What books are on your Christmas lists, not only your own wish list, but also ones you desire to give to others and/or suggest for a book discussion in the coming year? I am very interested in learning what Emerging Scholars desire to read, review, discuss, gift, possibly even teach (e.g., campus ministry, local congregation, even classroom). Please share . . . Note: No need for the book(s) to be "Christian". But yes, if you are looking for a suggestion (or two, three, four . . .), the Emerging Scholars Network … [Read more...] about What Books are on Your Christmas Lists?
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A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World II
"The challenge [to seeing the big picture and living in light of the truth] is that every religion claims to grant such heavenly insight, and many peer groups will pull together to defend what is common sense at least to them. They may even point to a few pieces of the puzzle that seem to go together and support their view. A small sample of life can give you a glimpse of the big picture but it can also distort it, and when someone has drifted off course we need to try to steer them back in the right direction. Raising … [Read more...] about A Jigsaw Guide to Making Sense of the World II
Asking Open-Ended Questions
We received these wise words from a faculty friend of ESN. If you would like to contribute to the Emerging Scholars Blog, anonymously or otherwise, please contact me. Thank-you! ~ Tom Asking open-ended questions is often the best way to begin a conversation with a new friend or stranger, "What is your religious background? How did that affect you?" In my teaching, I introduce each new topic with questions. In advising students in required speech class, I usually recommend that each new section of their talk … [Read more...] about Asking Open-Ended Questions
Topics for 2010?
In my longer conversations with students and faculty at Urbana 09*, I've asked How can the ESN blog best serve you in 2010? What are some topics you'd like to see receive attention, or more attention? Below you'll find some of the responses I've received. What are your thoughts? Feel free to list several topics and give them an order of priority. Note: The big picture of what guides our posts can be found here. How does one transition from undergrad to grad? What should I be sure to read/know to … [Read more...] about Topics for 2010?
What’s on Your Christmas Wish List?
Last week, I wrote about Advent, so, in true American fashion, I'm skipping straight ahead to Christmas. :) (Don't worry - I believe Tom is taking a more spiritual approach this week.) Yesterday was my three four-year-old daughter's birthday, and she has this "wish list" thing nailed down. She was very clear about what she wanted: a Frisch's Big Boy bank, a snow globe, and a gingerbread house. (Her name is Ginger, so gingerbread is very near and dear to her heart.) I'm not nearly so good at knowing what I want or … [Read more...] about What’s on Your Christmas Wish List?