So, today I finally get a chance to do a little comparative theology! Most of you know that my sabbatical work is geared toward practical research and writing in comparative theology, which is a most fascinating, wonderful discipline that begins from one’s own committed faith position, goes out from one’s spiritual home & dwells for…… Continue reading Day Eight–REALLY Holy Places!
Day Seven–Jerusalem!
It has been totally amazing to be here in Jerusalem today–I’m so glad we are finally here! I think I’m glad we did the trip in the order we did, though: I feel like we had some time in more isolated spots to get used to being in Israel just generally; and now we are…… Continue reading Day Seven–Jerusalem!
A Special Treat on Day Six
Just finished my blog post for the day, and turned on the tv as a reward. What did I find? The Steelers/Broncos game! Nothing better than watching the game when I know the sweet, sweet outcome that awaits! I am grateful for the nice touch of home!
Day Six–Holy Places, Sinless Muskrats
What a day it has been today: long, rich, interesting, and invigorating–lots of walking outside in beautiful weather. We checked out of our hotel this morning and headed to Kursi [I should have mentioned earlier that all of these sites are national parks]. Again, according to Christian tradition, Kursi is the site of the “miracle…… Continue reading Day Six–Holy Places, Sinless Muskrats
Day Five–Mosaics & Tebow [not necessarily in that order…]
Forgive me, dear brothers and sisters, for I have sinned. Today, here, surrounded by my rich Jewish-Christian heritage, indeed enmeshed in this very “holy land” [as we are incessantly reminded], I must confess that the very best part of my whole day happened first thing this morning, when I got the news that my Bronocos…… Continue reading Day Five–Mosaics & Tebow [not necessarily in that order…]
Day Four–As Authentic as it Gets
So, today was another full day [aren’t they all?!], and on the Jesus-authenticity meter, we were at about a 9 or so today–as good as it gets, I think. [I’m still working out if and how that matters….] We spent the whole day right around Capernaum. Incidentally, one of the sources Christians today use to…… Continue reading Day Four–As Authentic as it Gets
Day Three–The Sea and the Mountains
So, I started the day with a really fabulous run along the Sea of Galilee at sunrise: I saw people camping, fishing, and even a couple of Jewish men praying. It reminded me how much I value running when I travel–it allows me to see things I wouldn’t normally see [like a bevy of quail…… Continue reading Day Three–The Sea and the Mountains
Day Two–Elijah and Haifa
Sadly, no pictures yet–I’ll continue to work on that, but I make no promises. So, today was a great day! After sleeping a solid 10 hours, a beautiful run in Netanya, a wonderful breakfast buffet [to all you vegetarians out there, Israel is a GREAT place to come and eat! There was even a buffet…… Continue reading Day Two–Elijah and Haifa
Traveling–in general and in particular
Well, we made it to Israel safely, and even though I am exhausted [up now 24 hours + and counting], it was a wonderful day today. We had absolutely perfect weather–blue sky, breezy, warm enough to walk around without a coat, and we are right on the Mediterranean coast: our hotel is in Netanya, and…… Continue reading Traveling–in general and in particular
He Stood Right Here!!! [Or was it over here…?]
So, on the eve of leaving for my first sabbatical trip, my trip to Israel, I have a confession: I am NOT eagerly anticipating seeing the places where Jesus walked/talked/prayed/preached, etc. Oh, I’m looking forward to the experience of being there, of course—what I mean is that I am not eagerly anticipating that my spirituality…… Continue reading He Stood Right Here!!! [Or was it over here…?]
Happy Lutheran 