[3] Jennings gained a notoriety for his work on ritual studies,[4] the Messianic politics of Pauline discourse, and theological engagement with the work of Dietrich Bonhoeffer[5] and Jacques Derrida.
Jennings's theology related to LGBT matters was welcomed in progressive circles,[6] but was cast as outright heretical by conservative theologians such as R. Albert Mohler, a Southern Baptist theologian and minister.
[7] This opprobrium also appeared when he published across ecumenical aisles, such as when he was called a heretic by Charlotte Allen of the non-denominational Institute on Religion and Public Life[8] on account of his collaborations with Tat-siong Benny Liew of the College of the Holy Cross.
His scholarly work and publications have focused on a broad array of topics, such as Methodism, ritual studies,[9] biblical hermeneutics, liberation theology, LGBT rights and queer theology, the politics of Pauline Messianism, and the work of Jacques Derrida.
[3] Following a serious stroke on March 5, 2020, at his second home near Acapulco, Mexico, Jennings was transported by ambulance to Hospital Angeles Roma in Mexico City where he passed away almost three weeks later on March 25, 2020.