Writing has been a refreshment to my soul over the last 25 years. I have built a little resume of public contributions, and thankfully have a few thousand who have constantly engaged with my work over the years. Some have even gone so far as to contribute tobacco money to my cause. My gratitude.
One of my biggest beefs with the writing industrial complex has been with the vast array of theologians and their inability to articulate big ideas in common language. I once had a conversation with John Frame where I asked him what he intended to do in retirement. He uttered boldly, “Stick it to the academicians.” That was a perspectival homily I will never forget.
I got nothing against the modern academy, but, man, they really do suck the energy out of healthy theologizing. I wrote a dissertation once, and while the process was filled with mystical moments, I don’t care to be called Dr. more than once.
Now, I am not talking about dumbing down language, like you know, people do and stuff. No. I am talking about actually glorifying language to make it accessible and beautiful. If Paul can be all things to all people, we can try to write for all people.
This can be done through wit. Sarcasm. Brutal takedowns and theological rundowns. It’s all fair game. But in order to accomplish a thing, you need to grace it up; adorn it with imagination and gratitude for the world God made. The Word became flesh.
