I have been thinking a lot the past two weeks about Philip Seymour Hoffman’s shocking drug overdose, especially after being in San Antonio with my friend Adrienne–we talked about it quite a bit. I’m still trying to process the whole thing, really. According to one article, Hoffman first entered rehab back when he was 22, and then…… Continue reading Sin and Addiction
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" We Have to Touch People"
I am here in San Antonio getting ready to present a paper tomorrow at Incarnate Word University on the Christian rationale for interreligious dialogue. As I was reading The New York Times on my iPad this morning, I came across this piece: http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/02/the-dangers-of-certainty/?emc=edit_tnt_20140203&tntemail0=yRead it, and please watch the video. He argues passionately against “dogma” and…… Continue reading " We Have to Touch People"
Dreaming of a "Color-Amazed World"
My friend and colleague Mary Hess posted this on Facebook and I was so glad to have it brought to my attention.http://www.nesynod.org/faithinaction/faithinaction/item/presiding-bishop-eaton-learning-to-speak-a-hard-truthI have been thinking so much about issues of race [and gender, and class] these past few weeks, and especially this week, as I helped lead the Anti-Racism Workshop on campus, and then had…… Continue reading Dreaming of a "Color-Amazed World"
A Reflection on MLK Day: What Does Your Faith Mean?
I just finished reading this interesting Huffington Post piece http://www.huffingtonpost.com/paul-raushenbush/martin-luther-king-faith_b_4623051.html?utm_hp_ref=religionwhere the author offers a list of seven criterion by which you might evaluate whether or not you are a “Martin Luther King, Jr. kind of Christian.” Here they are, without the supporting King quotes:1. Does your faith encourage an active and prophetic stance towards…… Continue reading A Reflection on MLK Day: What Does Your Faith Mean?
An Experiment with Siri
So, I just read this story on Huffington Post:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/14/siri-religious-beliefs-iphone_n_4590708.html?utm_hp_ref=religionIt's about trying to get some theological answers from Siri–in light of the new movie, “Her,” in which the main character falls in love with his operating system [haven’t seen the movie yet, but I will when it comes to Gettysburg]. I thought it was funny–and thought…… Continue reading An Experiment with Siri
Anticipating Conversation about Pope Francis: Style vs. Substance
Of course, it is impossible to be teaching a course on Religion and Media without talking about Pope Francis: THE MOST photographed and talked /blogged/tweeted about religious figure ever [OK–I have no hard data to back that up, but really, who is even a close second?!]. We’re going to talk about him [and the media…… Continue reading Anticipating Conversation about Pope Francis: Style vs. Substance
Bonhoeffer’s Life Together
Boy, I forgot what a marathon it is, teaching all day, every day for a week! I want to blog more, but not when I spend every evening reading and getting ready for the next day–I’m already tired and it’s only Tuesday! But, don’t get me wrong: I’m really, really loving the class. The conversation…… Continue reading Bonhoeffer’s Life Together
Religion and Media
Today [actually, in 5 minutes!], I am beginning my Religion and Media J-term course. This is the second time I have taught it, with my colleague Mary Hess from Luther: I love team-teaching with her, not only because she is a warm, interesting person, but because I learn so much, and we have similar pedagogical…… Continue reading Religion and Media
Using My "Soul Camera"
Who has time for a blog post on Christmas Eve?! Not me, really–I should be home cooking–but I wanted to share something I read last week that I think is especially appropriate for this season. As I’m sure I’ve said before, when I’m on the elliptical machine at the gym, I can’t process heavy-duty reading,…… Continue reading Using My "Soul Camera"
A Letter of Thanks to My Birth Mother at Christmastime
I don’t know you, and that has been my choice. Of course, you don’t know me, either, and I assume that is your choice as well. It’s a fine arrangement, as far as I’m concerned, and I’ve never sought to change it. You offered me for adoption in 1968, two years before Roe vs. Wade…… Continue reading A Letter of Thanks to My Birth Mother at Christmastime
Happy Lutheran 