“Advent is definitely not for sissies,” declares Fleming Rutledge, Episcopal priest and theologian, in her book Advent: The Once and Future Coming of Jesus Christ.[1] Advent is the short[2] but potent liturgical season that dramatizes the “end times”: the second coming, the divine judgment, the undoing and remaking of heaven and earth. Its character is both eschatological and apocalyptic. But here is the kicker, we (humanity) have been living in the end times since the death and resurrection of Jesus, the whole span of … [Read more...] about Advent Reflection One: Lament: How Long, O Lord?
Devotional
Imposter Syndrome, The Bible and Grad Students
Emerging Scholars Network would like to thank Dr. Denise-Margaret Thompson for allowing us to share these thoughts, which first appeared in The Grad Journey newsletter of InterVarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministry. We thought this was so good, we wanted to pass it along for your encouragement. … [Read more...] about Imposter Syndrome, The Bible and Grad Students
From Devastating Wilderness To a Different World: A Re-Entry Retreat for 2021
For many of us, the beginning of fall term is a kind of re-entry after a year and a half of pandemic. The pandemic has been one of the most significant experiences in many of our lives. Rather than simply resume our previous routines, this summer may be a time to take stock of what has happened in our lives, what God may be inviting us to let go of and embrace, and how God may want to knit together the experiences of our past year into something different and beautiful. This retreat guide, which may be used over a … [Read more...] about From Devastating Wilderness To a Different World: A Re-Entry Retreat for 2021
Jesus, The Depth of our Reserve in Seasons of Weariness
Sara Chang recently led our national Graduate and Faculty Ministry staff in a Bible study of Luke 9:1-17, addressing the weariness we may be experiencing in this present time and where we find the reserves to meet the needs of others when we are weary ourselves. We are so glad Sara gave us permission to share an edited version of her remarks--this was so good! ________________________________________________ We often talk of a “Double loneliness” that Christian graduate students and faculty simultaneously … [Read more...] about Jesus, The Depth of our Reserve in Seasons of Weariness
Come Home [Balm in Gilead / Summer Read…Quote…Reflect]
Marilynne Robinson's novels are meant to become transparent as we read them. The stories are not ends in themselves. They are windows that allow us with a metaphysics, a description of the being of the world and the people within it. To read these novels is to be called to a conversion, not only of the heart and soul, but especially of the mind. Robinson wants us to recognize that we have squandered an intellectual inheritance that took our ancestors centuries to build. She calls us to repent of embracing the wisdom of … [Read more...] about Come Home [Balm in Gilead / Summer Read…Quote…Reflect]