Phil Snider

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About Phil Snider
Phil Snider is an award-winning author, pastor, public theologian, and teacher. His books include Preaching as Resistance, Justice Calls, Preaching After God, The Hyphenateds, and, with Emily Bowen, Toward a Hopeful Future (winner of the 2011 Mayflower Award for Best Book in Church and Society). He is perhaps best known for a speech he gave on equal rights for LGBTQ+ persons, which has been viewed on YouTube over five million times. In addition to providing religious commentary in various local and national media outlets, including NPR affiliates and nationally-syndicated radio and television programming, his work has been featured in the Huffington Post, Religion Dispatches, Slate, and USA Today. Phil teaches religious studies at Missouri State University and Drury University and has been a pastor at Brentwood Christian Church in Springfield, MO since 2003.
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Blog postThe greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the religious right that it’s a pro-life organization. For as long as I’ve been active in the church, the religious right (along with its bedfellow, the GOP) has crafted a false narrative, giving the impression it’s pro-life. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. To … Read more The religious right is not pro-life, no matter how much they claim to be2 years ago Read more
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Blog postI originally posted this to Facebook, but copied it here for easier sharing. — Wading into a conversation about abortion on Facebook isn’t perhaps the wisest thing to do. But given all of the misinformation making the rounds on FB — especially from Christians who are hellbent on distorting and misrepresenting basic facts — I … Read more Understanding the nuances of NY’s new abortion law2 years ago Read more
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Blog postHere in the Bible Belt, it’s not uncommon for people to think that saying “Merry Christmas” — as opposed to “Happy Holidays” — somehow recovers the true meaning of the season. But this is hardly the case. I don’t say this as a nihilistic cultured despiser of religion. I say it as a Christian pastor … Read more Think twice before saying “Merry Christmas”2 years ago Read more
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Blog postA few reflections on the inhumane treatment of migrants at our southern border, in no particular order: (1) It’s not illegal to seek asylum in the U.S. It’s perfectly lawful. The migrants are not breaking the law in their attempts to do so. (2) Tear gassing children is inhumane, unconscionable and cruel, full stop. This … Read more On the inhumane treatment of migrants on the southern border2 years ago Read more
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Blog postIn the wake of Donald Trump’s visit to Springfield, there’s a huge mistake constantly recurring in the rhetoric on the right. People keep saying that the left is hypocritical because they preach tolerance yet don’t tolerate opposing viewpoints, otherwise they wouldn’t have protested Trump’s visit to Springfield. So let me clear this up: First, the … Read more The Myth of Tolerance2 years ago Read more
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Blog postIt’s a mistake to equate God with absolute power. This sets up an authoritarian view of God, based on hierarchy and control. Which in turn teaches humanity that authoritarianism, hierarchy, and control are virtues instead of vices. When this is the case, God doesn’t just condone authoritarianism, hierarchy, and control, but models such things. **This … Read more God’s love qualifies God’s power, not the other way around3 years ago Read more
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Blog postThere’s something deeply flawed in the way the church talks about the affirmation of LGBTQ persons — and it’s time for it to change. For as long as I’ve been preaching (and of course long before), LGBTQ brothers and sisters and siblings have always had to be on the defensive, trying to provide all of … Read more Hey church people, it isn’t sinful to be LGBTQ — but it is sinful to oppress those who are3 years ago Read more
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Blog postAs I put together Preaching as Resistance, I kept running up against several recurring, unfortunate myths related to preaching and resistance. I put a list of ten together, and I’d be curious if any of you have encountered these before? And which others you’d add that I left out? Myth 1: Preaching as resistance … Read more Preaching as Resistance: 10 Unfortunate Myths3 years ago Read more
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Books By Phil Snider
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Phil Snider
$15.19
As nationalism, patriarchy, and alt-right fear-mongering threaten our troubled nation, the pulpit has again become a subversive space of sacred resistance. In this provocative and powerful collection of sermons from diverse pastors across America, hear the brave and urgent voice of Christians calling for radical change rooted in love, solidarity, and justice. Preaching as Resistance resists, confronts, and troubles the dangerous structures of authoritarianism and oppression crashing in from all sides – and proclaims the transformation, possibility, and hope stirring in the gospel of Christ.
From big-steeple churches in big cities to rural congregations in red states, preaching as resistance is practiced in a wide variety of social contexts and preaching styles, inspiring and equipping listeners to respond to the call of justice. Ideal for pastors and church leaders, Preaching as Resistance also provides the opportunity to experience hopeful, welcoming Christian voices rooted in the gospel values of love, solidarity, and justice. In these challenging times when Christianity is so often misrepresented, misunderstood, and misused for unjust agendas, take heart and find your own voice in this collection of resistance sermons from everyday pastors across the country.
From big-steeple churches in big cities to rural congregations in red states, preaching as resistance is practiced in a wide variety of social contexts and preaching styles, inspiring and equipping listeners to respond to the call of justice. Ideal for pastors and church leaders, Preaching as Resistance also provides the opportunity to experience hopeful, welcoming Christian voices rooted in the gospel values of love, solidarity, and justice. In these challenging times when Christianity is so often misrepresented, misunderstood, and misused for unjust agendas, take heart and find your own voice in this collection of resistance sermons from everyday pastors across the country.
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Paperback
by
Phil Snider
$9.99
Preaching After God introduces readers to the positive theological themes stirring in the work of influential philosophers like Jacques Derrida, John Caputo, Peter Rollins, and others. It shows how engaging their thought provides possibilities for preaching that highly resonate with postmodern listeners, especially those who don't wish to see Christianity reduced to little more than superstition and magic. Six lectionary-based sermons are included as examples.
"In this grand-scale book, Snider takes on the enormous task of rethinking homiletics in light of postmodern thought, and comes up with a fresh and wonderful preacher-sized proposal for speaking of God in times like ours. His refreshing honesty and engaging style will kindle new hope in those who secretly fear that preaching may be impossible in progressive circles. His energy and delight in asking the big questions will inspire others to do the same. A lively conversation-starter of a book."
- Anna Carter Florence, author of Preaching as Testimony and Peter Marshall Associate Professor of Preaching at Columbia Theological Seminary
"There is a growing industry of Christians attempting to domesticate the work of radical thinkers to fit them into an already existing theological system. Provocative writers are thus tied to a Procrustean bed by religionists seeking to make them fit within an already established religious dogma. Not so with Snider. Here he reads these vital thinkers seriously and subtly, pouring their new wine into the old wineskins. Why? So as to crack open the actually existing church and help prepare the way for a new reformation."
- Peter Rollins, author of Insurrection
"In Preaching After God Phil Snider adroitly shows that postmodern theology will preach! He mounts an impressive argument that a 'homiletic of the event' is the best way to reach a world that has had enough of a supernaturalism that nullifies human agency, without sinking into an anthropologism where human subjects are the only game in town. He has an ear for postmodern theory and the gift of telling us what preaching needs to be. A must read for theologians and preachers alike."
- John D. Caputo, author of What Would Jesus Deconstruct? and Thomas J. Watson Professor of Religion Emeritus at Syracuse University & David R. Cook Professor of Philosophy Emeritus at Villanova University
"With a scholar's reach and a pastor's wisdom, Phil Snider courageously explores the postmodern crisis in religion and, thus, in preaching. He invigorates preaching once again by proposing a dangerous homiletical wager, that preachers risk everything, not on the power of their dogma but instead on the advent of the in-coming God. A most provocative book!"
- Thomas G. Long, author of Preaching from Memory to Hope and Bandy Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University
"There has been a lot of talk about preaching over the past number of years--debates about its viability and vitality ... But in the midst of all that talk, very little has been said about content.
by
Phil Snider
$9.99
This collection of sermons adds compelling clarity to the growing chorus of Christian voices that are passionate about LGBTQ justice and equality--not in spite of their faith but precisely because of it. With a combination of pastoral sensitivity, scholarly insight, and courageous vision, these sermons are a must-read not only for LGBTQ people longing to know they don't have to deny their religious convictions in order to embrace their sexuality and/or gender identity, but also for people of faith who wonder if they have to disregard the Bible in order to fully accept their LGBTQ neighbors, friends, and family members. This volume is an ideal resource for small groups, Sunday school classes, preachers, church leaders, and all people everywhere who are interested in recognizing how the rich resources in the Bible can be cultivated in order to celebrate--rather than condemn--LGBTQ friends and neighbors.
"In Justice Calls: Sermons of Welcome and Affirmation, Snider has collected a treasure trove of sermons affirming the welcome of LGBT persons at the table of God's love. Some are carefully exegetical, some deeply personal, all carefully crafted and full of grace. Starting with the call for equality and ending with a call for the transformation of the church, this volume walks the journey of God's affirming love for all with both care and courage."
--Mark C. Johnston, Executive Director, Open & Affirming Ministry Program, Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Alliance, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Award-winning author Phil Snider, whose speech on LGBTQ rights has been viewed nearly five million times on YouTube, is the Senior Minister of Brentwood Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri. His books include Preaching After God (2012) and Toward a Hopeful Future (2010).
"In Justice Calls: Sermons of Welcome and Affirmation, Snider has collected a treasure trove of sermons affirming the welcome of LGBT persons at the table of God's love. Some are carefully exegetical, some deeply personal, all carefully crafted and full of grace. Starting with the call for equality and ending with a call for the transformation of the church, this volume walks the journey of God's affirming love for all with both care and courage."
--Mark C. Johnston, Executive Director, Open & Affirming Ministry Program, Gay, Lesbian, and Affirming Disciples Alliance, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Award-winning author Phil Snider, whose speech on LGBTQ rights has been viewed nearly five million times on YouTube, is the Senior Minister of Brentwood Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri. His books include Preaching After God (2012) and Toward a Hopeful Future (2010).
$8.87
In an age when more people in America are leaving the church than finding the church, The Hyphenateds shares reflections from church leaders who draw on the best of their respective traditions in order to meaningfully connect with those who often (for good reason) feel like giving up on Christianity and the church altogether. With chapters by Nadia Bolz-Weber, Carol Howard Merritt, Stephanie Spellers, Phyllis Tickle, and many others, The Hyphenateds offers fresh possibilities for reimagining and refashioning the role of the church in twenty-first century America.
"Here a baker's dozen of the most influential Hyphenateds in this country talk boldly and unapologetically about what they are doing, how they are doing it, and why they are doing it. Whether one is an emergence Christian or a mainline Christian or a traditional Christian or even a disaffected Christian, one has the opportunity here to look at the future through the lens of an evolving present. What's written here is intimately told, without apology, and with no holds barred." - Phyllis Tickle
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