>Then we could reflect on the preparedness of "the suburban pulpit" to bring the fruits of "informed
> theology" to the folks in the pew.
A complicating factor is the overgeneralization of "suburban pulpits". Different denominations and different churches have disparate criteria for being a pastor, ranging from "is he popular with the congregation?" to extensive theological examination. Perception of the needs of the congregation will also have an impact.
As an example, the church I attended in Chapel Hill/Durham, N.C. would certainly qualify as "suburban" in its neigborhood, but the congregation is predominantly associated with either a university or a relatively high-tech job in the Research Triangle area. Not surprisingly, there's more theological emphasis there than average.
The success of "either design or evolution" claims shows that deistic thinking is rampant in the culture in general, including the church.
Dr. David Campbell
Old Seashells
University of Alabama
Biodiversity & Systematics
Dept. Biological Sciences
Box 870345
Tuscaloosa, AL 35487-0345 USA
bivalve@mail.davidson.alumlink.com
That is Uncle Joe, taken in the masonic regalia of a Grand Exalted Periwinkle of the Mystic Order of Whelks-P.G. Wodehouse, Romance at Droitgate Spa
Received on Fri Jun 11 18:52:22 2004
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