Welcome to Paperback Theology. If you have been part of the Paperback Theology world before, I’m glad you found your way to the new site. I couldn’t be more excited about joining forces with Patheos in order to try and increase readership and extend the Paperback Theology conversation to new people. Allow me to express my gratitude to the folks at Patheos for taking me on board.
I’m counting on all of the Paperback Theology faithful to continue to comment and partake in the discussion – don’t be shy. As always, I’m so grateful to you guys for your support of the blog. If you are new to the conversation, welcome! Here’s what you’ve gotten yourself into:
paperback, adj. [pey-per-bak]: bound in a flexible manner;
theology, n. [thee-ol-uh-jee]: god-talk; the study of everything in terms of its relationship to God;
My name is Tim Suttle, and I’m your host at Paperback Theology. I’m a pastor, writer, and musician: I’m the pastor of Redemption Church in Kansas City. I’m the author of two books, An Evangelical Social Gospel? and Public Jesus. And once upon a time I was the front man for the band Satellite Soul. I’m the husband of Kristin, and the father of Nicholas and Lewis. I am also, believe it or not, an Evangelical Christian. It’s not a confession I usually lead with, but I make that disclosure up front as a way of declaring that these are my people for better or for worse.
Paperback Theology is a place to talk about religion, politics, art, culture, spirituality, and the church. This blog exists for those of us who are not the world’s leading expert on anything, and yet we find that we are insatiably inquisitive about nearly everything, particularly from the perspective of its relationship to God. Paperback Theology readers are often flexible and open to change. We expect to be challenged by what we read and how we interact, and we cannot think of anything more horrible than ceasing to grow. If that describes you… you’ve come to the right place.
Theologically, I am a bit of a mutt. I was raised by Southern Baptists, trained in church leadership by the Presbyterians, and did my formal theological training among some Wesleyans who are committed to missional theology (Nazarene Theological Seminary). I resonate deeply with both Post-liberal theology, and missional theology. Politically I am neither conservative nor liberal – I am Christian, and that is all-consuming. I’m not truly a progressive either – I really don’t have a home. When pressed I usually say I’m a sometimes pissy, always hopeful, passionate and yet irascible Christ follower. I confess that think that I’m so conservative that I’m often mistaken for a liberal. This means I have a high view of scripture, a high Christology, and a high view of the church. It also means that I’m as likely to critique the political right as the political left & my views will never fit into the dominant narratives of our culture.
This blog is meant to provide a place for normal everyday Christians to come talk about all of life in it’s relation to God. This is Paperback – bound in a flexible manner; Theology – god-talk. I’m glad you found your way here & hope you’ll feel free to comment, gripe, link, post, sing and snipe (a little), your way through this conversation.
I would love it if you’d follow me on Twitter: @Tim_Suttle
You can find me on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/tim.suttle.7
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