So, I have been reading this great book that my friend Lauren bought me [she knows me well & knew that I would love it]–it is called The Soul of an Octopus, by Sy Montgomery. Basically it is the author’s story of learning about–and coming to love–specific octopuses [not octopi–you don’t put a Latin ending…… Continue reading An Octopus, an Icon
Author: happylutheran
I am the president at Wartburg Theological Seminary, my beloved alma mater. I am an inveterate optimist, runner, vegetarian, and harp player. I love Mary Oliver and Gerard Manley Hopkins, and like them, I'm continually delighted by all the surprising and wonderful ways God shows up in the world.
Conversations about Poverty and Circumcision
Tonight is my last night in South Africa–we fly home tomorrow. I have had the most amazing time, but at the same time, I am ready to go home. My thoughts are full, my heart is full, and I miss my little family! I know I will continue to reflect on all that I saw…… Continue reading Conversations about Poverty and Circumcision
Community Outreach and Signs of Hope
In this post, I want to say a little bit about the people we have met the past couple days who are really making a difference in their local communities. First, on Sunday, we worshipped at J L Zwane Church (Presbyterian) in Guglethu township. It is an amazing congregation. They were the first church…… Continue reading Community Outreach and Signs of Hope
Theology, Sin & the Paris Climate Agreement
The trip continues to go well–we continue to have rich, full days with lots to give thanks for and lots reflect upon. Today I finally have the time & mental capacity to gather my thoughts and offer a few things that have impacted me these past few days. The first reflection that I want to…… Continue reading Theology, Sin & the Paris Climate Agreement
3 Questions around Identity
Today has been another rich, full day in South Africa, and I absolutely must get to bed. So, instead of a full post, I thought I would just pose five of the questions that I have been wrestling with most today, in light of what we have seen and done. 1. We went to…… Continue reading 3 Questions around Identity
The Wonder of God’s Creation
So, today was a “bush” day–a morning game drive, following by an early afternoon bush walk, followed by a late afternoon game drive. Honestly, it was one of the best days of my life. If you know me at all, you know how much I love animals–I always have; it’s why I’m a vegetarian. So,…… Continue reading The Wonder of God’s Creation
Lessons from Apartheid
Today was a rich, full day, with lots to learn and lots to process. We started the day at the Apartheid Museum, and three hours wasn’t enough to see it all. There was a great exhibit about Nelson Mandela–his life and history, and his role in ending apartheid; and then the museum itself had lots…… Continue reading Lessons from Apartheid
Maybe we are all African
I am here in South African on a 10 day study tour—it’s really the trip of a lifetime, and I am so excited to be here. After a ridiculously long trip—first a flight to Frankfurt, then an 8 hour layover, then an 11 hour flight to Johannesburg, we all made it safely. We did a…… Continue reading Maybe we are all African
Luther, Muslims and One God
As I write this, President Trump is in Saudi Arabia. The White House has promised that he will be delivering a speech to Muslim leaders that will promote peace. (Frankly, delivering such a speech seems beyond the skill set of this president, but time will tell.) In any case, Muslim-Christian relationships are on my mind…… Continue reading Luther, Muslims and One God
Happy Lutheran 