Every year, the seminary begins with an opening convocation, and most years, the faculty chooses one of its own to deliver the convocation address. The purpose of the address? Oh, not much: merely to set the tone and theme for the entire academic year. No pressure, right? Well, we’ve had lots of great addresses–we have…… Continue reading "Bridge People"
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.
Thoughts on Wisdom and Knowledge on the Cusp of a New Academic Year
Here at Gettysburg seminary, presession for new students is tomorrow, and Wednesday the academic year officially begins. In many other places, school already is underway and the summer is officially over. Having spent the vast majority of my life following the rhythm of an academic rather than a calendar year, September always brings lots of…… Continue reading Thoughts on Wisdom and Knowledge on the Cusp of a New Academic Year
I Love it When a Conference Comes Together
Remember “The A Team?” I loved that show back in the 80s–and I even loved the remake with Liam Neeson. If you know the show, you know the line, “I love it when a plan comes together”–it was George Peppard’s signature phrase, and usually came as a triumphant declaration of success, in spit of all…… Continue reading I Love it When a Conference Comes Together
The Problem with Just "Standing-by"
So, I just read this article in The New York Times this morning about continuing discrimination against women, particularly in the sciences: Harassment in ScienceIt’s an interesting article, and, of course, much of what I read there I know women also have experienced in theological education and public ministry. I could say a lot more about…… Continue reading The Problem with Just "Standing-by"
Does Religion Make You Happy?
So, I finally discovered podcasts–and by that, I mean I finally took the time to go through and curate a manageable list of my favorite podcasts that I can actually keep up with: no small task, I tell you! Anyway, one of the podcasts on my list is “Freakonomics”–find it here: Freakonomics PostcastAnyway, one of…… Continue reading Does Religion Make You Happy?
Tragedy and the Sanctity of Life–even a Tiny Shrimp
Well, it’s been quite a news cycle this week, hasn’t it? From the downed airline over the Ukraine, to the terrible fighting in Gaza, to the horrific stories of gang violence in Honduras and the masses of children seeking refuge in the United States–every day just seemed to bring worse news. It’s hard to know…… Continue reading Tragedy and the Sanctity of Life–even a Tiny Shrimp
George Saunders on Kindness
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
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
Happy Lutheran 