“Get wisdom; get insight: do not forget, nor turn away. . . . Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you.” - Proverbs 4:5-6 Reflection In academics emphasis is frequently placed more on how much one knows, rather than on the process of learning. An environment geared towards test-taking and preeminent reputations can easily take us far from humility, especially if a rigid certainty is elevated above inquiry. Trappist monk Thomas Keating teaches that humility is “what God most looks … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: Academics and Humility
The Four Loves
Scholar’s Compass: Fostering Thoughtful Integration of Faith and Subject within Christian Academic Communities
“How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity! . . . For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” Psalm 133:1, 3b (NIV) “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20 (NIV) “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10: 24-25 (NIV) … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: Fostering Thoughtful Integration of Faith and Subject within Christian Academic Communities
Scholar’s Compass Thanksgiving: Expect the Unexpected
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 (NIV) Reflection It was a beautiful, hot summer day; yet, I was full of despair and anxiety. While taking a walk with my Dad, I was explaining to him my dilemma. Finally, my dream of attending the university was coming true, but there was no money. Nada. Dad asked me if I was sure that God wanted me to get a college degree. “Of course,” I replied. “Then,” he said, “Believe God. He will provide.” … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass Thanksgiving: Expect the Unexpected
Scholar’s Compass: A Journey of Thanksgiving
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95:2 (ESV) Reflection A journey. A place to leave from. A destination you are going to. There is preparation, and there is a time of traveling by faith with the hope to arrive safely at the destination. As students who vacillate between leaving the security of post doc work to employment, or from employment to reentering the world of academia, there is anticipation and fear mostly because we … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: A Journey of Thanksgiving
Scholar’s Compass: Thankful for God’s Presence
In this celebratory week, Dr. Alice Brown-Collins leads ESN in reflecting on what it means to live in thanksgiving. Reading I Kings 19:9-13, 15-16 (NIV) Reflection “What are you doing here, Elijah?” said God. As an intellectual, you may find yourself at this very moment hearing the same question posed to you. But instead of God asking, it is you who asks, “What am I doing here?” Often as intellectuals, we feel isolated and abandoned as Christians on secular campuses. Much like Elijah, we too express our … [Read more...] about Scholar’s Compass: Thankful for God’s Presence