This philosophical reflection on language is written by Dr. Darren Slade, Research Director for FaithX and General Editor of our sponsored journal,...
Posts by Darren Slade
Leaving Liberty University Behind
In a nutshell, this post is simply my explicit and public disavowal of the ideology and outspoken teachings of Liberty University, particularly the Jerry Falwell dynasty that still controls it. Why such an explicit disavowal of my alma mater?
It’s not because I am disgruntled, opportunistic, or backslidden. On the contrary, my experience with Liberty University (like anything else) was a mixture of wonderful growth through great joy and turbulent hardship. I made some amazing friends and (probably) some enemies, too. Most importantly, I learned a lot about myself and the Christian tribe I once ascribed to (this in spite of Liberty’s teachings, not because of them). I eventually learned what I always knew: I am a man of strong conviction and passionate determination for truth and justice. As such, I learned that I needed to separate myself from the political ideology and prejudicial theology behind Liberty University. Thus, this disavowal comes from a genuine disappointment in choosing to attend Liberty in the first place, as well as a grave concern for what the university symbolizes—religiously, academically, and politically.
Victimizing the Flock: What Sex Assault Victims Mean for Christianity
This post on sex assault in the church is written by Darren Slade, Ph.D. Darren Slade is director of research at FaithX, general editor of our...
FaithXperimental Spotlight: Compassionate Austin
This post on Compassionate Austin is writtenby Darren Slade In our travels around the U.S., both digitally and physically, we at FaithX like keep...
Volume 1, Issue 1 Is Now Published Online!
Socio-Historical Examination of Religion and Ministry The FaithX Project, in partnership with Wipf and Stock Publishers, is proud to announce the...
As Pastors Get Older, Churches Start to Die: An Epilogue
by Darren Slade Having received a larger than expected response to the blog post, “As Pastors Get Older, Churches Start to Die,” I have decided to...
As Pastors Get Older, Churches Start to Die
by Darren Slade In a survey of over 9,500 different congregations from 2008-2017, NCD America reports that 54% of pastors are above the age of 50*....
Correlation is Not Causation: Why Theology is Not What Makes Churches Grow
by Darren Slade In this article, I will seek to answer whether theological conservatism and strictness play a vital role in denominational...