A long time ago, a man named John wrote a dream-like book on the Isle of Patmos, while living in forced exile because of his faith. Just recently, another man named John wrote a book entitled “Why Christianity Must Change Or Die”, in which he described himself as a “believer in exile”, because despite his deep faith in God and Christ he is unable to accept many of the claims of popular orthodoxy. For many years, those who insist that the Bible must be understood literally, that it is inerrant, and that assent to traditional creedal and doctrinal understandings forms the irreducible essence of Christian Faith, have loudly laid claim to the name “Christianity” until most people are unaware that faithful alternatives exist. Christians who do not identify with this narrow view, who seek a more vital and open understanding of the Christian faith, have often been marginalized, living our faith as though in exile, often unaware of one another’s existence. In the search for integrity, we have often felt forced to give up community. The sense of isolation and frustration can be especially painful for those who work in the Church and struggle to find liturgical, homiletical, or other worship resources we can use in good conscience, much less with enthusiasm.

New Patmos is a place for such “exiles” to find welcome. Think of it as an email-based cyberspace faith community for believers, seekers, and doubters who care enough to wrestle with deep questions of faith and aren’t satisfied by the traditional answers. It’s a way for us to share some part of our faith journeys, to learn from one another, and to give one another comfort and encouragement along the way. If this sounds to you like a gathering of kindred spirits… then please join us!