{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1","title":"Honest Theology","home_page_url":"https://honesttheology.com","description":"Honest Theology","author":{"name":"Honest Theology"},"items":[{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/i-just-want-to-stay-home","html_content":"

I preached at my church this past Sunday. I told the congregation that I had hoped that the world would end prior to the 10 a.m. start time to avoid the experience. They laughed but I was being honest. As a true introver...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/i-just-want-to-stay-home","title":"I Just Want To Stay Home","summary":"I preached at my church this past Sunday. I told the congregation that I had hoped that the world would end prior to the 10 a.m. start time to avoid the experience. They laughed but I was being honest. As a true introver...","date_modified":"2026-06-02T16:01:48Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/pretty-useless","html_content":"

Inspired by Abdullah Shoaib’s poem, “Pretty Ugly.”

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/pretty-useless","title":"Pretty Useless","summary":"Inspired by Abdullah Shoaib’s poem, “Pretty Ugly.”","date_modified":"2026-05-29T16:35:54Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/struggling-with-stickiness","html_content":"

What do you consider a “sticky subject”? You know, the kinds that pervades multiple aspects of life: culture, business, politics, religion... How about:

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/struggling-with-stickiness","title":"Struggling With Stickiness","summary":"What do you consider a “sticky subject”? You know, the kinds that pervades multiple aspects of life: culture, business, politics, religion... How about:","date_modified":"2026-05-21T17:57:21Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/what-is-%E2%80%9Cgrace%E2%80%9D","html_content":"

Grace is a curious theological concept that even the most ardent of believers might struggle with when asked to explain. Like all divine things, our human brains kind of glitch when we start trying to really get down to ...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/what-is-%E2%80%9Cgrace%E2%80%9D","title":"What is “Grace”?**","summary":"Grace is a curious theological concept that even the most ardent of believers might struggle with when asked to explain. Like all divine things, our human brains kind of glitch when we start trying to really get down to ...","date_modified":"2026-05-18T18:15:09Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/wrestling-with-scripture-inerrant-or-infallible","html_content":"

There are a lot of ideas out there. About just about everything. Some are inconsequential (chocolate or vanilla?), some are personal (Mets or Yankees?), and some are divisive (liberal or conservative?). Yet some are a ma...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/wrestling-with-scripture-inerrant-or-infallible","title":"Wrestling With Scripture: Inerrant or Infallible?","summary":"There are a lot of ideas out there. About just about everything. Some are inconsequential (chocolate or vanilla?), some are personal (Mets or Yankees?), and some are divisive (liberal or conservative?). Yet some are a ma...","date_modified":"2026-05-13T14:31:57Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/%E2%80%9Ci-don%E2%80%99t-wanna%E2%80%9D-memories","html_content":"

I grew up being afraid.

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/%E2%80%9Ci-don%E2%80%99t-wanna%E2%80%9D-memories","title":"“I Don’t Wanna” Memories","summary":"I grew up being afraid.","date_modified":"2026-05-04T17:46:11Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-thin-place-between-me-and-god","html_content":"

Let me tell you a few things about introverts of which I am one. I think a lot. And I observe, question, wonder, imagine, postulate... I can miss the present time, too. I can spend so much time in my head that when I try...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-thin-place-between-me-and-god","title":"The Thin Place Between Me and God","summary":"Let me tell you a few things about introverts of which I am one. I think a lot. And I observe, question, wonder, imagine, postulate... I can miss the present time, too. I can spend so much time in my head that when I try...","date_modified":"2026-05-02T15:41:52Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/wrestling-with-scripture-rahab-the-prostitute","html_content":"

Why won’t Scripture let her escape her past? In almost every instance that she appears in Scripture (Joshua 2, Joshua 6:17-25, Hebrews 11:31, and James 2:25) she is consistently identified as “the prostitute.” Despite th...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/wrestling-with-scripture-rahab-the-prostitute","title":"Wrestling With Scripture: Rahab, the Prostitute","summary":"Why won’t Scripture let her escape her past? In almost every instance that she appears in Scripture (Joshua 2, Joshua 6:17-25, Hebrews 11:31, and James 2:25) she is consistently identified as “the prostitute.” Despite th...","date_modified":"2026-04-28T15:45:20Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/it-all-starts-with-a-rock","html_content":"

You’re out walking around and spot a rock on the ground. It’s ... different, but you can’t exactly explain why. You know absolutely nothing about rocks... But it kind of stands out. It’s dull, milky white and rough to th...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/it-all-starts-with-a-rock","title":"It All Starts With A Rock","summary":"You’re out walking around and spot a rock on the ground. It’s ... different, but you can’t exactly explain why. You know absolutely nothing about rocks... But it kind of stands out. It’s dull, milky white and rough to th...","date_modified":"2026-04-24T16:40:31Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/surprising-answers","html_content":"

I got interviewed last week. Because I’m old - “an elder greater than 65.” I just made the cut. Have you ever answered some really thought-provoking questions and made a shocking personal discovery? Of the 25+ questions ...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/surprising-answers","title":" Surprising Answers","summary":"I got interviewed last week. Because I’m old - “an elder greater than 65.” I just made the cut. Have you ever answered some really thought-provoking questions and made a shocking personal discovery? Of the 25+ questions ...","date_modified":"2026-04-20T19:23:45Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/god-and-me-in-walmart","html_content":"

Ever heard the expression, “There are no atheists in foxholes”? It implies that when you’re faced with the worst this world has to offer, everyone turns to God. I wonder if that’s true...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/god-and-me-in-walmart","title":"God and Me In Walmart","summary":"Ever heard the expression, “There are no atheists in foxholes”? It implies that when you’re faced with the worst this world has to offer, everyone turns to God. I wonder if that’s true...","date_modified":"2026-04-13T14:49:44Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/just-get-in-the-car","html_content":"

You’re driving down the road of life and you keep seeing signs that say, “Better Mode of Transportation Available” or “Leave the Driving to Me” or “Get Out of Your Car and Get Into Mine.”

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/just-get-in-the-car","title":"Just Get In The Car","summary":"You’re driving down the road of life and you keep seeing signs that say, “Better Mode of Transportation Available” or “Leave the Driving to Me” or “Get Out of Your Car and Get Into Mine.”","date_modified":"2026-04-08T19:41:44Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/my-superpower","html_content":"

Wouldn’t everyone enjoy a “superpower” now and then, an ability that is “far beyond the scope of modern humans”? Although Scripture uses the term “Comforter,” or “Advocate,” or “Spirit” regarding God’s presence on earth,...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/my-superpower","title":"My Superpower","summary":"Wouldn’t everyone enjoy a “superpower” now and then, an ability that is “far beyond the scope of modern humans”? Although Scripture uses the term “Comforter,” or “Advocate,” or “Spirit” regarding God’s presence on earth,...","date_modified":"2026-04-03T19:06:14Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-four-statements-of-thomas","html_content":"

How would it feel to have your entire life remembered for one statement you said (and it wasn’t a good one)? In fact, what would it be like for that statement to become a catch phrase that survived for centuries?

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-four-statements-of-thomas","title":"The Four Statements of Thomas","summary":"How would it feel to have your entire life remembered for one statement you said (and it wasn’t a good one)? In fact, what would it be like for that statement to become a catch phrase that survived for centuries?","date_modified":"2026-04-01T16:22:12Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/reputation-isn%E2%80%99t-everything","html_content":"

Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He had to go through Sa...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/reputation-isn%E2%80%99t-everything","title":"Reputation Isn’t Everything","summary":"Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard that he was baptizing and making more disciples than John (though Jesus himself didn’t baptize them—his disciples did). So he left Judea and returned to Galilee. He had to go through Sa...","date_modified":"2026-03-25T19:27:30Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-impossible-question-of-easter","html_content":"

Ever have a curious three-year-old strapped in the back seat of your car, ask you impossible questions? “Mom, what’s in that truck?” (My answer: “Spaghetti and meatballs.”) “Mom, what’s that girl’s name? (“Pauline.”) “Mo...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-impossible-question-of-easter","title":"The Impossible Question of \"Easter\"","summary":"Ever have a curious three-year-old strapped in the back seat of your car, ask you impossible questions? “Mom, what’s in that truck?” (My answer: “Spaghetti and meatballs.”) “Mom, what’s that girl’s name? (“Pauline.”) “Mo...","date_modified":"2026-03-24T19:27:36Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/skeletons-in-jesus%E2%80%99-closet","html_content":"

My love of all things scriptural (and my now massive personal library) began with studying the personalities of the Bible. My first foray into teaching focused on Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda’s book, All The Women of t...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/skeletons-in-jesus%E2%80%99-closet","title":"Skeletons In Jesus’ Closet","summary":"My love of all things scriptural (and my now massive personal library) began with studying the personalities of the Bible. My first foray into teaching focused on Ann Spangler and Jean Syswerda’s book, All The Women of t...","date_modified":"2026-03-20T19:44:03Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-saturday-in-between","html_content":"

(Living in the Space Between Cross and Resurrection)

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-saturday-in-between","title":"The Saturday In Between","summary":"(Living in the Space Between Cross and Resurrection)","date_modified":"2026-03-18T18:20:32Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/mr-christ","html_content":"

Is “Christ” Jesus’ last name? In a word, “no.”

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/mr-christ","title":"\"Mr. Christ\"","summary":"Is “Christ” Jesus’ last name? In a word, “no.”","date_modified":"2026-03-17T20:03:50Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/love-in-the-strangest-places","html_content":"

I was blessed to work my professional dream job. It was teaching elementary school in an excellent school district at a time when teaching jobs were hard to find (back in the ‘80s). I viewed this as a gift from God and w...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/love-in-the-strangest-places","title":"Love In The Strangest Places","summary":"I was blessed to work my professional dream job. It was teaching elementary school in an excellent school district at a time when teaching jobs were hard to find (back in the ‘80s). I viewed this as a gift from God and w...","date_modified":"2026-03-14T19:55:09Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/breathless-anticipation","html_content":"

I’m a New Jersey girl, born and bred, but I married a traveling man. Born in Scotland, raised in England; his first job was in Abu Dhabi, next came a career that took him to Hong Kong, and I finally met him as an immigra...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/breathless-anticipation","title":"Breathless Anticipation","summary":"I’m a New Jersey girl, born and bred, but I married a traveling man. Born in Scotland, raised in England; his first job was in Abu Dhabi, next came a career that took him to Hong Kong, and I finally met him as an immigra...","date_modified":"2026-03-14T18:06:51Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/what-if-its-all-true","html_content":"

· It really will be better than we can ask or imagine? Ephesians 3:20

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/what-if-its-all-true","title":"What if it's all true?","summary":"· It really will be better than we can ask or imagine? Ephesians 3:20","date_modified":"2026-03-13T17:25:00Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/big-black-arrows-and-prayer","html_content":"

If you know me, or have ever heard me speak, you have probably heard me refer to “Big Black Arrows” (BBAs for short!). I pray for them, watch for them, depend on them, and am thankful for them no matter where or what I’...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/big-black-arrows-and-prayer","title":" Big Black Arrows (and Prayer)","summary":"If you know me, or have ever heard me speak, you have probably heard me refer to “Big Black Arrows” (BBAs for short!). I pray for them, watch for them, depend on them, and am thankful for them no matter where or what I’...","date_modified":"2026-03-12T18:35:00Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-perfect-answer","html_content":"

NOTE: This post is (vaguely) connected to my post “Rats In My Basement.”

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-perfect-answer","title":"The Perfect Answer","summary":"NOTE: This post is (vaguely) connected to my post “Rats In My Basement.”","date_modified":"2026-03-10T19:42:13Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/rats-in-my-basement","html_content":"

I bet that title caught your attention, lol. (I could also say ‘cockroaches in my kitchen’ or ‘mice in my pantry,’ I suppose.) Thankfully, I’m free of any of these in my physical house.

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/rats-in-my-basement","title":"Rats In My Basement","summary":"I bet that title caught your attention, lol. (I could also say ‘cockroaches in my kitchen’ or ‘mice in my pantry,’ I suppose.) Thankfully, I’m free of any of these in my physical house.","date_modified":"2026-03-09T19:56:37Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/honest-theology","html_content":"

...recognizes that “theology” means “the study of God.” The term is derived from the Greek words theos (God) and logos (word/study), and literally means \"talking about God\" or \"rational thought about God\".

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/honest-theology","title":"Honest Theology...","summary":"...recognizes that “theology” means “the study of God.” The term is derived from the Greek words theos (God) and logos (word/study), and literally means \"talking about God\" or \"rational thought about God\".","date_modified":"2026-03-05T18:10:45Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/welcome-to-my-closet","html_content":"

Do you have a place you go when you need peace or reset? Or just a location to make you stop and think to keep you from doing or saying something you’ll regret? I have a closet.

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/welcome-to-my-closet","title":"Welcome To My Closet","summary":"Do you have a place you go when you need peace or reset? Or just a location to make you stop and think to keep you from doing or saying something you’ll regret? I have a closet.","date_modified":"2026-03-03T20:16:20Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/why-i-leftwhy-i-keep-going-back","html_content":"

NOTE: This post is sort-of connected to my post “Religion vs. Faith”:

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/why-i-leftwhy-i-keep-going-back","title":"Why I Left...Why I Keep Going Back","summary":"NOTE: This post is sort-of connected to my post “Religion vs. Faith”:","date_modified":"2026-03-02T18:09:29Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/religion-vs-faith","html_content":"

Is there a difference? I’ve wrestled with this question for years.

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/religion-vs-faith","title":"Religion vs. Faith","summary":"Is there a difference? I’ve wrestled with this question for years.","date_modified":"2026-02-27T20:01:13Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/trees-are-my-favorite-flowers","html_content":"

Now I don’t want to argue if trees are flowers. I know they really aren’t, but I’ve been saying this for years and I’m sticking to it. I suspect, given my early immersion in all things spiritual, this might be where my a...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/trees-are-my-favorite-flowers","title":"Trees Are My Favorite Flowers","summary":"Now I don’t want to argue if trees are flowers. I know they really aren’t, but I’ve been saying this for years and I’m sticking to it. I suspect, given my early immersion in all things spiritual, this might be where my a...","date_modified":"2026-02-27T17:45:26Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-messy-middle","html_content":"

Success or Failure?

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-messy-middle","title":"The Messy Middle","summary":"Success or Failure?","date_modified":"2026-02-25T20:33:25Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-problem-with-church","html_content":"

I’ve been going to church just about my whole life. You could say that I was born into it. But here’s a question for you right off the bat: What did you understand “church” to mean when I wrote it?

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/the-problem-with-church","title":"The Problem With \"Church\"","summary":"I’ve been going to church just about my whole life. You could say that I was born into it. But here’s a question for you right off the bat: What did you understand “church” to mean when I wrote it?","date_modified":"2026-02-20T18:56:30Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/maybe-things-will-get-better","html_content":"

I was listening to Tracy Chapman’s excellent song, Fast Car, in the… well, the car… last evening. There’s a line in the song that says, “Maybe together we can get somewhere, any place is better… we gotta make a decision,...

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/maybe-things-will-get-better","title":"Maybe Things Will Get Better","summary":"I was listening to Tracy Chapman’s excellent song, Fast Car, in the… well, the car… last evening. There’s a line in the song that says, “Maybe together we can get somewhere, any place is better… we gotta make a decision,...","date_modified":"2026-02-17T19:39:19Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/oh-my-god","html_content":"

We use that term a lot.

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/oh-my-god","title":"Oh My God!","summary":"We use that term a lot.","date_modified":"2026-02-17T19:38:58Z"},{"id":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/i-will-speak","html_content":"

I do not have the profound words of the experienced business person and I cannot advise on matters of law or provide insight on the deep political implications of world matters. But I have my own words and…

","url":"https://honesttheology.com/read/f/i-will-speak","title":"I Will Speak","summary":"I do not have the profound words of the experienced business person and I cannot advise on matters of law or provide insight on the deep political implications of world matters. But I have my own words and…","date_modified":"2026-02-17T19:38:36Z"}]}