The main character of Wendell Berry's A Place on Earth, as in many of his novels, is the fictional town of Port William, Kentucky. While Berry is a masterful storyteller, the narrative is less important than the relationships that the characters have with each other, with the town and surrounding farmland they inhabit, and with the land itself. Berry continually returns to the question of what effect a character has on the people, town, and land around him. When a character is introduced, Berry will often describe … [Read more...] about Stewardship, Membership, and Voting: Reflections on Wendell Berry’s A Place on Earth
Where Is God When It Rains?
As I write this, several million homes are without power on the East Coast due to Hurricane Sandy. Except for natural disasters like this one, it's easy to forget our connection to the weather, nature, and the rest of Creation. Even for those in the midst of the hurricane, modern comforts —like Netflix, which experienced a boost in online streaming in the areas affected by severe weather —help take the edge off of the danger outside. In the most recent episode of Mars Hill Audio, Norman Wirzba discusses his new book … [Read more...] about Where Is God When It Rains?
Is Your Academic Work Governed by the Law of Love?
Last month, I had dinner with Tom and the rest of the Faculty Ministry Leadership Team in Columbus, Ohio. At Graeter's (the best ice cream in the world!), they surprised with several gifts to thank me for my time as Associate Director of ESN. Among these were several books, including Alan Jacobs' A Theology of Reading: The Hermeneutics of Love. Jacobs, an English professor at Wheaton College and author of some very good books, raises an interesting question in A Theology of Reading. Jesus, among many others, … [Read more...] about Is Your Academic Work Governed by the Law of Love?
Psalm 90: The Wisdom and Way of Dwelling in the Lord (Thomas Trevethan)
I am reprinting this Bible study, originally written by Thomas Trevethan for InterVarsity Faculty Ministry —the original can be found here. Tom is a veteran InterVarsity staff worker who has served at the University of Michigan for many years, now working with faculty on that campus. He is one of InterVarsity's most gifted Bible expositors and has also authored the books The Beauty of God's Holiness (InterVarsity Press) and Our Joyful Confidence: The Lordship of Jesus in Colossians (DILL Press). Tom holds an M.A. … [Read more...] about Psalm 90: The Wisdom and Way of Dwelling in the Lord (Thomas Trevethan)
Three Prayers – for Universities, Anxiety, and Elections
Last week, I mentioned the rich resources of Scripture for dealing with suffering, particularly in helping us pray when we don't know how to pray. This is also one reason why I have come to appreciate prayer books in my spiritual journey. When my wife and I lived in Canada, we attended an Anglican church. Eventually, I purchased Book of Common Prayer (Canada) for my own use. It comes in handy if you ever need to marry someone (just kidding), but I am also struck by the variety of occasions anticipated by the editors of … [Read more...] about Three Prayers – for Universities, Anxiety, and Elections