Scott Stearman directs the International Advocacy Baptist Collaborative that seeks to amplify and coordinate the advocacy work of the global Baptist family at the United Nations and in Washington D.C. He is vice chair of the board of trustees for the Parliament of the World’s Religions.
1. What story, verse or passage from your faith tradition’s sacred texts has significantly influenced / shaped your life?
There are many that I could cite, but one that comes to mind is the story in the New Testament book of Acts of the Ethiopian eunuch who was baptized by Phillip. This man, who was forbidden to enter the temple by tradition and scriptures, was welcomed into the fold of Jesus-followers.
This is the central focus of Jesus’ teachings: where we see boundaries, God sees open access. Where we see division, God sees unity. Where we see a prodigal kid, God sees a beloved child.
2. Who are three people (other than your family) who have shaped your life and worldview? And why?
Jimmy Carter – lovely example of faith and compassion in the public arena.
Socrates – questioning received wisdom is worth risking life and limb.
Richard Wagner – an otherwise horrible human can produce some of the greatest music in the world. His ideas and work transcend his racism. There is some grace at work in the worst of us.
3. List three of your “desert island” books, movies or TV shows.
“The Remains of the Day” (movie or book); “Longmire” (TV series), and “Metaphysics as a Guide to Morals” (Iris Murdoch’s Gifford lectures).
4. What is one of the most critical issues people are facing today?
Misinformation – on climate change, health issues, politics. It’s a pandemic.
5. What are a few of your hobbies?
Cooking, snow skiing, reading and welding.
6. If you could freeze your life into an already-lived 10 seconds, what would they be?
I vividly recall several French meals I’d love to repeat. But I would need more than 10 seconds.
7. Our tagline at Good Faith Media is, “There’s more to tell.” What’s your “more to tell”?
A favorite quote is from the French writer Marguerite Duras: Très vite dans ma vie il a été trop tard (“Very quickly in my life it was too late”).
At some point in your life (assuming you live a few decades), you realize how quickly it passes. There is simply no way to “tell” this. It must be lived. Understanding finitude induces both gratitude for the moment and regret over lost time.
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Reflection and resources at the intersection of faith and culture through an inclusive Christian lens.
