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Rankin File

Doctrine/Theology

What We Would Still Face if United Methodism Holds

The Council of Bishops have gathered in Dallas for the latest round of discussions about United Methodism’s future.  We eagerly and anxiously await a word.  Many United Methodist are praying for wisdom for our leaders, for good outcomes, for unity.

Stephen Rankin February 27, 2018 Christian Life, Doctrine/Theology, Emerging adults, Ministry, Preaching/Teaching, Religion, The Church, United Methodism 3 Comments Read more

Last Adam

We are still celebrating Christmas and nearing Epiphany. Thoughts of the incarnation of the Word of God continue. Like Mary, I want to ponder these things in my heart. A scripture (Hebrews 2) from a recent daily reading: “It was

Stephen Rankin January 4, 2018January 4, 2018 Christian Life, Doctrine/Theology, Religion No Comments Read more

Christian Ethics, Christian Eschatology

A thought I had that led to a tweet that led to a Facebook conversation, prompted the suggestion that maybe I needed an article to explain what I was thinking.  I shall try to make good on an explanation, with

Stephen Rankin July 3, 2017 Christian Life, Doctrine/Theology, Religion 2 Comments Read more

That Pesky Method Problem

In my most recent post, I tried to show why I and some other United Methodists don’t find the so-called local option on same sex marriage helpful.  I said I would try a “method” question in a subsequent post, and

Stephen Rankin May 22, 2015May 30, 2015 Doctrine/Theology, Ministry, Religion, The Church, United Methodism 1 Comment Read more

Dogma as Drama – Thank You, Dorothy Sayers

In Letters to a Post-Christian World, Dorothy L. Sayers (1893-1957; author, playwright, critic, poet) includes a number of essays on Christian orthodoxy and speaks to the value of dogma and the related determination to hold to right beliefs.  These essays make

Stephen Rankin April 21, 2015April 21, 2015 Christian Life, Doctrine/Theology, Ministry, Religion 1 Comment Read more
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Meet Steve

I serve as Executive Director of the Spiritual Maturity Project, a ministry some of us have recently started.  For 25 years I worked in higher education as a professor and chaplain and before that as a pastor.  I love to help people grapple with big and basic questions to grow into real ,grown-up Christian discipleship.

I ruminate on all manner of theological, biblical, historical, and cultural topics. I believe followers of Jesus need to be more like members of Issachar’s tribe, able to read the times. Read more

 

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