A retired minister and teacher, Dr. Hankins explores issues of common interest, writing candidly about the Bible, Theology and Contemporary Concerns. The idea for the book originated from a column, Theological Twisters, which Dr. Hankins wrote for a southside Virginia newspaper. Presently, he writes a weekly column about religion, politics, and general subjects of interest for the Huntington, WV Herald-Dispatch. A Sensible Theology for Thinking People helps the reader to deal with various anomalies in both the Old and the New Testaments. It discusses a wide range of subjects, including "The Nature of God," "'Holy' Books," "The Historical Jesus," "Sin, Shame, and Salvation," "Evil," "The Relationship Between God and Humanity," "The Institutional Church," "Death and Dying," The Spiritual Realm," "The Kingdom of God," and "God's Will." Dr. Hankins ends the book with a chapter titled "Summation and Personal Conclusions" which summarizes his deepest, innermost thoughts and feelings about the current and future state of religion and the church. The author affirms his Christian faith while pointing out that the church has altered the nature of Christianity over the centuries. Thus, much that passes for orthodoxy in the twenty-first century was "unheard of" among early believers. Dr. Hankins does not presume to tell anyone how to think, but he consistently offers new insights which allow the reader to re-think his or her faith and religious experiences. At the same time, the author points out the folly of believing without queston many of the generally-accepted stores. He explains the difference between myths, fables, and parables. While believing in the possibility of miracles, he raises interesting questions about how and why they are realized. Dr. Hankins began his faith journey when he was twelve years old by undergoing baptism and joining his local church. From early childhood he questioned much that he was taught. This book is the culmination of many years of study, reflection and meditation, experimentation, and, with honest consideration of the sacred texts, arriving at a "sensible" faith which works for him. He believes that many more people would, and will, come to a viable, reasonable faith if they understand the priesthood of the believer-- that is, that all human beings have the privilege of examining religious belief, and deciding for themselves what works for them. This is a book which discusses how one can arrive at "A Sensible Theology for Thinking People."
Dr. L. Milton Hankins served churches in West Virginia, Ohio, and Virginia before retiring in 1997. He holds degrees from the University of Charleston and Trinity Theological Seminary. His articles, short stories, and theological writings have appeared in numerous national journals and periodicals, including Biblical Illustrator and Pulpit Digest. In 1992-93 he was elected to Who's Who in Religion. More recently, he published a book of Appalachian short stories, Ashes on the Snow, and continues to write a weekly column for the Huntington, WV Herald-Dispath. He has been interviewed on radio and television. Currently, he and his wife Deborah Going Hankins operate a Bed and Breakfast in Catlettsburg, KY, and he continues to pursue his work as a speaker and freelance writer.
