James Fowler’s Stages of Faith has been a staple in certain seminary courses since the 1980s. While subsequent scholarship has criticized and refined the theory, it continues to exercise wide impact. Unfortunately it also has been misused, with dreadful results. Fowler’s theory
A couple of weeks ago, I shared my view that a future United Methodism, whatever form(s) it takes, will still need clear doctrine, strong teaching, and effective measures of accountability. Let me try to extend that thought by suggesting that,
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.
We’re familiar with Jesus’ focus on motives as much as behavior in a number of his sayings in the Sermon on the Mount. It’s not enough that we don’t kill our brother or sister. It also matters how we deal
(I’m posting here my homily for today’s Ash Wednesday service at Southern Methodist University. It is based on two verses from Hebrews 12.) “Endure trials for the sake of discipline (paideia). God is treating you as children; for what child