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2016-02-10T15:10:46-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Ashes: A Celebration in Zimbabwe

Last updated on: February 10, 2016 at 3:10 pm By Jeff Hood

The smells. The smoke. The bells. The masses. The Roman Catholic Cathedral in Gweru, Zimbabwe is constructed to hold as many people as possible. Tonight, I watched thousands pour onto the small wooden benches. Then, the service began. The words weren’t different. Based on the structure of the service, I could’ve been in any Roman Catholic Church in the world. I wasn’t. People began to beat drums mightily. The masses started to glide down the aisle.... Read more

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All to Jesus I surrender

Roman Catholic Cathedral

The Ashes

Zimbabwe

2016-02-09T16:23:48-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Where is Itai? : Thoughts on a Disappeared Activist in Zimbabwe

Last updated on: February 9, 2016 at 4:23 pm By Jeff Hood

On March 9, 2015, prominent Zimbabwean pro-democracy activist Itai Dzamara was abducted by what people believe to be government officials and has not been seen since. “Where is Itai?” The question is at the core of bubbling resistance. On the 11th month since his disappearance, I decided to send a letter to the editors of the major opposition newspapers about Itai: Editor – Just last week, I entered Zimbabwe for the first time. As a liberation theologian... Read more

2016-02-08T14:45:41-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Resisting Mugabe in Zimbabwe

Last updated on: February 8, 2016 at 2:45 pm By Jeff Hood

Dirt has been a constant companion. Like air, you’re constantly breathing it in and exhaling it out. When the bus arrived, I passed through the red fog to the climb up into my seat. Before I could even think, the driver looked at me and said, “Why do you remain silent about what’s going on here in Zimbabwe? We’re living in hell. How many more people will have to disappear or starve to death before your people will care?... Read more

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Thoughts

Be careful during your time in Zimbabwe

2016-02-07T12:18:09-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Mentally Ill God: A Sermon from Zimbabwe

Last updated on: February 7, 2016 at 12:18 pm By Jeff Hood

*Delivered at Monomotapa Baptist Church in Gweru, Zimbabwe on 2/7/2016 Throughout Zimbabwe, I’ve heard something repeatedly…that social and political realities have nothing to do with spiritual realities. In the United States, people say similar things when they don’t want you to talk about things. People want to keep God way up in the clouds. For if God is up there, then those in power don’t have to worry about struggling with the God down here. When you leave God out... Read more

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African Baptist Churches of Zimbabwe

Monomotapa Baptist Church

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The Mentally Ill Gospel

Zimbabwe

2016-02-06T13:26:14-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Impromptu Sermon : Thoughts on Christian Defiance in Zimbabwe

Last updated on: February 6, 2016 at 1:26 pm By Jeff Hood

Earlier this afternoon, a group of Zimbabwean government officials asked me to discuss politics with them. This is an authoritarian society where such an invitation can be dangerous. Nevertheless, I engaged. When I told them that I was primarily a theologian, they told me that here in Zimbabwe politics and spirituality don’t mix. While I didn’t know if such a comment was intended to be a warning or not, I questioned them as to whether Christianity could even exist... Read more

politics and spirituality

Robert Mugabe

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwean Christians

Zimbabwean government officials

2016-02-05T14:19:09-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Feathered Zimbabweans

Last updated on: February 5, 2016 at 2:19 pm By Jeff Hood

Birds of a feather flock together. Strangely, I’ve found companions amongst the feathers on the farm. There is just something about these chickens. Back feathers. White feathers. Brown feathers. Green feathers. Their brilliant colors seem to never end. The feathered rainbow calls me to never stop searching for more colors. Noise catches their attention. Immediately, the chickens run as fast as they can. It is as if the whole world will crash if they don’t get there... Read more

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Birds of a feather flock together

I'm not too chicken to listen

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run

The Feathered Zimbabweans

2016-02-05T13:57:59-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Mentally Ill of Zimbabwe

Last updated on: February 5, 2016 at 1:57 pm By Jeff Hood

After three days traveling, I was not in the best mental health. Between the mania and depression, I was struggling to figure out how to make it the rest of the trip. Then, a phrase gave me more clarity about where I was. “Don’t tell anyone you’re mentally ill.” There are few phrases that can strike more fear in someone whose brain functions differently than others. After hearing the phrase, I decided I needed to learn even more... Read more

2016-02-05T13:25:58-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Government Should be Afraid of Christians / A Word from Zimbabwe

Last updated on: February 5, 2016 at 1:25 pm By Jeff Hood

“He’s the best leader in the world.” On my final flight into Zimbabwe, I overheard a gentleman make this comment about President Robert Mugabe. When I asked about all the crippling economic struggles the nation was having (unemployment at 90% and multiple government sectors having gone unpaid for 6 months), he looked at me and said, “Christians should fear the President. This is the only path to peace.” Shocked, I let the conversation drift off. Peace is an illusion when... Read more

2016-01-31T23:44:06-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

The Shirt

Last updated on: January 31, 2016 at 11:44 pm By Jeff Hood

The Shirt * words of comfort for a grieving preacher friend who wore a clergy shirt for the first time at his husband’s funeral. I laid it out. I waited for the time. I heard you call. I said goodbye. I went to the shirt. I held it tight. I knew the time was finally right. I put it on. I drove to church. I got up to speak. I knew we’d meet. I wore... Read more

Grace United Methodist Church

2016-01-26T23:00:45-06:00

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Tonight, We Were Dining with God.

Last updated on: January 26, 2016 at 11:00 pm By Jeff Hood

Emily and I don’t have much money. Truthfully, the vegetables and rice were the best we could do tonight. We were tired. It didn’t matter. The kids were hungry. The words “money” and “tired” are not a part of their vocabulary. By the time everyone got to their plate, we were even more exhausted. In the midst of the chaos, we just wanted everyone to eat and go to bed. Then, something magical happened. I looked up and... Read more

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divinity

Jeffrey Kyle Hood III

Madeleine Jean Frances Hood

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Oscar Lucas Campbell Hood

Phillip Ray Emory Hood

Quinley Mandela Dillard Hood

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Tonight

we were dining with God.

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