I am not just a blogger putting ideas out into the ether of the interwebs (not that there is anything wrong with that, per se). Instead, I seek to be in extended conversations, to engage with people who have deeper questions and ideas about spirituality, ethics, and what it means to be human. Here’s what I think is important and what makes my work different:

Gender-inclusive language for god

To me, God is male, God is female, God is neither. As a feminist theologian and activist for LGBTQI inclusivity, it is important for me to make space for the feminine, as well as masculine, characteristics of God without assigning a gender identity. God-talk is difficult enough as it is without muddying it up with gendered pronouns and social constructs.
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Irreverence

G.K. Chesterton wrote in his collection of essays, All Things Considered (1908), that “it is the test of a good religion whether you can joke about it.” Humor and irreverence are spiritual values for me, and being unable to find the humor in scripture, or to laugh – whether it’s a belly laugh or satire – at religion, church, and the ways we as humans try to relate to God and each other is a good test as to what we’ve perhaps made into idols.

honesty & independence

I have no formal denominational ties, and, therefore, I answer to no one and can speak and write without having to tow a ‘party line.’ As such, I have no agenda other than seeing the world become a better place for everyone. Also, you may occasionally see colorful language used. I think the occasional use of expletives can be holy; so while I certainly self-moderate, I do not self-censor.


doubt

I don’t seek to know all the answers, but asking the questions is still important. Certainty is often an illusion and I find I’m a kinder, gentler person when I embrace the not-knowing. I think curiosity (rather than cleanliness) is next to godliness, and doubt is essential for healthy curiosity.