GC: UMC health care coverage for people with mental illness extends only for two years, after which benefits cease. Rationale? It is very likely financial. Never mind that we spent almost 9 million dollars at a GC where we seem to have…

Some great news…. United is working with GBHEM to offer the first United Methodist certification in ministry with people with disabilities. This is a long overdue addition to the UM certification offerings. This fall I’ll be teaching the first course in the certification program, Disability, the Bible, and the Church, working off of Amos Yong’s…

Folks, October is going to be a busy month at United. First, Jason Vickers is bringing together a group of young(er) scholars to produce a volume on the renewal of doctrine in United Methodism. Since I am invited, I am grateful to Jason for the very generous definition of “young” that he is using. Shortly thereafter,…