The Emerging Scholars Blog has been a wonderful experiment in creating an online “third place.” My hope and prayer is that the Blog will continue to grow, adapt and thrive . . . Read more…
10/6: Veritas UTK Panel at Conference on Rhetoric and Religion
Professor Emeritus John Hardwig and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship / USA staff Julian Reese will discuss how an atheist and an evangelical Christian, through the Veritas Forum at UTK, forged a mutually productive rhetorical partnership in the context of a major public university. Read more…
In June or January: The Myth of Summertime (Summer Snapshot 2018)
William Carlos Williams once wrote, “In summer, the song sings itself.” Isn’t that a lovely idea? It certainly captured my mood back in May as I danced around the proverbial maypole and looked over the vast expanse of the summer months blooming ahead . . . Read more…
# 10 Years
Tom Grosh IV and Hannah Eagleson have crafted an unique online “third place” for discussions about faith, scholarship, and academic careers. I have been blessed by their work, and I am thankful for their legacy.Read more…
Faith and Reason, Part 1
The work of the Holy Spirit and a reasoned case often go hand in hand in Scripture. Read more…
Advice for Graduates: 5 Things To Do as You Enter the Next Phase of Life
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…