Blog

The Marketing of Theology as History


Tremendous and thought provoking post from Prof April DeConick of Rice University:

The Forbidden Gospels Blog: Theology is not history: “Christian theology has been marketed as historical fact in the churches, and this is the real issue at stake. So what are theological doctrines (virgin birth, resurrection, miracles of Jesus) have to be perceived as facts in order for the faithful to remain faithful. I’m not sure what to do with this, except to put it out here as an observation.”

As a Baptist in the South who is doing the circuit rider preaching thing throughout North Carolina while I complete my MDiv, I frequently encounter this type of marketed mindset. Even more troubling is that I frequently encounter the mindset that theology is history (and history is theology) at my seminary.

It is an issue I’ll struggle with throughout my career.

Living With Sacred Time

I’m doing some work on my sermons this Spring and came across this fantastic lectionary resource from Vanderbilt Divinity:

Revised Common Lectionary – Vanderbilt Divinity Library

The site is based on NRSV text for the readings and even includes a nifty set of RSS feeds for each liturgical season 🙂 Can’t go wrong with that combination.

I’ve been realizing the importance of the Church calendar over the last few months. Something I want to do in 2009 is definitely move my own conception of time and the year towards a more liturgical one.

There’s something to be said for participating with a God of history using a sacred calendar rather than the one focused more on tax day and Hallmark events.

My Preaching Schedule

Here’s where I’ll be preaching and speaking in the Spring:

//www.google.com/calendar/embed?showNav=0&mode=AGENDA&height=375&wkst=1&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&src=dkluvcbohtm95puv3obudeud2s%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%23B1365F&ctz=America%2FNew_York

This will be updated throughout the Spring and semester, so I’ll embed it over on the “Speaking” page in the sidebar. There are also some dates in March that you have to click the “Look for more” button to see.

If you use Google Calendar (of course I highly suggest it), you can click the little “Google Calendar” button on the bottom frame and add it to your calendar (if you live close by and so desire).

Honestly, I just like embedding these because Google makes it fun.

I Won’t Be at Affiliate Summit West

With much frustration and sadness, I wanted to let you know that I won’t be attending ASW this year.

A close family member has been sick for the last few months and some labs came back this week that weren’t good. All that to say, I’m needed here with family and the baby since they are my first priorities. Everything should be alright in the long term, but for now, family calls.

This is the first Affiliate Summit West or East I’ve missed in a long while, and it tears me up to think I won’t be there with all of my close friends and colleagues. I look forward to these gathering of the tribes so much because we are such a tight-knit community. Plus, I was really excited to hang out with the PartnerCentric team.

All that to say, I’m missing one hell of a show and networking event. What Missy and Shawn have put together really has become an integral part of life/business/friendship to anyone involved in affiliate marketing. It’s a true testament to their hard work and dedication that we all look forward to these shows so much. I know I do, at least.

If you are like me and can’t make it, make sure to check out the live stream of the Gary Vaynerchuk keynote provided by Missy and Shawn.

So, have a Coors Light for me at the All American Bar and Grille in the Rio. I’ll be there in spirit.

See you in New York for ASE this August-

Sam