A 21st Century Car for a 21st Century theologian

After many years of companionship and loyalty, I had to cut ties and all connections because she was pulling me down with her in destructive ways very fast. Yes, I had to move on from my first car, my 1992 Mercury Sable. We had gone as far together as we possibly could, because I wasn’t really willing to invest into the relationship the monetary demands and expectations that were growing each year. A flat tire here, a coolant tube there… no problem. But when the radiator went bad, I knew at that point, what was once a good thing had turned sour.

(This picture is not actually of my car… but this is what it looked like)

Moment in silence for my 92 Sable ………………………… Ok that’s enough! So you might be wondering what vehicle I am freestylin in now! It is the 2001 Hyundai Elantra. Yes it will hopefully be the perfect car for me… it has a pretty good reputation and it is an affordable car as well. Oh and did I mention that I talked the dealer down from $6,000 to $3,500. Yes it is possible. Freestyle (contrary to popular opinion) is about preparation. I looked up the true market value of the car for the Philly area, as well as other important information that could come in handy, so that when the moment came, I could flo back and forth with the dealer with confidence. It did take about 2 hours for the whole process, but it was definitely worth the time. The key to the negotiation is that you must be willing to walk away. If they know you must have the car, you will pay the must have the car price. Anyway, my car is nothing extravagant, it has some small minor nicks, dents, and scratches. However, with only 59,000 miles left on it, I believe it has several years to go. (Yet there are no guarantees!!!)

Published by Drew G. I. Hart, PhD

Rev. Dr. Drew G. I. Hart is an associate professor of theology at Messiah University and has 10 years of pastoral experience prior to teaching. He currently directs Messiah University's "Thriving Together: Congregations for Racial Justice" program and co-hosts Inverse Podcast with Jarrod McKenna, an award-winning peace activist from Australia. Hart is the author of Trouble I've Seen: Changing the Way the Church Views Racism (2016) and Who Will Be A Witness?: Igniting Activism for God's Justice, Love, and Deliverance (2020). And he is also a co-editor and contributor to the recently published book entitled Reparations and the Theological Disciplines: Prophetic Voices for Remembrance, Reckoning, and Repair (Nov. 2023). Hart received bcmPEACE’s 2017 Peacemaker Award, the 2019 W.E.B. Du Bois Award in Harrisburg, PA, and most recently in December 2023 Life Esteem Ministries recognized him in Harrisburg with the Harambee Award for the Nguzo Saba Principle of Umoja—Unity for his faith-based activism and public scholarship in the community. Drew and his family live in Harrisburg, PA.

2 thoughts on “A 21st Century Car for a 21st Century theologian

  1. Congrats on the new car!

    When I read this blog, I missed the days when you would find out that your friend or family member got a new car by them driving by your place or by them offering to give you a ride. In today’s world blog’s with pictures informs us that our friend just bought a new car.

    Reflecting on this, I know I have to change with the times even if my emotions say other wise. I could only imagine those people emotions who were alive when telephones became into be.

    Finally, I pray that the car be free of major repairs and that it will be used for His Kingdom.

  2. I remember back in the day driving from Philly to Willingboro to show my man PT and his wife Wanda our new wheels. Memories …

    I too pray that your ride gives you many miles of trouble free travel. That’s the important thing for me and the lady. Thank God for transportation that is reliable with a minimum of maintenance.

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