Having its origins in and influence upon the academy, it seems fitting for ESN to publish a blog post on this highly influential academic movement and its reception in Christian communities. Some Christian communities engage Critical Race Theory (CRT) with great skepticism, some with indifference, and some welcome it. This post begins with a sympathetic outline of the origins and basic tenets of CRT as critical race theorists would explain them. This post will also describe some important points of tension and areas of … [Read more...] about Critical Race Theory: An Overview and Appraisal
big questions
Resources for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, ESN Staff prays for the ongoing grace to seek justice and practice mercy, to stand with the vulnerable, and to celebrate the vast diversity of people represented in God's Kingdom. Here are a few resources the ESN blog has shared over the past few years related to the work of Martin Luther King Jr. 1. "God Was the First to Cry," a 2-part blog post by Lauri Swann as part of our Lent 2015 Justice series. See Part 1 here and Part 2 here. 2. Book review of Birmingham Revolution … [Read more...] about Resources for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Scholar’s Compass: Surely the Lord Was in the Rare Books Room, Part 2
In Part 1, Paul Yandle described a challenge to his faith in Scripture brought on by study in the archives. Here he explores some aspects of his life experience that made that challenge especially strong, then tells the story of what he came to realize through it. “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.” (Isaiah 53:2) Reflection One of the biggest mysteries of all is the fact that God works in the seemingly mundane. Though I was a Christian by the … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: Surely the Lord Was in the Rare Books Room, Part 2
Scholar’s Compass: Surely the Lord Was in the Rare Books Room, Part 1
"He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him." (Isaiah 53:2) If you are committed to the life of the mind or serious inquiry you will probably find that some of the questions that challenge your faith the most come while spending time alone doing research. And in academe, there are ample opportunities for solitude. In my case, one such moment took place in the rare books room of the main library for the university from which I received my master's degree. … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: Surely the Lord Was in the Rare Books Room, Part 1
What do “the righteous” look like in higher education?
He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? -- Micah 6:8 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness. -- Proverbs 11:10 What do you consider the characteristics of "the righteous," particularly in the area of vocation? How do you (as an individual and as a member of God's people) envision, glimpse, even embody "the righteous" on … [Read more...] about What do “the righteous” look like in higher education?