Rodney has been interested in issues related to Christianity, racial reconciliation, peacemaking and economic justice from an early age. He thoroughly enjoys reading Scripture, autobiographies, political theory, and world history. Rodney gives glory to God for his family, especially his mother, who encouraged him since he was a toddler to reflect on heavenly things. Rod has a dream for working in both the seminary and ecclesial contexts: towards that end, he remains in solidarity with the least of these, as he currently serves as Director of Children’s Ministry at a local church. He complete a Masters of Theology degree, concentrating in History and Theology and working on his ThM thesis on a postcolonial interpretation of Clement of Alexandria and placing that in conversation with James Cone’s black liberation theology as well as womanist theologians; he previously earned a Master of Divinity with concentrations in Black Church Studies and Pre-PhD studies. If you are interested in reading his thesis, it can be found at the Beyond Free Project.
Favorite Bible Verse: Judges 6:12
Doing Ministry: Theology of Ministry
Philosophy of Learning/Teaching: Philosophy of Pedagogy
Professional Affiliations
American Academy of Religion
& AAR Student Members
Southwest Commission on Religious Studies
National Association of Baptist Professors of Religion
Sermons
Haggai and the Spirit of Faith
A Tale of Two Temples: Haggai 2
The Faith of Ezekiel. The priest-prophet
God’s Original Intent: John 1:1-18
Only God Can Judge Me?: Judgment in the Gospel of John
Our Problem with God’s Justice: John 3:12-16 and 35-36
Same Tradition, New Conversation: Galatians 1:11-16
In the end, Love: John 3:14 and 1st Corinthian 15:52-53
Book Wishlist
Here is my Amazon Wishlist just in case you would like to help me with my research efforts.
Rod of Alexandria
Optimistic Chad
Hey Rod,
I came across your site and am interested in your work, especially around reconciliation. I am also interested in the process you went through in deciding where you would attend seminary. I am thinking about applying this fall but am not exactly sure how I will select schools. If you have some time, I would love to hear your thoughts and advice?
Peace,
Brandon
Brandon,
That is a good question. If you could tell me the region/state/city that you are located at and what you want to go to seminary for, I could be of better assistance.
I live in Durham, North Carolina. My desire is to attend seminary as preparation for community development work. My interests in community development lie around youth, racial/ethnic reconciliation, and economic justice/local living economies. I am interested in how the traditions of Christian education/spiritual formation, intentional Christian communities, and the Black Church speak to these issues. Ultimately, I seek to be a witness to the gospel of Christ in urban, low-income communities. Thanks!
Hey Brandon,
If I were you, with the goals that you describe, I would look for a seminary where they give space to Christians from urban and low/income communities. That may mean attending a theological school out of state for you. I would suggest perhaps a seminary like Vanderbilt, which has a space for African Americans (a Black Church Studies program) or Gordon-Conwell’s Center for Urban Ministry. These would be two ideal places to start, a “liberal seminary” with a Black Church studies program or a “conservative” seminary with a concentration available in Urban ministry/missions.
If you have any more questions, let me know.
Thanks Rod. I appreciate your thoughts and suggestions on schools. I actually have a high school friend who went to Vanderbilt for seminary so I think I’ll chat with him about that. Thanks again, peace.
Brandon,
I second Rodney’s recommendation of Gordon-Conwell – Boston. I chose this school because of it’s programs in ministry amidst complex urban systems. There is a lot of diversity in the faculty and even more in the student body. Take a look around at: GCTS.edu/boston
Hi Rod. Thanks for having me on your blogroll! I think I recongnize you from J.L. Watts’ site–you said you like the Antioch school of biblical interpretation.
No problem, James. I like reading your blog, thanks to google reader.
And I like the alexandrian school of interpretation.
Hey Rod,
like the blog. Keep it up.
Thanks for stopping by Suzy.
Hello Rod,
My first time over here, you were right. The feminist thing went down hill. Sue showed up, and it went all subjective. “What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem?” Terullian of course.
God Bless,
Fr. Robert
Thanks for stopping by, Fr. Robert.
Regards from Brazil and from a lutheran liberation theology!
Thanks for stopping by, Fabio.
Hi Rod, just found your blog, your doing an intersting work there, God Bless you for your efforts. The way to be happy is (like they say) to make others happy! and that is so true! You like history, right? check out my blog, you might like it!
http://micahdlm.wordpress.com/
Just a little curious about what it takes to join a collaborative blog like this. I’m certainly interested in writing. I’m also fairly certain I could provide a decent “foil,” were it needed.
While I am no longer a believer, I think it’s safe to say that I’ve been on both sides of the fence. And while my education (thusfar) has not been entirely formal, I would say that it has been extensive.
I really do enjoy and appreciate what you guys are doing here, and if there’s a chance a godless heathen such as myself might be able to pose a (naturally respectful, but) disparate view from your own, I would be more than willing to be of service. If this is not possible, I completely understand. I only hope that if this is not possible, that’s it’s not because of fear of scorn or condescention. I have no agenda to make martyrs of anyone.
I only want to be a voice. I care little whether anyone agrees with my voice…and I’ve noticed you to be relatively objective when dealing with your own beliefs and differing social norms. To be honest, it’s quite refreshing.
I’m only asking for consideration. And if this decision requires prayer and petition before it is made, I can deal with that. Like I said, if this is not possible, I will understand.