Book discussion groups are popular in Christian graduate and faculty groups. While they don't replace studying The Book, many are already studying the Bible with another group, perhaps in their church. Book discussion groups afford the opportunity to explore a book in which there is shared interest. Sometimes that could focus on spiritual disciplines and growth, Christian belief, or Christian history. It might focus on a contemporary issue like racism or the environment or living sustainably. Or you might just read an … [Read more...] about Hosting Effective Book Groups
Science Corner
Science Corner: Improper Names
The Pythagorean theorem. The Archimedes' screw. Hubble's Law. Numerous ideas and inventions carry human names as a way to honor their discovers or inventors. Plants and animals can be anthropomorphized in this way too: Grévy's zebra or Hirst's panic grass, for example. Well, just as with libraries and university buildings and any number of other eponymous entities, sometimes we reconsider on whom we wish to bestow naming honors. And so plans are forming to change the common names in English of roughly 80 bird species … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Improper Names
Book Review: According to Plan
Review a book, get a book! Have you read something that has nurtured your faith and scholarship? ESN welcomes reviews of books from various fields of study and various genres. Our article, A Call For Reviews, includes guidelines for submitting reviews. We thank Greg Rummo for this review that emphasizes the value of biblical theology for "ordinary believers." In According to Plan by Graeme Goldsworthy,[1] the author adopts a four-part approach towards helping “ordinary Christians” understand biblical theology. With a … [Read more...] about Book Review: According to Plan
Science Corner: Blind Dates?
Earlier this month, Simone Biles became the first person to land a Biles II (nee Yurchenko double pike) vault in international competition, securing the right to have it named for her. Based on the Chicago marathon results, we may not be too far from the first competitive marathon run in under two hours. (Eliud Kipchoge has already run the distance in that time, but in an event designed for that purpose where the other runners were providing pacing not competition.) Firsts are exciting, which makes them memorable. But … [Read more...] about Science Corner: Blind Dates?
Students and Faculty Gather for Prayer at Iowa State University
We were delighted to receive this report about students, faculty and staff gathering in prayer for the campus of Iowa State University. Might God be moving in similar ways on your campus? During the spring and summer of 2021, Professor Ann Smiley (Kinesiology), Lori Adams (Fellowship of Christian Athletes staff), Chad Britten (InterVarsity Staff) and Dr. Tom Ingebritsen (InterVarsity Staff) were prayer walking on campus. Dr. Smiley shared a vision she had of students and faculty praying and worshiping God together on … [Read more...] about Students and Faculty Gather for Prayer at Iowa State University