It’s been over four years since I wrote a piece for The Jagged Word and four years since I stirred the theological and political pots on this blog. A lot has happened over the past four years, with me and those of you who read sites like this.

But I think it’s time to come out of my writing hibernation and re-enter the fray.

Why now, though? Has something happened to prompt this?

Honestly, I’m not sure why. No, it has nothing to do with the election earlier this month (well, maybe a little bit, but we’ll save that conversation for another time). Even though they are good friends, the editors of this blog barely even asked me to come back (I mean, they asked, but I was expecting them to beg. Ha!) I am a bit euphoric after my Gator football team finally figured out how to win a big game last Saturday against the Bayou Bengals (Geaux Gators!)

Perhaps, though, I’m just itching to write again. But is writing editorial-length pieces on blogs even worth it anymore? I guess we’ll see. (We have had some fun on this site in the past!) Maybe I’m just a glutton for punishment. Or, I could be an egotistical nerd who naively thinks others care about my writing.

What will I write about? I wish I could tell you I have some new interests, hobbies, and topics that others haven’t discussed before. But I’d be lying. I’m fairly certain I’ll write most often about the two subjects that consume my life: religion and politics. I have studied and worked in these realms for my entire adult life. These are the things I know most about, even if what I know pales in comparison to several of my friends and colleagues. So buckle up; it’s time to return to some lively conversations concerning these things.

These aren’t the only things we’ll discuss. We’ll dabble occasionally about college athletics, culture, philosophy, friendship, travel, and whatever seems to motivate me to write that week. But whatever it is, I hope my short pieces will create an active dialogue. I hope these conversations will help us learn from and about one another. Look, we’re going to chat about tough things – controversial things, but I hope these conversations will allow us to explore ideas we’ve never considered, to challenge our presuppositions, and above all, to give us space to listen to one another. Will I change your mind? Doubtful. Will I anger you? Probably. But jump in with me. Stir the pot. And let’s see what we can create…