Hi, Jim! I've been asking myself the same question, and some of the people we served with our writing are at the same spot in their life journeys. I'd love to see what does faith look like when thinking about church doesn't enter the picture so much. And also, what about those who deconstructed then reconstructed their faith minus the messiness of church? They aren't leaving the faith but they are leaving evangelicalism or other churches that caused church hurt or taught teachings that were a bubble off of Bible. Or they majored on the minors. Where can reconstructed Christ followers find community? And what are examples of ways to have meaningful conversations with others that opens the door for them to feel safe to explore--to have a holy curiosity? These are some of the things going through my mind recently.
All good questions, Kathy! Maybe we could collaborate on a few things. At first I thought I was an anomaly but the more and more I hear from you and others, this is a far bigger phenomenon than I ever imagined!
I can’t say you ought to do what I’m finally planning to get to, (this has been brewing awhile), but I sense I need to share the ways in which God has spoken to me both verbally and through mental pictures and (in one case) visions. This I don’t see as Theology, it’s much more a working relationship God and a revealing of His astounding Grace, in has made Himself known to me.
Jim, I'm a nonfiction Christian living kind of guy, and I would appreciate all of these compiled into a larger work, helpfully as chronological as possible. Not necessarily dates, but the order, what led you to each step, the healing, etc. The current format of doling out material with some gaps in it keeps us from seeing the big picture. Just thinking.
Yes! I need to collate and organize everything I’ve written, and then try to whittle it into something coherent. I’m spending so much time onstage now, a large part of my available energy is going into that.
But I’m planning to rerelease my novels and Terry Caffey and I are going to do the same with Terror by Night. So, somewhere in there, I want to formulate a book out of what I’ve written.
We all know that doctrine unites and divides the church. What are the best things we can do to unite and present a beautiful Christ to a world that desperately needs to see?
Your own life stories Jim have been interesting and inspiring to me. Perhaps you could write about how life transitions have helped you gain perspective, insight and understanding that helped you grow in wisdom and nuance. Wow that’s a long sentence to deconstruct. 😬
Hi, Jim! I've been asking myself the same question, and some of the people we served with our writing are at the same spot in their life journeys. I'd love to see what does faith look like when thinking about church doesn't enter the picture so much. And also, what about those who deconstructed then reconstructed their faith minus the messiness of church? They aren't leaving the faith but they are leaving evangelicalism or other churches that caused church hurt or taught teachings that were a bubble off of Bible. Or they majored on the minors. Where can reconstructed Christ followers find community? And what are examples of ways to have meaningful conversations with others that opens the door for them to feel safe to explore--to have a holy curiosity? These are some of the things going through my mind recently.
All good questions, Kathy! Maybe we could collaborate on a few things. At first I thought I was an anomaly but the more and more I hear from you and others, this is a far bigger phenomenon than I ever imagined!
I can’t say you ought to do what I’m finally planning to get to, (this has been brewing awhile), but I sense I need to share the ways in which God has spoken to me both verbally and through mental pictures and (in one case) visions. This I don’t see as Theology, it’s much more a working relationship God and a revealing of His astounding Grace, in has made Himself known to me.
Joy, Annie
Thanks, Annie! I’ll give that one some thought. :)
How you read the Bible differently now might help others who are deconstructing see new ways to read scripture.
Excellent suggestion! Thanks, Chris!
You are very welcome…
Soma in biology and physiological truth being gifts from our creator.
Good ideas. Thanks!
What, or who, helped you most along your journey? What kind of help do you wish you would have received?
That’s a great question, Melvin. I’ll add it to my list. It’s important. Hope y’all are doing well!
Write about the behind-the-scenes of being an actor.
That sounds fun!
Jim, I'm a nonfiction Christian living kind of guy, and I would appreciate all of these compiled into a larger work, helpfully as chronological as possible. Not necessarily dates, but the order, what led you to each step, the healing, etc. The current format of doling out material with some gaps in it keeps us from seeing the big picture. Just thinking.
Yes! I need to collate and organize everything I’ve written, and then try to whittle it into something coherent. I’m spending so much time onstage now, a large part of my available energy is going into that.
But I’m planning to rerelease my novels and Terry Caffey and I are going to do the same with Terror by Night. So, somewhere in there, I want to formulate a book out of what I’ve written.
I'll buy a copy of that when you get it done, and recommend it to others.
Sounds like a plan!
And the bulk of the work has been done! You have many good examples, just connect them!
As if "just" is an easy task!
It’s a good task.
We all know that doctrine unites and divides the church. What are the best things we can do to unite and present a beautiful Christ to a world that desperately needs to see?
Good one! Got it down. :)
Your own life stories Jim have been interesting and inspiring to me. Perhaps you could write about how life transitions have helped you gain perspective, insight and understanding that helped you grow in wisdom and nuance. Wow that’s a long sentence to deconstruct. 😬
I like that, especially since I’m a storyteller. Thanks!
What does God / the divine look like to you now?
Great question! Thank you. I’ve got it on my list. :)