Welcome to my first attempt at blogging! I've had this itch to begin writing on a regular basis for quite some time yet haven't worked up the courage to start. So here we go! I'm going to dive in and hope that most of you will choose to read on for the weeks and months to come. I admire those bloggers that have been at this for some time, that truly "put themselves out there"; laying their hearts, ideas, and struggles before us all to read and analyze. My major inspiration for this blog is my best friend Isaac, whose blog I won't even attempt to imitate considering the fact that he is one of the most talented I've ever read.
I've been haunted by this reoccurring thought that many of the people truly close to me have no idea who I really am. Of course my wife knows me, as do my parents, brother and friends; but the truth is that most of us have become experts at hiding ourselves from others. I have often wondered, "how many people really know what my life is like? How many know my politics or my beliefs about God?" I would venture to say that most do not. So in essence, this blog is an attempt to be more honest with those closest to me and to those strangers who might choose to read these entries. I will attempt to discuss issues of life, theology, and justice (among other things). Which begs the question "why these subjects"? Why not sex, John Hughes movies, and comic books? All of which are very dear to me...
For one, life has made major turns as of late. I've moved to Denver and have embarked on the journey of earning my MA in Theological Ethics. Most of my time is spent reading by myself, so I need an outlet to talk about life. Life in all its beauty and shittiness; all the general ups and downs of walking out this difficult journey. Sometimes I just like to write about goofy stuff and don't be surprised if some of my entries make no sense.
As for theology and justice; these two should go hand in hand. I consider myself a liberationist. My theology and ethics are formed out of my experience as an African American citizen in this empire we call America. Scholars and Christians alike have made the mistake of believing that they can somehow "do" theology objectively, completely free of personal bias and the baggage we all carry around. It is similar to the myth of "letting the Bible speak for itself". This is an impossibility. All of our theologies and interpretations of the Bible are the product of our racial, ethnic, and socio-economic backgrounds. We can't escape it and should be aware of it. I say all that to say that my theology gives preference to the biblical interpretations and theological ideas that come from those of us on the margins of society. I believe that "salvation" is found with the "least of these" in our world. So when it comes to my blogging on theology and justice, you can know what to expect. Sometimes I wonder if I'm still a Christian, other times I find myself in love with the Jesus in the Gospels. Either way, I believe in the idea that God stands with the poor and disenfranchised and that to be a Christian, I must do the same. That is where the resistance piece comes in, but more on that later.
NOW, lets jump into this wonderful world of blogging. I want your thoughts, feedback, critiques, and encouragements. All are welcome.
Peace.
