Yet another topic for discussion — a topic rarely discussed in spiritual formation books and yet one that is central: feasting as memory. This is the subject of the 14th chp of Darryl Tippens, Pilgrim Heart. I begin with a quotation that struck me — and one that serves as a warning for anyone who chooses to be isolated from the great traditions of the Church, as so many low-church Christians are: |inline Read more
Best opening line of a paper this semester: “My parents are Christians and I grew up in the convent.” (He meant “Covenant” as in denomination.) Anyone with some funny or clever lines in papers? Read more
It’s end of the term; papers are due. I got a note from a student on Wednesday about 3:45pm. He asked about the paper in such a way that I was confident he probably had not yet begun. I approved the angle he was suggesting, and then added this: “… it’s 4pm the day before it is due!” Here’s his response: |inline Read more
Song of Songs 5:2-8 tells a story of invitation, delay, disappointment and search — the woman is asleep, her lover knocks on the door, she delays in responding, he disappears and she searches for him. Love sometimes issues an urgent plea to respond … and yet in delaying or not delaying there can be danger and misunderstanding. |inline Read more
Imagine yourself at a table with others. (I’m not talking about dinner.) Who is at the table? Now here’s the big question: Is your normal time at table with others a time when you are with folks just like yourself or are you often with others who are quite unlike you? I’ve got an idea and I’d like your feedback about the “circle of the same”. |inline Read more
Here are two pictures of Joel and Karla Willitts two preemie infants — Mary and Zion. Mary now weighs 2 lb 14 oz and Zion is up to 3 lbs 8 oz. |inline Read more
She’s been awakened to her lover at the door; she comes to the door only to find he has left myrrh as a token of his love for her. She now opens the door to find him gone. She resumes her yearning search for him. |inline Read more
A former student of mine and now teaching in Florida at Trinity College, Les Keylock, sent me this little “article” about whether or not we are biblical when it comes to women on Sunday morning. Les will no doubt check in today, so let’s start a conversation with Les about women in ministry. |inline Read more
From John Goldingay, Israel’s Gospel, p. 61, where he describes how he teaches his classes: first, a 40 minute lecture; then a 30 minute small group discussion; and then a 30 minute plenary/class discussion. Then he makes an observation — and I’m keen on hearing what you think of his theology as seen in this observation: |inline Read more
Whether in her dream or in the reality of being awakened from a dream, the woman has teasingly said to her shepherd lover at the door that she is not attired to come to the door. But something happens that stirs her; he seemingly opens the door. But… |inline Read more
Jesus Creed
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In