Happy Lutheran

There is a reason why it is said that “a picture is worth a thousand words.” It’s because images convey reality with lasting force and intensity, an intensity that trumps words every time. For this reason, no matter what we SAY about who we are–as a church, for example–if the visual images we put in…… Continue reading A Bit of Feminist Ecclesial Disobedience

http://gigaom.com/2012/09/02/when-did-addiction-become-a-good-thing/Can't resist another quick post today–although heaven knows I should be working!  This is an article a friend sent me here at seminary; and, so close to the Religion & Media course, I find it really interesting, especially these two paragraphs:I believe that the purpose of technology is to take over the grating, tedious tasks…… Continue reading What would you do if you didn’t have to work?

As I get ready to start teaching the “Doing Theology with My Neighbor” class next Tuesday, I thought this story is such a great example of why Christians need to be better informed about their other-faith sisters and brothers.http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/03/education/muslims-enroll-at-catholic-colleges-in-growing-numbers.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&ref=us&src=me&adxnnlx=1346771491-eIuKDYdBv/juQP35PKMReQHere are a couple quotes from the article:  At those schools, Muslim students, from the United States…… Continue reading Doing [and Living] Theology with My Neighbor

I just finished reading this interesting blog post about Rosh Hashanah, which begins on September 16th.  http://www.stateofformation.org/2012/08/reflections-on-elul-and-rosh-hashanah/What is interesting and powerful to me as a Lutheran is the emphasis on one’s own preparations and actions during this sacred time.  The author writes that Jews are urged to ask for forgiveness–not just from God but from…… Continue reading Preparing for Rosh Hashanah

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.htmlI loved this video–it is a little long [around 20 minutes], but Ken Robinson is really funny, and the argument is very interesting.  He argues that we need to do much more to faciliate creativity in education, rather than trying to make everyone conform to one specific outcome, using only one type of curriculum.  Here is the part that I especially liked: …… Continue reading More dance, less math!

I want to take five minutes and say how much I am enjoying the Religion & Media class I am teaching with my colleague from Luther, Mary Hess.  I am learning so much, and really, really enjoying the conversation–the students are great!What I am most appreciating is the way we are discussing deeply how theology…… Continue reading Sacred Wonder in a Darth Vadar Costume

My summer is officially over:  tomorrow I begin teaching a new course–the keynote course for the Religion and Media concentration in the MAR program.  I’m so excited–not only because I still LOVE the beginning of a new school year, but also because this is going to be such a great course:  my wonderful colleague, Mary…… Continue reading Happy Trails!