Dr. Sandra Richter
Dr. Sandra Richter is an internationally known Old Testament scholar. She is the author of the extraordinary Epic of Eden Bible study, and professor and Dean at Westmont College. Her
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The difference between repentance and saying you’re sorry
Forgiveness is the centerpiece of our gospel. It is half the gift God offers through the cross, the other half being an invitation into the fullness of life. Repentance is
A Layperson’s Primer (part three): A Gracious Exit
These posts are written especially for laypersons and those coming late to the conversation currently stirring within the UMC. Part one focuses on the heart of our current debate: connection.
A Year for the UMC
You’ve heard the old saying, “Wherever you go, there you are.” For the UMC, this maxim has proven sadly too true. As 2019 opens, we stand on the verge of
Wesley’s Christmas Question: Have you faith in Christ?
(Today’s post is excerpted from The 19: Questions to Kindle a Wesleyan Spirit.) Have you faith in Christ? Well, do you? What a bold question! This was the first question
What makes life worth living?
Life doesn’t justify living, but eternity does. Stephen was the first to be martyred among those who knew the apostles. Polycarp was the last. He was 86 years old when
Triggers, Urge-surfing and the God Who Heals Us
I have triggers. When I hear an ice cream truck, something in me immediately goes back to 1205 Eisenhower Drive, my childhood home. When I smell popcorn, I’m in National
ELCA: foreshadowing a UMC future?
In the United Methodist Church these days, it is all about “the plans.” Three have been recommended by the Commission on a Way Forward. I note them here for reference,
The character of a Methodist
Much is being made these days in my (admittedly very narrow) slice of the world about what it means to be a United Methodist. Wesley himself once wrote a tract
Approving polity: Questions for United Methodists in a Pensive Season
(Following is an excerpt from The 19, published this year by Abingdon Press. The book addresses each of the nineteen questions asked of United Methodist ordinands since the days of
Youth is an idol (and other dangerous things to say in this day and age).
Maybe you heard the story about a gang of teenage elephants who went on a killing spree. The elephants were all male, all orphaned, transferred to a game park with
What you believe matters.
I am more and more convinced that biblical literacy and theological grounding is now our critical need. I was reminded of this a while back while working out at the
Recent Posts
12 Steps of Santification (I mean … Recovery)
May 1, 2023
When Jesus Prays for Unity
February 27, 2023
Pray that we will be kind.
February 14, 2023
When Women Lead Is HERE!
September 27, 2022
Healing, Holy Laughter, and the Kingdom of God
June 29, 2022
