I arrived in St. Louis last night (another city where it snows in the spring!), and I’m getting ready to speak tonight at 7 at the University of Missouri’s Columbia School of Journalism’s Center on Religion and the Professions (long title, I know). More details here.
Wednesday, I’ll be interviewed at 10 a.m. on KMOX radio in St. Louis, and then speak and sign books at a Survivors Network for those Abused by Priests (SNAP) at 7 p.m. at Schlafly’s Brewery in downtown St. Louis.
If you’re in the area, come on by.
The Latest on Faith and Doubt
2 responses so far ↓
1 Questioner // Apr 9, 2009 at 3:58 am
Bill: I saw you in Columbia last night & I so identified with your story! I was one of the few who raised their hand when you asked how many “Protestants” were there. I had a “born again” experience when I was 16; spent 7 years in Christian higher education, and was a minister for 8 years. Very gradually, I began to question & doubt the the historicity of the New Testament books, and finally a few years ago, I acknowledged to myself that I was no longer a conventional believer. I still go to church and believe in “God,” but radically redefined. Not as an all knowing all powerful “person”, but as an undefinable, nonmaterial “force” or “spirit.” Do you leave any possibility of a reality beyond the physical world, or are you a convinced materialist, i.e. the material world is all there is?
2 mstaple100 // Apr 9, 2009 at 5:21 am
Mr. Lobdell:
I listened with interest to your interview on KMOX radio. I admire what appears to be a genuine and honest revelation of your inner self. Thank you for sharing your heart.
You did make mention of Jesus’s words on slavery. I think perhaps your interpretation of “slavery” through the lens of 19th century America might be potentially clouding your understanding of “slavery” in the first century Roman Empire. Unless I am mistaken, “slaves” were, in the great majority of cases, regular people repaying debts owed to others. It was common for people to “sell themselves” to others in order to make a purchase or pay off a purchase of a large item. So it would not be surprising that Jesus’s words on slavery would deal more with the RELATIONSHIP between owner and slave, rather than condemning the practice of a socially acceptable financial obligation.
While I certainly do not have ALL the answers to the tough questions of life, religion, and the Bible, I do appreciate this opportunity to share this answer with you.
Best of success to you in your quest for truth.
Marv Stapleton
Maryville, IL
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