The Longer Table

When James writes that God gives wisdom "generously and ungrudgingly," the Greek word is haplos — simply, without double-mindedness, without sorting people into categories first. God does not means-test wisdom. God does not check your theology before answering. A friend of mine pastors a small church in Portland that nearly split over whether to become an affirming congregation. The arguments went in circles for months — proof texts volleyed back and forth, voices raised at congregational meetings.…