Barbara Brown Taylor is an American Episcopal priest, professor, and author. She was born on September 21, 1951, in Reynolds, Georgia. She is well-known for her preaching, speaking, and writing about faith and spirituality.
Early Life
Taylor was born on September 21, 1951, in Lafayette, Indiana. Not much information is available about her family.
Education
She attended Emory University for her undergraduate studies and graduated in 1973. Later, she studied at Yale Divinity School and graduated in 1976.
Early
She was ordained in 1984 and served as the rector of Grace-Calvary Episcopal Church in Clarkesville, Georgia, starting in 1992.
Later, Barbara transitioned from parish ministry to becoming a full-time professor at Piedmont College in Demorest, Georgia. Additionally, she became an adjunct professor of Christian spirituality at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. In her teaching, she introduced mainly Christian students to other faiths to broaden their understanding of different religious practices.
In 1996, Baylor University recognized her as one of the twelve “most effective” preachers in the English-speaking world. She also received the 1998 Emory Medal from Emory Alumni Association for her outstanding contributions to education.
Barbara Brown Taylor led the second annual Piedmont College religion conference in Athens, Georgia, in February 2009. She had previously served as the keynote speaker at the conference.
Furthermore, she delivered the 2009 Annual Buechner Lecture at the Buechner Institute at King University. With a focus on faith and spirituality, she has authored twelve books.
In February 2010, just before Piedmont College’s religion conference, she was ranked among the top ten most influential living preachers by the Southern Baptist Convention.
In the early 2000s, Barbara made the decision to step away from active ministry while maintaining her ordination. Her memoir, “Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith,” marked the beginning of a trilogy about her journey of redefining faith, followed by “An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith” and “Learning to Walk in the Dark.”
Barbara Brown First Husband
Edward Taylor is married to Barbara Brown Taylor. They have been married since 1982.
Barbara Brown Taylor Beliefs
Barbara Brown Taylor has a progressive and inclusive approach to Christianity. She believes in inclusivity and respects people of different faiths. Taylor is known for her openness to learning from various religious traditions.
She encourages exploring spirituality with an open mind. Taylor emphasizes experiencing the divine in everyday life, not just within traditional religious institutions.
In her writings, Taylor discusses doubt and darkness as opportunities for spiritual growth. She believes that even in challenging times, God can be present.
Nature is essential to Taylor’s spirituality. She sees the natural world as sacred and encourages finding God in its beauty and intricacies.
As a woman who served as an Episcopal priest, Taylor advocates for the inclusion of women in ministry. Her experiences contribute to discussions about gender roles in religious institutions.
Taylor supports interfaith dialogue and finding common ground among people of different religious backgrounds.
She explores contemplative practices like prayer and meditation. Taylor encourages cultivating a deeper awareness of the divine through mindfulness.
Books
Barbara Brown Taylor has written many books. Some of her well-known books include:
- “Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith”
- “An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith”
- “Learning to Walk in the Dark”
- “Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others”
Barbara Brown Taylor Quotes
Barbara Brown Taylor is known for her insightful quotes about faith, spirituality, and life. Here are a few:
- “The opposite of faith is not doubt; it’s certainty.”
- “Faith is not the opposite of doubt but the action that transcends it.”
- “What is saving my life now is the conviction that there is no spiritual treasure to be found apart from the bodily experiences of human life on earth. My life depends on engaging the most ordinary physical activities with the most exquisite attention I can give them.”
- “Most of the time, it is enough to know that somewhere, in a place you can’t see, your words are bearing fruit.”
- “The hardest spiritual work in the world is to love the neighbor as the self—to encounter another human being not as someone you can use, change, fix, help, save, enroll, convince or control, but simply as someone who can spring you from the prison of yourself, if you will allow it.”
- “I have learned things in the dark that I could never have learned in the light, things that have saved my life over and over again, so that there is really only one logical conclusion. I need darkness as much as I need light.”
Recognition
Barbara Brown Taylor has won many awards and honors for her work in religion and spirituality. People appreciate her writing because it’s easy to understand and explores faith in a thoughtful way.
Net Worth
Barbara Taylor Brown net worth is not disclosed to the public domain.
Social Media
You can find Barbara Brown Taylor on the following social media platforms:
- Facebook: Barbara Brown Taylor
- Instagram: @Barbara_taylor
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Barbara Brown Taylor?
Barbara Brown Taylor is an American author, Episcopal priest, and professor known for her writings on religion, spirituality, and faith.
2. When and where was Barbara Brown Taylor born?
Barbara Brown Taylor was born on September 21, 1951, in Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
3. What is Barbara Brown Taylor known for?
Barbara Brown Taylor is known for her insightful writings on matters of faith, spirituality, and life. She has authored numerous books and is praised for her accessible and thought-provoking exploration of religious themes.
4. What are some of Barbara Brown Taylor’s notable books?
Some of Barbara Brown Taylor’s notable books include “Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith,” “An Altar in the World: A Geography of Faith,” “Learning to Walk in the Dark,” and “Holy Envy: Finding God in the Faith of Others.”
5. What awards and honors has Barbara Brown Taylor received?
Barbara Brown Taylor has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to the field of religion and spirituality. These accolades recognize her impact as an author, speaker, and educator.