Justin Barringer
Dallas, TX
PhD in Religious Studies
Southern Methodist University
United Methodist
Justin’s exploration of religion and ethics has been inspired by his experience working with the disadvantaged, his intellectual and spiritual curiosity, and the writings of a 12th century monk who proclaimed, “God is Friendship.” Befriending others is essential to peacebuilding, because it allows people to disagree, forgive, understand one another and grow. Within this context, clergy must “create and nurture an environment in which people can build and maintain friendships with one another and God.” Justin also values friendship in the life of the religious leader who is seeking moral and intellectual development. “This life need not require advanced degrees,” he says, “but simply a person who, with friends in community, seeks after truth. Similarly, the moral life does not rely on a refined ethical theory, but upon building character through self-examination, again with friends, seeking virtue.”