My Writing

In my writing on Medium and elsewhere, I try process my experiences with faith, religion, politics, and life as well as help others process theirs.

Sometimes I comment on culture, society, and current events in an effort to clarify the complex and controversial.

My Growth

I was once theologically and politically conservative.

Now I'm theologically and politically progressive.

I thought people had to believe "the right things."

Now I believe, believe whatever helps you best love God and others.

I thought conservative ideas explained the world and ought to guide us.

Now I believe progressive ideas better reflect how the world actually works and ought to guide us through the world's complexity.

I wanted to become the next great American novelist.

I still want to become the next great American novelist, but I also write nonfiction to positively impact people.

My Background

I grew up in a rural farming community of 500 people. My family sporadically attended General Baptist churches.

I've lived in Springfield, MO, and Springfield, VA, a suburb of Washington, D.C.

I studied English at Missouri State University (B.A., M.A.) and Old Dominion University (Ph.D.), and now I teach English at Southeast Missouri State.

My wife, son, and I live in Piedmont, MO, and worship at Trinity United Methodist Church.