About

This space is for “practical theology”. Ideas are great, but people need food, not the idea of food. People need wages not the idea of wages. God created tangible things. Ideas must become tangible. This is not a perfect space nor is the work that is my call. It is a journey of exploration to follow the Spirit to see and hear where the kingdom of God is at work.

The Website name:

A Boy With Fish (What good are these when there are so many)

John 6:1-15

The Feeding of the Five Thousand

I always get a a flood of feelings when someone asks me for my favorite scripture verse. Do I give them a “stock” verse from the 10-15 that are so commonly used? Not sure how I stumbled across this passage and latched onto this phrase when I was in my late teens but it has fit my call well. It is the search for miracles and movements of the Spirit that defy human logic and reason. It is being in the presence of an exasperated Jesus who aware that the masses know what the right thing to do is but are too scared/selfish/unfaithful/cowardly/survivalist/subservient/dependant to take action. It is quitting before exhausting every ounce of faith/determination. It is dismissing the opportunity for recreation and miracles in our midst. It is also the place of humility. The boy brings in faith what he has but is dismissed by practicality of the situation. Jesus then takes hold and reveals the kingdom of God through example and a practical demonstration of his previous command to give them something to eat. “What good are they” when there is so much need? The answer, always more than enough – 12 baskets full. 1 for each of the followers of Jesus to carry as a reminder.

Why the / words?

Language is about conveying ideas and not all of those ideas are captured by a single word or thought. Without lengthy sentences, it allows an idea to take on a range of possibilities to further illustrate the complexity of the situation. No, it’s not academic but who’s being graded here?

Is this new stuff?

Nope – not much of anything is new really. I’ll cite where/when I can.

Why the gifs/memes?

Because they are funny and scripture is a lot more fun when you read things about prophets calling out the “other gods” for being constipated. My favorite image of Jesus is “facepalm Jesus”. That poor man trying to explain the kingdom of God and people – just – not – getting it. God gave us joy – let’s make the work joyful.

Can I comment/reply/debate?

Sure. Keep it sane and read the above line about fun.

If I missed something, shoot me a line. I’m sure there is room in the digital universe for an update or three.

Rev. Thomas Hargis is a Provisional Elder in the West Ohio Conference of the United Methodist Church. He is the Executive Director of The Jubilee Project and Pastor of Calvary Hilltop United Methodist Church. He is a graduate of Duke Divinity School with a Masters in Divinity and a certificate in Restorative Justice. You might find him on a Bobcat, in a home renovation, hanging out with the youth, or jamming out with a band. He’s got a family and loves Sabbath when he takes it. Rarely will you find him in an office or in a suit. GREAT local coffee always welcome. New Orleans Saints Football, Duke Basketball, Sweet Tea, and Grits is a lifestyle not to be understated.