Conversations of faith

With the plethora of views and opinions out there, especially about religion, in one sense it might be useless to add another voice.  But, I think that I have some unique ideas that hopefully will find a place for a hearing.  There are a couple of reasons for this.  First, I am an assistant professor of Christian history at Faulkner University.  My academic background is in American religious history, and I have a Ph.D. from Florida State University.  I am also the author of Homespun Gospel: The Triumph of Sentimentality in American Evangelicalism.  Second, in addition to my academic credentials, I have served as a full time minister and have a seminary-like education as well.

I have several purposes for writing this blog.  First, it is entitled "conversations" because that's what I would like to have.  There's too much debate and invective online and not enough civility and conversation.  Second, I use the phrase "of faith" in two ways.  One, "of faith" as in "about faith."  My major focus will be on issues connected to religion.  Not that other topics aren't worthwhile, but I plan on focusing on those issues that relate to how human being make sense out of ultimate questions of meaning.  Two, "of faith" in the sense of coming from a position of having a faith.  There are certainly places for bracketing questions related to truth or falsity in religion and for trying to withholding one's personal position to examine religious people.  But, not for me and not here.  I intend these conversations for my part to come from my personal commitments to Christianity.  I hope not to do this in a judgmental way--remember these are conversations--but I do believe there are some things true about Christianity, and I do believe in truth.

Who do I hope reads this blog?  Anyone interested in having a conversation about religion or issues related to religion.  All are welcome to comment, but I will moderate the comments.  Not because of making sure only those which agree with me get posted but so that spam or a lack of civility doesn't interrupt those who are serious about the conversation.  If you are serious about the conversation, welcome.  If you are looking to troll, consider the comment section at CNN's Belief Blog.  There are plenty there who you can annoy.  Feel free to suggest discussions as well.  I am open to suggestions.