The Rev. Carol Howard Merritt
Carol Howard Merritt is a first-time Celebrity Blogger AND our first ever Presbyterian contributor! Yes, it's a slippery slope and the next thing you know, John Calvin will end up in the bracket. But we're delighted Carol is aboard and we know you'll enjoy getting to know her. With over 10,000 followers on Twitter she also has the rest of us beat -- like pushing "actual" celebrity. Her official Lent Madness bio evokes the brevity of Hemingway so you may want to poke around her website a bit.
The Rev. Carol Howard Merritt (@CarolHoward) is a Presbyterian (USA) pastor and an award-winning author. Her latest book is Healing Spiritual Wounds: Reconnecting with A Loving God After Experiencing a Hurtful Church (HarperOne). She is a regular writer at the Christian Century where her blog is hosted. Visit: http://www.carolhowardmerritt.
1. If you could have dinner with any saint, who would it be and what would you serve? (and, duh, why?)
Hildegard of Bingen. Because I want to get a tattoo of one of her visions on my body. I’d be interested in knowing which one she thought would be best.
2. What hymn would you pay money never to hear again? And which hymn are you convinced is on the play list in heaven?
Onward Christian Soldier makes my ears bleed.
Down to the River to Pray, sung by Alison Krauss.
3. You're busy during Lent. Why do you make time for the Saintly Smackdown? What do you get out of it personally?
I’ve been introduced to so many interesting figures through the Saintly Smackdown! It’s a little heartbreaking though. I get annoyed every year when my favorite saint loses. But… I try not to be a martyr about it.
7 comments on “Celebrity Blogger Week: Carol Howard Merritt”
Welcome!
Dear Rev. Merritt, I completely agree with you on "Onward Christian Soldiers," as it reminds me of
the Devil driven crusades, that are plaguing our country today, dividing families that have brown skin.
"Jesus Loves the Little Children, all the children of the world. Red and Yellow, Black and White,
all are precious in his sight..." Every life matters, is heaven's truth! Saint Jude, of lost causes, tells me
there is no "smackdown touchdown" that will be scored by our Orange Devil, or all the Devils of
humanity.
Right on, sister! The East Indian philosopher Ramana Marharshi, when asked "How are we to treat others, replied, "There are no others."
And of course when that day comes, Calvin will absolutely sweep through the bracket...or get bounced in round one. Anyway, three cheers for the Presbyterian breakthrough!
Can I be the first Luthyterian? I grew up Lutheran and am a member of a Presbyterian church now. 😛
Good choice on the hymn but coming from a Methodist/ Wesleyan tradition I'd say not only "onward Christian soldiers" but add 2 to that one, "Victory in Jesus" and "A Mighty Fortress" used as a battle song by Protestants in the 30 years wars between Catholics. Welcome as a blogger.
Since I moved to Merritt, British Columbia in 1962 and have never left the area, I will follow the posts of our small city's namesake with great interest!