So, all my students know that the topic of salvation is my very favorite theological locus–I find it infinitely fascinating, rich and rewarding, and continue to think it is really the heart of any proclamation of the gospel, and stands at the core of what Christianity is all about. And, of course, this topic also…… Continue reading Universal Salvation
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Remembering the Good
I just landed in Halifax tonight for a public lecture on Monday, and I wanted to write a quick blog post before I go to bed. One of the things I love about flying is that I get to catch up on all my reading. So, for example, today I read one Christian Century , four New Yorkers,…… Continue reading Remembering the Good
More with Us than against Us
This may be my shortest blog post ever, but I wanted to share a little gem of a story with you, which came from chapel yesterday. Mark Oldenburg, our dean of the chapel and worship [and sometimes preaching] professor, was our preacher for our Wednesday Eucharist service. I’ve mentioned him before in my blog because…… Continue reading More with Us than against Us
Four Questions to ask the Dying
I’m a huge fan of Atul Gawande. I first discovered him in The New Yorker, where he is a regular contributor, and then I read his books: Complications, Better, and The Checklist Manifesto. [I just saw he has a new one out, too: Being Mortal: Medicine and What Happens in the End–I just put that in my…… Continue reading Four Questions to ask the Dying
Receiving Gifts from Sinful People–The Case of John Howard Yoder
There is a small avalanche of magazines that comes into our home every month: The New Yorker, InStyle, Smithsonian, Christian Century, The Week, Vanity Fair–and that’s not even the whole list! So, sometimes, as you might imagine, I get behind–way behind, which explains why it is only this week that I got around to reading…… Continue reading Receiving Gifts from Sinful People–The Case of John Howard Yoder
Leaving begins with "Yes"
So, if you’re like me, you have been both moved and shaken by the stories that have come out in the wake of the Ray Rice scandal–particularly the powerful Tweets of women sharing both #WhyIStayed and #WhyILeft. Personally, I don’t think it is for any of us to judge any woman, particularly for a decision…… Continue reading Leaving begins with "Yes"
"Bridge People"
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"
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"
Happy Lutheran 