Between Church and Campus

Can Religious Studies Recover?

Although religion remains a relevant topic today, Religious Studies Departments have struggled to communicate their utility. As a result, many schools…

Sep 9 • 

Andrew Gardner

2

6

July 2025

Baylor Won the Attention Economy Last Week

Progressive Baptists spent last week criticizing Baylor University for rescinding an LGBTQ inclusion research grant. But where are they creating viable…

Jul 14 • 

Andrew Gardner

4

2

Research Notes: Rev. Joel Hawes' "Coming Out"

In the 1830s, abolitionist circles used the phrase 'coming out' to describe when someone publicly declared their anti-slavery stance, and Joel Hawes was…

Jul 7 • 

Andrew Gardner

4

2

May 2025

Research Notes: Politics in the Pulpit

While many pastors struggle preaching to congregations that many not completely agree on social and political issues, this sermon from Joel Hawes…

May 19 • 

Andrew Gardner

3

1

Christian Nationalism and Declining Denominationalism

The resurgence of Christian Nationalism today mirrors 19th century America's generic Protestant consensus. How does declining denominationalism connect…

May 8 • 

Andrew Gardner

2

April 2025

Research Notes: Who is Rev. Joel Hawes?

As the spring semester begins to come to a close, I am slowly beginning work on my summer research project—the abolitionist pastor you've never heard…

Apr 15 • 

Andrew Gardner

2

The Fundamentalist Playbook: How the SBC Takeover Previewed MAGA

If you want to understand the mindset and mentality of MAGA, consider the history of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Apr 7 • 

Andrew Gardner

6

3

March 2025

When Progressive Churches Fail: Lessons from Circle of Hope

My thoughts on perfectionism and leadership conflict and the disbanding of Circle of Hope, a progressive Anabaptist community, as documented by Eliza…

Mar 31 • 

Andrew Gardner

4

4

When A.I. Led Sunday School

Excerpts from a conversation with Anthropic's Claude on A.I. and Spirituality and a progressive Christian Sunday School class.

Mar 18 • 

Andrew Gardner

1

Reopening the American Frontier

The relationship between Christian Nationalism and Manifest Destiny is tied up in the American frontier. MAGA may be trying to reopen the once-closed…

Mar 11 • 

Andrew Gardner

1

An Interview with Bishop Songulashvili

Bishop Malkhaz Songulashvili speaks with me about the political climate in the Republic of Georgia and the religious imperative to resist injustice.

Mar 4 • 

Andrew Gardner

2

February 2025

Church Oligarchy!!

How does our current oligarchic politic climate resemble the climate of church politics?

Feb 20 • 

Andrew Gardner

1