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
The Four Loves
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
Scholar’s Compass: Sharing the Wonder
Great are the works of the Lord; they are pondered by all who delight in them. - Ps 111:2 (NIV) Reflection Psalm 111 has been called the ‘research scientist's Psalm' for reasons that are hopefully obvious. Scientists have the privilege of being paid to ponder God's creative works every day. In fact, their pondering can become so intense that their field of study might focus in on a single detail. … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: Sharing the Wonder
Scholar’s Compass: God Was the First to Cry, Part 2
In the second of her two part series, Lauri Swann reflects on Navigating Justice for the Scholar's Compass Lent series. “God was the first to cry.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma [H]e will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away. - Revelation 21:4, NRSV Reflection Yes, God was the first to cry. Just like God was the first to set His face upon evil to (Leviticus 20:6); to stretch out his hand (Isaiah … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: God Was the First to Cry, Part 2
Scholar’s Compass: God Was the First To Cry, Part 1
In this two part series, Lauri Swann reflects on Navigating Justice for the Scholar's Compass Lent series. “God was the first to cry.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma Reflection In the movie Selma, Martin Luther King, Jr. is seen consoling Mr. Cager Lee, an 82 year old man, who is in the morgue identifying the body of his grandson, Jimmy Lee Jackson. Jimmy, killed in 1965 during a peaceful protest in Selma, Alabama by a state trooper, was only 27 years old. With no other words worthy enough to … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: God Was the First To Cry, Part 1