We are in a time of waiting in the church year. During Advent, we remember Israel’s waiting for a messiah and Mary’s waiting for the birth of Jesus. We also wait in hope for Christ's future return. I look forward to this season not only for its theological significance but also because waiting is a fundamental part of life. Waiting for the end of the semester. Waiting to hear about an article or book’s publication. Waiting for a job offer. Waiting to hear a diagnosis. Waiting for an upcoming … [Read more...] about The Gift of Waiting
Life in the Academy
What’s Your Story?
What story is driving your life today on this scholar’s journey? As humans, we are wired to make meaning and understand the world through narratives that connect the events, people, beliefs, and places in our lives. Neurobiology and neuropsychology confirm the physical reality of what we have known to be true. We are always living in and creating stories, whether we are aware of them or not. To know who we are as individuals and communities, we must know what story we are part of. Whether you are a graduate … [Read more...] about What’s Your Story?
Faithful Presence: University Structures and Faculty Service (Part Two)
Engagement In the previous post, I identified the frustration faculty have with university structures even as they serve within such structures, how the InterVarsity Statement of Faith calls its campus ministers to engage with university structures, and the sundry collection of structures easily observed with in the Bible. I concluded by observing that "some structures we already participate within but we have yet to discover how God would incorporate our faithful presence and work in the academy into the new … [Read more...] about Faithful Presence: University Structures and Faculty Service (Part Two)
Faithful Presence: University Structures and Faculty Service
The Ubiquity of Faculty Service to the University’and Frustration Service within the university is rarely celebrated or joyfully anticipated. Every faculty member has some service responsibilities: From an R1 to a community college, faculty members have some assignment of service. And, while such is a contractual expectation, no one has received tenure (or been promoted) for completing their service responsibilities. Many faculty disclose utter frustration when discussing their histories of serving within the … [Read more...] about Faithful Presence: University Structures and Faculty Service
Practicing Faithful Presence as an Astronomer
Early in my academic career, I spent several months intensively studying Scripture to determine how I would view my vocation as professional scientist. The conclusions I drew from this process have stayed with me and have helped shaped my career for decades. I recommend this process for anyone regardless of their particular vocation. The earlier in their career they undertake this exercise, the better—but it is never too late. As a result of my reflections on Scripture, I have settled on four … [Read more...] about Practicing Faithful Presence as an Astronomer