As I’m sure some of you know, the author George Saunders delivered the commencement address at Syracuse University this year. You can find the full text of it here:http://6thfloor.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/31/george-saunderss-advice-to-graduates/?module=Search&mabReward=relbias%3Aw%2C%7B%221%22%3A%22RI%3A11%22%7DAnyway, it proved to be so popular, it actually was printed as a book, which I bought and read today. It was really quite delightful: short [which…… Continue reading George Saunders on Kindness
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.
The World Cup, Diversity & our Life Together
I had planned to write a blog on the World Cup yesterday, but the hours got away from me: it’s not easy being dean [cue music & Kermit’s voice…]. Anyway, I’m so glad I waited, because this morning, I read this fabulous piece in The New York Times:http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/11/opinion/david-brooks-baseball-or-soccer.html?_r=0Seriously, even if you stop reading the blog…… Continue reading The World Cup, Diversity & our Life Together
Religious Freedom? Freedom for what?
In case you missed the news from the Supreme Court yesterday, religious freedom is back in the news:http://nyti.ms/1r6GYaa; and, as a Christian, I can’t say I’m happy about it. Don’t get me wrong–I’m all for religious freedom, but it seems like every time “religious freedom” is at the heart of a public debate, it quickly…… Continue reading Religious Freedom? Freedom for what?
Does God Love Introverts? Reflections on "Quiet," by Susan Cain
I just finished reading Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain. It was a good, interesting book–even if, frankly, the core argument could have been made in a long New Yorker article! Her point, as you might imagine, is that we live in a world where extroverts are…… Continue reading Does God Love Introverts? Reflections on "Quiet," by Susan Cain
Creating Your Own "Rat Park"
A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I had read something in “O” magazine that I wanted to talk about, but then I got distracted by something else. Well, on this beautiful sunny summer’s day–when what I really want to do is get outside–I’m going back to that article & just write a quick post…… Continue reading Creating Your Own "Rat Park"
Re-thinking Buechner’s "deep gladness"
Many of the Lutherans I hang out with on a regular basis really like Frederick Buechner–even though he isn’t Lutheran, I think many of us would like to claim him! Anyway, one of Buechner’s quotes that I hear all the time, and people seem to really appreciate, is this one, from Wishful Thinking: A Theological…… Continue reading Re-thinking Buechner’s "deep gladness"
For Theology Nerds Only: The Athanasian Creed
A few weeks ago, the church commemorated Saint Athanasius, born in 296 and died in 373, bishop of Alexandria. Athanasius is justly honored as the hero of the Council of Nicaea, which he attended as secretary and deacon of then-Bishop Alexander of Alexandria, whom Athanasius succeeded in 328. He is considered to be the “greatest…… Continue reading For Theology Nerds Only: The Athanasian Creed
Alcoholics and Celiacs Need Not Apply
So, I was all set to write a blog on something I read in Oprah while I was at the gym last week, when I came across something much more pressing in The Christian Century today, and changed direction entirely. [Oh, do I even need to say that I am a huge fan of promiscuous reading? That’s…… Continue reading Alcoholics and Celiacs Need Not Apply
Sterling and Scapegoats
It was a fortuitous coincidence that at the same time Spring Academy Week here at the seminary was taking place, Donald Sterling’s racist chickens were finally coming home to roost. Why this was fortuitous for us here at Gettysburg is that we heard two fabulous presentations Tuesday and Wednesday that related directly to what was…… Continue reading Sterling and Scapegoats
Abandon All Hope?
This was an interesting article that I read in The New York Times this morning–not at all coincidentally published the day after Easter–that takes issue with hope in general, and Christian hope in particular. http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/19/abandon-nearly-all-hope/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0The author advocates for “a very Greek standpoint” that replaces hope with realism, which he sees as much more constructive and productive–his…… Continue reading Abandon All Hope?
Happy Lutheran 