About J.L. Neyhart

Hi! Welcome to my little corner of the internet! Just call me Neyhart! (pronounced N-ī-hart, think "iHeart" N-eye-heart!).

I am passionate about studying and teaching the Bible and Theology. (I've also spent a lot of time focused on C. S Lewis over the years as he is one of my favorite authors!) I started Seminary (the first time!) in 2014 and graduated on May 18, 2019, with a Master of Arts in Theological Studies. This was my second Master's degree because I was originally pursuing teaching Literature, so I earned my MA in English from the University of Louisville in 2009.

Then, in June of 2020 due to the economic downturn from the pandemic, I was laid off from my corporate cubicle job where I had worked since 2011. The good news is that it freed me to take a risk and follow the nudge/call I had been resisting for a long time toward some kind of pastoral ministry. So, that's right, I'm back in seminary again, this time working towards my MDiv (Master's of Divinity, which seems like a ridiculous name for a degree since obviously no human could "master" divinity... but I digress. Did I mention I have ADHD?)

Like any good nerd, I geek out about many things. Clearly, I am passionate about theology. I believe theology matters deeply because bad theology leads to death, both metaphorically and literally.

But on a lighter note, I love Fantasy and Science Fiction stories, including The Chronicles of Narnia (of course!), The Lord of the Rings, Doctor Who, Star Trek, and Star Wars, Marvel and DC Superhero stories! (I am an equal opportunity nerd, although yes, the MCU is far superior to the DC movies). I'm a bit of a LEGO Maniac or Adult Fan of LEGO (AFOL); I love playing board games and deck-building games. And I love playing guitar, singing, and watching musicals. (I told you I have a lot of interests!)

Most of all, I really love people. I am an extrovert with more friends than I have time to keep up with the way I want to! I am also deeply empathetic and my heart aches so much for those who are suffering. I am especially concerned with working for liberation for all who have too often been oppressed: those who have been marginalized, demonized, and worse. 

Rev. Dr. Katie Geneva Cannon asked, “What is the work your soul must have?” This question has been extremely beneficial and clarifying for me as I think about my vocational call. The work my soul must have is to help people find liberation from toxic, abusive, traumatizing theologies and be able to live out of God’s inclusive, invitational, liberating Love. I want everyone to know we are all invited into the beloved community and God’s expansive, liberating love is for every human being. As a gay/queer person, I have a passion for helping other LGBTQ+ people find freedom from homophobic/transphobic theologies. This is all part of the good news of the Gospel, to set the captives free. And this work must be intersectional because we find liberation together: as others have tried to tell us: none of us are free until all of us are free. 

If you are wondering where to start on your own journey toward affirming theology here is a list of resources I've put together: Resources for Affirming Theology

I am now writing more about various topics in theology. If you want to keep up with my posts, sign up for free updates by entering your email below:



I'd also love for you to connect with me on Twitter and Facebook

 Highlights:

- Listen to me give a brief talk on C. S. Lewis and some of the wisdom and encouragement he can offer us in our own times of struggle and uncertainty in this youtube video.

- You can scroll through my book reviews here: Neyhart's Book Reviews.

- Check out the podcast I've been on quite a bit: Reclaiming Christianity

- And here are some of my favorite posts I've written over the past few years:


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