During this season of Lent, the six weeks before Easter, we take time to reflect on our finite humanity. Though we don’t need a specific season to do this, Lent is a good reminder to take stock of the sin and brokenness in our lives – those sins which we commit, those done to us, and those surrounding us. We do this not to beat ourselves up and wallow in guilt, or to blame others, but as a way to see reality and to recognize God’s forgiveness and redemption. This forgiveness can free us to respond in love to God and … [Read more...] about Taking Stock
Science Corner: Suitable Help Math
Everyone has thoughts on artificial intelligence and large language models (LLMs) these days, so it can be tough to cut through the noise. Personally, the novelty applications that make the rounds on social media don't really grab me. Caricature portrait of myself? I'm sure I'll like what my wife can draw better. Pop culture mashup? I'll just wait for Avengers Doomsday. A knowledgeable person has found a practical use case that solves a real problem they had? Now we're talking. So I perked up when I saw that Donald … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Suitable Help Math
Book Review: Working for Better by Elaine Howard Ecklund and Denise Daniels
It’s hard to know what to do! Is it okay for me to stick with this job because it pays well, and life here is expensive? But I want to do something meaningful for God, too! A friend shared this wrestling with me during a Zoom call. But his questions aren’t unique. He could have been one of the newly graduated students with whom I’ve worked in campus ministry, who are now in their various workplaces, ranging from tech companies to hospitals to financial institutions to academia. Where is the meaning in what I do at work? … [Read more...] about Book Review: Working for Better by Elaine Howard Ecklund and Denise Daniels
Science Corner: Multidimensional Justice
We just observed Super Bowl Sunday, the culmination of the American football season. There are downsides to having so much of our attention and our culture revolve around the sport. On the plus side, it provides common ground for metaphors. One of the quirks of football is the possibility of offsetting penalties. I'm not sure if we saw them in this Super Bowl; I didn't notice any, but the slow-starting game lost my attention for a while. But if you've watched at least a few football games, you've likely come across … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Multidimensional Justice
Scholarship and Joy
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. - Philippians 1:3-6 Joy and good work. As I read the opening of Paul's letter to the church at Philippi, these words make me pause. He is praying with joy - one of the key works he practiced while in prison - and he knows that … [Read more...] about Scholarship and Joy