My name is Adam Thomas, and I began this blog to share my reflections on God’s movement in my life and in the life of our world. As one of the first Millennials to be ordained to the Episcopal priesthood, I hope my emerging perspectives on God, Christianity, the Bible, and the mission of God’s people will add a new voice to the ongoing conversation.
Now, just so we are on the same page, permit me to clear up one rather silly bit of near-homonym confusion. My seminary thesis advisor was teaching a class on the book of Revelation and, at the same time, rooting around for a second reader for my project. With her head in John’s visions, she accidentally called me a “millennialist” in her emails to prospective readers.
What she meant was “millennial,” which is the preferred term for the generation that comes after GenX. Wikipedia apparently hasn’t gotten the memo that GenY isn’t the correct nomenclature, so I won’t send you over there to get the facts on this generation. If you are interested in the demographical and sociological stuff concerning the millennial generation check out the book Millennials Rising or this great blog: “MillennialGeneration.org.”
I borrowed the title of the blog from the U2 song, “Kite.” The chorus of this song always sends me to the third chapter of the Gospel According to John. The Pharisee Nicodemus comes to Jesus by night, and they engage in conversation. As they talk, Jesus removes Nicodemus’s certainty of the things he’s always known and ignites in him a new curiosity. By the end of the Gospel, Nicodemus has stepped into the light of a new life, and he finds himself at the foot of the cross.
The conversation between Nicodemus and Jesus shows me that I do not have to have everything figured out to believe in the God made flesh in Jesus Christ. The conversation also reminds me that even the most ardent and unshakeable Christian must still have the heart of a seeker. I am neither the most ardent nor the most unshakeable Christian I know, nor do I always have a seeker’s heart. But I do believe that the wind of the Spirit blows where it chooses and that God continues to infuse creation with light and beauty. And I believe that Christ calls all of us to embrace the abundant life he offers and live it for the glory of God and for the care of God’s creation.
Thank you for navigating to my blog. I hope that my reflections encourage you to reflect on how God is moving in your life. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you always.
Adam
Dear Adam+
This is a great website and I look forward to many postings by WTW. Thanks for mentioning SIM and providing a link to our website.
Cheers and God bless!
Jerry+
I look forward to interacting with you here, I saw you on Anglimergent.
Terry p/BSG
Had an encounter today similar to the one you had at the fair. I’ll call you soon. Painting is soon to be on its way.
Love,
Melinda
Adam, great work with the website. Very impressive and in a short period of time. We are thankful to God that your journey passed through Martinsburg. Keep smiling.
John
Not only can you deliver as an orator, but in the written word as well. This is really enjoyable reading. I come away with a sense of learning more about…myself, the bible, perceptions…or perhaps it is because I sometimes (sheepishly) admit to opening a new tab and browsing the dictionary for an uncertain word–actually makes it that much more enjoyable.
Keep it up,
Brad
I myself am just entering the “local discernment” process for ordination in The Episcopal Church. Hopefully we will deal with each other in great ways.
Adam:
I thought you might appreciate the following link, which is about an older organist and a young curate who have different ideas about music:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uc80G6Yzu04
I enjoyed having the opportunity to talk with your father last week.
Bob
i got a message from your dad on myspace and he sent me to your blog website. i was so intriqued that i read for 30 mins. you have grown up to be such a smart and handsome guy. i wish the best for you. i am guessing your dad helped to inspire you to become a priest. he is a great one that really helped me to grow in my christian life. i am proud of you and so looking forward to your future blogs.
Hi Adam,
I found this via your (great) post on Episcopal Cafe, and was really struck by the tag-line “one of the first Millennials to be ordained priest.” I guess I am too–I’m Canada, in the diocese of Montreal. There’s a few of our generation around here, ordained and in seminary.
Anyhow, it’s great to find a fellow traveler.
Pax.
Your writings in the Christian Century and in the Theolog this month are profound and imaginative. Thanks, and I’ll look forward to looking in now and again. Peace
Discovered you in Christian Century’s “Living the Word” for Lent I and checked you out. I like what I see . . . refreshing . . . profound! Please notify me of new posts via email.
Thanks so much.
Rich (Retired ELCA)
We enjoyed seeing our visit this morning and look forward to a service soon. We appreciate all the time you spent with us and are very encouraged by your energy and plans for youth. Thank you again.