Biography
Welcome! I have been blogging here since 2003 about North American evangelicalism, the global church, theology, politics, immigration, gender, race, consumerism, pacifism, law, and much more.
MY FAVORITE POSTS
If this is your first time here, please check out some of my favorite posts from a decade of blogging, or those posts that demonstrate pivotal moments in my theological and political development.
Divided by Faith changed the way I view race, and for that I am so thankful
The 2004 presidential election made me realize that I could not be a single-issue voter
Studying anthropology and language has truly messed with me
Anthropology strikes again: deconstructing my ideas about gender
In which I do away with my tidy little faith compartments
Jesus’ vision of family transcends biology and nationalism
Thank you, Mark Driscoll, for making me a pacifist
I decide to throw out my litmus tests and go back to church
Why don't Christians extend grace they have received to undocumented immigrants?
I grew up in a one-stoplight town in rural Oklahoma, a product of the Southern Baptist branch of evangelicalism. I entered Wheaton College (IL), as a fresh-faced, naive Christian eager to soak up the words of John Piper and Elisabeth Elliot. At the time, my version of a good Christian was a world of "don'ts." Don't drink, smoke, have sex, gamble, dance, wear short shorts, or vote Democratic...
Although Wheaton is generally considered a conservative evangelical college, my patient professors and wide-eyed fellow students there introduced me to a progressive form of Christianity that is deeper than the "don'ts" I grew up with.
After college, I went through a season of cynicism, bitterness, and time away from the church. Among other things, I was frustrated that I allegedly had to reject basic tenets of science to hold an evangelical faith. I was confused by the U.S. American church's love affair with patriotism, violence, militarism, consumerism, and conservative politics. I was wounded from being told at a young age that I was excluded from certain roles because I am a woman. I was hurt because, when I chose to marry a man (the kindest and most Christlike person I know) who already has children, I was told this was not what a good Christian girl should do.
While not completely recovered from that season of bitterness and hurt, I am hopeful again. This time, orthodoxy is a little wider. The gospel is not a litany of prohibitions, but a door flung open for women, the LGBT community, undocumented immigrants, and yes, even hard-core fundamentalist Christians and tea-party Republicans.
I currently live in Chicagoland with my husband and stepchildren, and am an attorney.
CONTACT ME
Follow me on twitter: @natalieburris
Email me: na1alie at gmail.com
DISCLAIMER
This is my personal blog. The opinions I express here do not necessarily represent those of my employer. I make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. The content of this website is intended to convey general information and opinion and should not be relied upon as legal advice.
