The Beechers as Theologians

He hates most of the people in this country.

He should be arrested.

This is shocking. All of them are complicit.

How about stopping the illegal takeover of our government by an unelected billionaire without security clearance or an any congressional recognized authority?

What does that last line even mean?

“Elon Musk acts illegally, lacking security clearance or Constitutional authority”

The answer is Jesus. Jesus thought we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves. That’s kinda Theo 101.

One hundred of Lyman Beecher’s own students left Lane Seminary because the institution prioritized placating the economic interests of Cincinnati, with its close ties to southern enslavement, over abolition. Following the gospel means some things cannot be compromised; compassion, for example.

two men are standing next to each other with the words " it 's such a fine line between stupid and clever " ALT: two men are standing next to each other with the words " it 's such a fine line between stupid and clever "

Did see them, would love to again!

Social services in Cincinnati only emerged after leadership by Dr. Daniel Drake and others, who sought to shift public health policy AWAY from xenophobia; conservative politicians believed that cholera and TB were caused by immigrants, not bacterial infections. Good thing that’s changed. Oh, wait.

Currently reading

Is this part of a collection in which the relative size of planets matter? Would Pluto, for example, be the same size as Jupiter? Or is it only self-referential? (I like them both, but the one on the right would be my choice.)

How soon before he announces that he’s “replaced” her? He probably thinks she’s a government employee, because his knowledge of polity is likely as good as his understanding of Two Corinthians.

*kumquat

I thought Buddy Holly was singing “cumquat may,” not “come what may.” When my dad heard me sing it, he had to pull the car over because he was laughing so hard 🤦🏻‍♂️

Currently reading

Now reading:

1. Victoria Woodhull is the most fascinating person you’ve (most likely) never heard of, and this biography is simply perfect. The Woodhull, as she was known, exposed Henry Ward’s infidelity; her friendship with Isabella alienated the latter from the Beechers. Truly, a masterpiece of writing 10/10

Supposively

2. In many ways, this book is 1A. Well-written, engrossing, informative, and one of the best biographies I’ve ever read. Anne Hutchinson was a strong and determined woman, whose sense of spirituality, biblical knowledge, and chutzpah ran her afoul of male authorities. A must-read! 9.9/10

3.This riveting, fast-paced, fascinating biography of Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley is a must-read! Both women’s lives were impacted by famous men with whom they shared their lives. Both also were ridiculed and dismissed for decades before scholars/biographers recognized their genius. 9.75/10

4. This engrossing and in-depth biography of preacher Aimee Semple McPherson catalogues her influential, tumultuous life. A fascinating figure, McPherson was a product of her time; ordained by the Holy Spirit, her ministry was deemed authentic in the holiness movement…until it wasn’t. 9.5/10

#5 is a three-way tie. HBS wrote a number of stories set in Puritan New England (or with characters embodying Puritan characteristics). In my book, I’ll examine the ways in which she embraces and rejects Calvinist theology and gender expectations. All three slow reads, but informative 9.25/10

#bestbooks #bigread #harrietbeecherstowe #bestbooks2024 #theology

6. This spiritual biography is one of the best books about HBS. Koester adeptly situates Harriet within her family context—a wrestling with Calvinism—and highlights her theological arguments concerning abolition that earned her both praise and criticism. 9.25/10

#bestbooks #bigread #booksof2024 #harrietbeecherstowe #henrywardbeecher #theology

7. A tie! Both books are about Henry Ward Beecher, the most famous preacher of the 19th century, whose “Gospel of Love” was the theological equivalent of “free love,” at least according to his critics. Both books are bonafide page turners! 9/10