About PLGRM
I was raised in a conservative midwestern home, went to a charismatic “fundegelical” church growing up, and even attended private christian schools for a while. One book that seemed ever present was Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyon, an allegory about the Christian journey to Heaven and of all the temptations and sidetracks along the way.
I’ve spent most of my life, since, coming to terms with that upbringing. I’ve learned and grown and changed, and now see the world very differently than I did as a kid. I think I’ve been a “pilgrim” who has experienced “progress,” but it is a far cry from what I was told it would be.
The posts I write are a way of sharing what I’ve learned on my journey, in hopes they will help others. I’ve been blessed to have be educated by some incredibly smart people who taught me a lot of astounding and mind-bending things, and I don’t think it’s fair to keep all that to myself.
The Schedule and Categories
Most weeks (I take some time off throughout the year), I publish on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons in the following categories:
You Should Know About This – The engine of the world is people being excited about finding something and passing it along. I want to share with you. Sharing is caring.
Brainwashing – Humans are dumb creatures. I’m sorry, but we are. And we’re selfish, too. I often read the news and find myself sad or angry or dumbfounded that some people think and do the things they think and do. I want to help. The way I see the world is the best way, and I want you to see it that way, too. Because it’s the best way. Did I tell you it’s the best?
Be More Human – We don’t have to be anything more or less than what we are. I know a lot of us are scared and anxious most of the time, but we don’t have to be.
God Talk – People who tell me they don’t believe in God don’t realize most Christians don’t believe in that God either. If Theology isn’t good and beautiful and true, then it’s not worth anyone’s time, tbh.
Quick Hits – Quick thoughts in 250 words or less. Just a little nugget to chew on. Like a chicken nugget. But better.
About Landon
I was born in Tulsa, OK, but consider myself a Kansan.
After graduating college with a degree in Theatre, I sold yellow page ads. I was very bad at it. I decided to go to divinity school instead.
I worked in interfaith relations, pastored a local congregation, became a church bureaucrat, wrote a couple books on church and theology, and became a local pastor again. I’m weary of explaining I’m not “that kind” of pastor, but will continue to do so, because in this day and age – sadly – you still gotta.
In 2011, I wrote Open Source Church: Making Room for the Wisdom of All. This was a time when people went gaga for technology metaphors, but my basic point was: All of us are more faithful than one of us. That’s still true.
In 2013, I declared: Theology is Art, not history or law.
In 2019, I published a novel about baseball and xenophobia. It’s not as depressing as it sounds. It’s called The Gringos’ Game.
Hopefully, soon, I’ll finish my next novel, titled: The Pleasure at Being the Cause. Set in a rural Kansas town, it is an exploration of what it means to leave home and become your own person. This story is not autobiographical at all… 🙂
I’ve written a bunch of music in various styles. You can find it here, here, and here.
I’m currently the pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City. I’m married, and have four kids and two dogs.
PLGRM 