Beyond the celebrations, parties, and bittersweet memories, graduation can be a defining point in who you are.Read more…
Academic Writing as Christian Action (Masterclass in Writing, Part 12)
With today’s consideration of Academic Writing as Christian Action, Dr. Royce Francis wraps up his Masterclass in writing. I have been inspired by his weaving together of theological reflection and practical suggestions on becoming a skilled writer in general and within one’sRead more…
Writing in Obedience and Love Leads to Worship (Masterclass in Writing, Part 11)
What this means is that when we write to pursue an area of inquiry in obedient and affectionate response to the call of Christ, our writing is an act of worship that reveals both us and God in the process.Read more…
Love (Masterclass in Writing, Part 10)
Your vocation, your calling, must be undertaken in love. It is a response to the call of the Holy Spirit into places you didn’t even know existed. He has selected a place for you in the body of Christ, and for us this includes academic inquiry.Read more…
Obedience (Masterclass in Writing, Part 9)
For the past 8 weeks, we have been reflecting on writing disciplines for an academic who believes in Jesus. But for the next four weeks, let’s talk about why your writing is important. I want to speak first about obedience.Read more…
Authority, Awareness, Attention Span (Masterclass in Writing, Part 8)
When writing, always consider the needs of your audience as more important than your own writing needs.Read more…
What is Your Trajectory? (Masterclass in Writing, Part 7)
As we are writing, it is not enough to focus on our community’s framing and rhetorical expectations. We must always look towards how we will become integral members of those who shape the direction of the community. Is your trajectory towards the center of the community of practice? What is your plan for developing a sustained, systematic program of research?Read more…
Defensiveness
Our “identity” as Christians is in Christ (Galatians 2:20). Breaking into adversarial groups should not be a part of Christian conduct (1 Corinthians 3:1-9). Read more…
Interview with 2017 Christian Scholars Foundation Grant Awardee Jill Ellenbarger
Jill Ellenbarger is one of the two scholars who received a 2017 Christian Scholars Foundation Grant, given to ESN members who are junior faculty. In this interview, she talks about her research, how the CSF grant is supporting her work, and how her faith and her scholarly vocation fit together.Read more…
Interview with 2017 Christian Scholars Foundation Grant Awardee Eleanor McGlinchey
Eleanor McGlinchey is one of the two scholars who received a 2017 Christian Scholars Foundation Grant, given to ESN members who are junior faculty. In this interview, she talks about her research, how the CSF grant is supporting her work, and how her faith and her scholarly vocation fit together.Read more…
Apply for the Christian Scholars’ Grant: Deadline March 15, 2018
At ESN, we work to provide members with opportunities that will help them live out the Kingdom of God in their academic vocations. A very important membership benefit is the junior faculty grant offered to an ESN member every year by the Christian Scholars Foundation (CSF). Read more…
Science in Review: Meet the New Boss, v4.8.23 of the Old Boss
I commend the whole series [on AI and Christianity] to you; the articles are brief introductions to a variety of topics in artificial intelligence and how they intersect with traditional Christian thinking and concerns, along with resources for more details.Read more…
The Christian Academic Vocation in “Restoring the Soul of the University”
A taste of the Christian academic vocation and the greenhouse community as described in “Restoring the Soul of the University.”Read more…
Developing Christ-like Character in Grad School
Recently, I was pleased to write a recommendation for an outstanding 4th year medical student’s application for a residency program. While the letters I’ve written and read highlight a wide range of positive attributes, two characteristics have stood out to me lately.Read more…
What is the “Good News” of Jesus Christ? Part 6
Evangelism is that set of activities that aims to help non-followers of the Lord Jesus Christ become his followers for the first time and for lifelong discipleship.Read more…
What is the “Good News” of Jesus Christ? Part 5
Jesus had to die on a cross because he was Israel’s representative King.Read more…
What is the “Good News” of Jesus Christ? Part 2
The LORD, the God of Israel, sent his Son to save and reign as Israel’s King. Paul’s message about Jesus was about the fulfillment of God’s promises to redeem not just Israel, but also the whole world. Read more…
July 2017 Prayer Post
As we start July, would you pray with us at ESN?Read more…
Teaching Tips: Grace and Identity
As an undergraduate, I found it very difficult to contribute to class discussions—sometimes I was too shy to speak up, other times I simply couldn’t think of anything to say. The struggle persisted into graduate school, where I pushed myself to participate, but was still frustrated and disappointed in my performance. I suspected that my professors were too.Read more…
Letter to My Self, Starting Graduate School
Well, congratulations—you’re going to graduate school! So—this is your future self, writing from a decade ahead to let you know that you’ll have a lot of fun. On the other hand . . . it won’t all be easy. Read more…
Fifth Sunday of Lent: Jesus Speaks to His Mother and the Disciple
Looking on the scene of the crucifixion is painful. Roman guards drive nails through Jesus’ flesh and his body writhes in pain. You hold your breath while they raise the cross with Jesus pinned to it.Read more…
Survival Kit: Challenges in Life and Academia
It’s great when everything rolls along smoothly in your academic life. But what about those times when it doesn’t? Maybe this spring, you’re dealing with doubt, struggling with unjust circumstances, or grieving a loss. Or perhaps nothing huge is wrong, but you feel overwhelmed and tired out.Read more…
Jesus Among the Scholars: InterVarsity Faculty Conferences, Summer 2017
Are you a professor looking for ways to connect with other faculty who care deeply about integrating faith and academic vocation? Do you long for a time of reflection and prayer this summer? Would you like to learn from others and share your own stories? InterVarsity Grad/Faculty Ministries has four summer faculty conferences in different regions of the US. Read more…
Fourth Sunday of Lent: Jesus is Helped by Simon the Cyrenian to Carry the Cross
After being flogged, Jesus starts his final journey to the crucifixion site. Imagine being in the crowds watching on the side of the road as he comes stumbling along the way, barely able to walk, let alone carry the weight of the cross. Read more…