Volume 3 Issue 14

I have long admired and respected Episcopalian Bishop John Shelby Spong's ability to articulate a progressive theology, and his recent article, "Understanding the Christian Roots of My Political Depression", is an excellent example of why. As the critical presidential election of 2004 draws nigh, I invite you to read his thoughts that so profoundly parallel my own: http://brazoriacountydemocrats.blogspot.com/2004/09/bishop-spong-understanding-christian_21.html
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Progressive evangelicalism may seem like an oxymoron until you get better acquainted with the thoughts of Sojourner's founder and editor-in-chief, Jim Wallis. Wallis is another writer/speaker to whom I am deeply grateful for his ability to clearly state our shared concern of Christianity being co-opted by the zealous Right, and of the disturbing alliance that is emerging between political and religious extremists. Those who don't already subscribe to SOJOMAIL (free) will want to read "A New Confession of Christ": http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=sojomail.current_issue#3
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The "remodeling" of this Growing in Christ website continues, and I am so grateful to daughter Rachel for the "new and improved" format that she is designing. The Guest Book is up and running and you are invited to "sign" it and provide your own thoughts and comments. The counter on the home page provides an up-to-date report of how many visits have been made to the site along with an invitation to share the site with friends and family. Rachel is incorporating a "chat" feature, and from what I understand it will be a matter of setting specific times that we can carry on real-time "conversations" within our cyber-community of faith. (I haven't yet been able to access the Sermon Archives, but we're taking things one step at a time.) Details will be forthcoming in future newsletters.
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I thank you for allowing me to come into your home or place of work, and pray that GiC will remain true to its mission of stimulating and encouraging theological exploration along with spiritual formation and development. It cannot be overstated that our Creator has gifted citizens of the United States of America with the moral responsibility of voting, and it is in that spirit that everyone is urged to participate in what may fairly be thought of as a political sacrament.
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Until next time, Shalom!


Mark A. Hanna
www.growinginchrist.net