Gail Stearns

2010 Roger Williams Symposium

gailstearns — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:46:56 +0000

Our symposium was a great success. Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie, and Sheikh Jamal Rahman exceeded our expectations. I have learned through the years that no matter how many books our nationally/internationally known speakers have published, there is one thing that leaves a lasting impression on me, and enables me to cherish the time with them: humility. If a person has a sense of humility and genuinely appreciates other people, as well as has a humble sense of his/her own faith, it shows. And time with them becomes a moment of sabbath, of sacred time.

At one point during the presentation (to an over-flow crowd of 350 in a WSU auditorium!) I felt that sense of peace one gets when in the presence of such humility. I felt it again often in my conversations with these three men of faith. Although their panel presentation is well rehearsed, they truly listen to one another, and connect with their audience. This is not a “canned” performance, but heart-felt.

One could argue with their theology of Christianity, of Islam, of Judaism. Is there really “one Universal” we are all moving toward? I am not sure. We are all on a search for meaning, clearly. And we are all seeking something greater than ourselves. But it may or may not be the same God we reach for. My dealing with agnostics as well as believers continues to make this an open question for me.

But I am in absolute agreement that it is time in this world to set aside the “particulars” – the specific doctrines or dogmas if they cause rifts between us. It is time to say the “universal” search for reconciliation and understanding is far more important. It is critical for peacemaking.

I have had emails from many who attended – so far all positive (I’ve been at this long enough to know that is not the only reaction out there!). I look forward to hearing more ways this symposium, or the work of the Interfaith Amigos, affects others.

it’s here!

gailstearns — Sun, 24 Oct 2010 20:52:23 +0000

Finally my book is available at Wipf & Stock Press. I am anxious to hear your thoughts, if you are inclined to read it. It is not just an “academic” book but I hope is academically sound. It is controversial, but I am not trying to start arguments. My main aim is to give hope to those who feel Christian theology and practice are simply too narrow and find they no longer offer an anchor for life. Progressive thought is alive and well within Christianity!

New book due out this fall!

gailstearns — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 03:46:12 +0000

Watch for my new book, due out this fall! Those few people who have reviewed it have told me it gives them hope that there is value in Christianity again, whether they are Christians or Agnostics. That is my hope.

The book is a progressive Christian reading of the gospel of Mark, in which I discuss living a more centered, spiritual life. The working title is: Open Your Eyes: Toward Living More Deeply in the Present, and a by-line: “How a progressive reading of Jesus can help you live a more compassionate life.”

The book aims to open new possibilities for Christians to learn from Jesus as well as other spiritual traditions. Discussions on understanding Jesus and God frame consideration of how to live deeply in the present, live with suffering, and live in community. This theology encourages a move beyond exclusive and doctrinal images toward an understanding of God as a Presence in everyday life.

I tell some of my own story but mostly lots of anecdotes from working with college students. I criticize substitionary atonement theology and exclusive theologies, in favor of a notion of participation with Jesus in a new realm where justice rules. I make the case that if we ourselves take prayer seriously, we will not only be centered ourselves, but will see other’s needs more acutely and move out to do the works of justice.

Welcome!

gailstearns — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 01:16:42 +0000

Welcome to my new website! Please take a look around–I’ll be updating shortly.

Thanks,

Gail Stearns