To say Stanley Hauerwas is a theologian dismisses a great deal of the substance that makes him one of the most sought after religious thinkers in the West. He describes himself as conservative, however this might only be applied in a religious context. His politics lean much more left of center than his Texas blue collar past and gravelly twang might imply.

Stanley has written or co-authored dozens of books and papers, among them his memoir, Hannah's Child, a beautiful and award-winning reflection on a life of metaphysical and theological passions in a herculean effort to discern Truth: for himself, for his students, and for the church.

We met at Stanley's home and enjoyed his amazing art collection as well as his two Siamese cats, Hope and Faith, who appear a few times during the conversation.

We spoke about why postmodern lean ...