Author Archives: Corey Sharpe

About Corey Sharpe

Where do we get our beliefs? Three theological perspectives have significantly shaped my Christian identity: Evangelicalism, the early Methodist tradition and liberation theology. From my coming to faith in a Baptist church and throughout my education in a Baptist school and college, I was nurtured by convictions that emphasized a spiritual rebirth, a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and the centrality of the Bible. Even when I disagree with certain aspects of evangelicalism, it has deeply influenced my sense of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. My seminary studies spawned my interest in early Methodism, particularly its approach to spiritual formation. Its leaders were convinced that only a foundation of doctrine and discipline would lead to a meaningful transformation of the heart and mind. In other words, having the mind of Christ enables me to be more like Christ. Life in a suburban culture obscures the increasing gap between the poor and rich, as well as the Bible’s close identification with the poor. My doctoral work in socio-cultural context exposed me to liberation theology, which helps me see redemptive history as a history of oppressed groups, written from the perspective of the powerless, about a God who is actively involved with the poor in their struggles. I am now the pastor at Huntingtown United Methodist Church in Calvert County, Maryland. Together my wife and I are raising 4 young theologians.

True Wisdom and False Wisdom

Posted on April 21, 2024 by Corey Sharpe

I’m preaching from James 3:13-4:3 this Sunday. For James, wisdom is defined not as intellectual brilliance, but as doing good. True wisdom helps us to discern what is good. When we look at the things we do, we need to … Continue reading →

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Can Churches Perform Miracles?

Posted on April 15, 2024 by Corey Sharpe

Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. – John 14:12 I’m trying to imagine … Continue reading →

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Pontius Pilate: Ruthless or Indecisive Governor?

Posted on March 22, 2024 by Corey Sharpe

When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a [c]tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this [d]just Person. You see to it.” Matthew 27:24 The Gospel writers give … Continue reading →

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‘Doubting Thomas’, a Model for Modern Faith?

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Corey Sharpe

Thomas is often infamously remembered as “Doubting Thomas,”  but is this an accurate label?  Indeed Thomas refused to accept Christ’s resurrection without physical evidence, but how does that set him apart from the others mentioned in the Gospel accounts?  Mary … Continue reading →

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The Compassion of Judas Iscariot

Posted on March 20, 2024 by Corey Sharpe

The name of Judas Iscariot went down to the pages of history as the man who betrayed Jesus. Luke attributes this to Satan.  Matthew and Mark say it was because of greed.  John points to both, and also adds theft as a motivation (John 12:1-8).  I think if we could travel back in time to […]

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Filling in the Christmas Gaps

Posted on December 18, 2023 by Corey Sharpe

Much is implied in the Christmas story that we can miss if we don’t dig deeper into the story. There are questions to be asked. For example: The Christmas story starts with Emperor Augustus, who is adding to his wealth, … Continue reading →

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Can We Keep Politics Out of the Bible?

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Corey Sharpe

He has put down the mighty from their thrones, and exalted the lowly. – Luke 1:52 (Mary’s Song) Not completely. Mary is pregnant, and she sings about it. Mary has been approached by an angel with the news that, while still a virgin, she … Continue reading →

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Reading Psalm 23 as a Travel Guide

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Corey Sharpe

I’ve read this passage so many times, but as with all of Scripture it feels like I’ve just scratched the surface. The book of Psalms is a collection, an anthology, a hymnal, a book of songs. This time I thought … Continue reading →

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Functional Atheism and a Mindset of Scarcity

Posted on July 26, 2023 by Corey Sharpe

In his book, Let Your Life Speak, Parker Palmer describes functional atheists as people who claim they believe in God but function in their lives as atheists. “It’s the godless belief that the ultimate responsibility for everything rests with us.” … Continue reading →

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Let Go and Let God?

Posted on June 28, 2023 by Corey Sharpe

“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).  It’s a handy phrase to have in a difficult conversation about a difficult situation. I can’t do anything about this problem, so I’ve placed it in … Continue reading →

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