Theology is for the birds … and for me
Andrew Taylor-Troutman explores a “living theology” shaped by attention — to creation, to one another, and to the holy particularities that make us who we are.
More Stories from this Author
Comma, humility
In his review of Ellen Jovin’s "Rebel with a Clause," Andrew Taylor Troutman highlights how grammar, approached with humor and humility, can foster empathy and connection.
[ … ] Poems
In "[...]," a Palestinian American author dedicates his poems to “the relatable and unrelatable, the translatable and untranslatable Palestinian flesh.” Andrew Taylor-Troutman offers a review.
Do justice, love mercy, bring the stuffed tiger
Andrew Taylor-Troutman reflects on taking his daughter to a political rally where joy, justice, and a stuffed tiger reveal what it means to fight for a better future.
The Salt of the Universe: Praise, Songs, and Improvisations
Amy Leach riffs on her her religious upbringing and present like a jazz trumpeter improvising, writes Andrew Taylor-Troutman.
Joy and sorrow with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
In "Woodland," Gillian Welch and Dave Rawlings’ merge timeless folk ballads with pressing social issues, blending joy, sorrow, and soulful protest. — Andrew Taylor-Troutman
It will be baseball. It will be prayer: The poetry of E. Ethelbert Miller
Andrew Taylor-Troutman offers the perfect recommendation for anyone who likes thinking about God and baseball.
Lessons from losing
Losing is painful. According to professional athletes, it can also lead to growth, writes Andrew Taylor Troutman.
Worshiping across America in Birkenstocks
Andrew Taylor-Troutman offers sabbatical reflections.
Zero at the Bone: Fifty Entries Against Despair
"Here is a writer applying his personal experience, academic training, as well as his doubts and longing against despair, and finding hope." — Andrew Taylor-Troutman
Strange Math
A poem about a man who would take walks by Andrew Taylor-Troutman.
‘It good’: Hospitality in a hospital waiting room
Andrew Taylor-Troutman reflects on the care, life and grief he witnessed as the life of a parishioner came to an end.
Perennial
A poem for gardeners, for springtime lovers, for the hopeful by Andrew Taylor-Troutman.
The laying on of (other) hands
Andrew Taylor-Troutman offers a glimpse into worship: how faith is passed on not with words but with actions, how we are held as we hold, how we might elevate our spirits as we tenderly reach for others.
Ode to the vulture
Andrew Taylor-Troutman invites readers to transcend an ominous image.
Drawn Again — A poem-prayer for Christmas Eve
Come, Lord Jesus — in the retelling of the familiar story, in the souls that gather to listen, writes Andrew Taylor-Troutman.
After and After: A poem-prayer for Veterans Day
Andrew Taylor-Troutman offers a worship resource for Remembrance Sunday.
Who Weeps with Me? A prose poem before a vigil of peace
In response to recent violence, Andrew Taylor-Troutman shares a poem he wrote while planning a peace vigil.
For giving me the things I need
From apples to sunflower seeds to a small daughter's blessing.
Prayer for parents of young children
"O Lord, if you were to head upstairs, beware the Lego landmines on the carpet ... "
Our Work is Loving the World
A poem for those affected by Monday's shooting at UNC-Chapel Hill.
Finding hope in family letters from World War II
Andrew Taylor-Troutman learns about his great-uncle's experience as a soldier in WWII and reflects on the habitual nature of hardship — and grace.
Washed Ashore: Family, Fatherhood, and Finding Home on Martha’s Vineyard
"Whether preaching or writing, Eville believes the goal of storytelling is 'trying to tell it and live it the best I can.' Could not the same be said of faith?" — Andrew Taylor-Troutman
“It’s nice to rest together”
Andrew Taylor-Troutman shares how an hourly break at his community pool gives his family a glimpse of sabbath.
Prayer
Andrew Taylor-Troutman pens an ode to a grandfather and all that he passed on — from cookie salads to baseball to a prayer.