Category Archives: blog post

“Our memories, our beliefs, our imaginations are all impacted by the emotions we experience on a daily basis.  Emotions shape and color our world in truly fantastic and meaningful ways.  However, our theologies and ideas about humanity often lack careful attention to our embodied emotional experiences.”   Jason Whitehead, PhD Invited Professor for DMin Focus:  Science and Theology Jesus washed feet. Mary anointed with oil.  The blind were able to see; the deaf to hear.   All these narratives in the biblical … Continue reading →

I am continually intrigued with Robert Alter’s translations, particularly of the Psalms.  Psalm 147: Hallelujah.  For it is good to hymn to our God, for it is sweet to adorn with praise.  Builder of Jerusalem, the LORD, Israel’s scattered ones He gathers in.  Healer of the broken-hearted, He binds their painful wounds.  He counts the number of the stars, to all of them gives names. These first verses from Psalm 147 are an example of both power and pathos, of … Continue reading →

I RECEIVED THE FOLLOWING NEWSLETTER FROM ALBAN WEEKLY AND THOUGHT IT WAS WORTH A READ.   SUSAN   Like the rest of the nation, we were shocked by the mass murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut, last week.  Earlier this year we became aware of a new book, America and Its Guns: A Theological Exposé. We thought, following a number of mass shootings in recent years, especially those this summer at the Sikh Temple in Oak Creek, Wisconsin, and at … Continue reading →

Advent lectionary on the PCUSA website has Isaiah 11: 1-9 listed multiple times.  The narrative is titled “The Peaceful Kingdom” in my NRSV Bible.  The narrative offers an image of peace:  wolf and lamb, leopard and kid, calf and lion, cow and bear.  The powerful shall be led by a little child.  A child can play alongside the most poisonous of snakes.  In this vision—it will be a promised reality because the knowledge of the Lord will fill the earth—like … Continue reading →

On the door of the designated “Prayer Room” of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is a map of the world (a map of Voice of the Martyrs an organization founded by Richard Wurmbrand) and a sombrero, with a price tag dangling from the edge which clearly states this sombrero was Made in Mexico.  From later summer, when this grouping appeared on the door until now, I’ve pondered both the purpose and meaning intended.  Prayer as a primary practice for those of Christian … Continue reading →

It was the title that piqued my interest.  For me and for many people I talk with this is a primary question; at times consciously so and at other times less so.   The book is an easy read, simple and direct and clearly written from the point of view of someone who as a member of the faculty of Harvard has done well, had plenty of opportunity, and someone I would label as privileged.  He writes on the theme of … Continue reading →

How Will You Measure Your Life? Is a book I’ve recently come across written by Harvard’s Clayton Christensen.  In this book, which has been most popular, Christensen lists  primary questions:  How can I be sure I will be successful and happy in my career; My relationships with my spouse, my children, and my extended family and close friends become an enduring source of happiness?; and I live a life of integrity—and stay out of jail? (I wonder why Harvard Business … Continue reading →

The above title is taken from an IBM ad appearing in Wired Magazine, August 2012.  Wow—I thought as I read the one-liner—this is becoming so true.  In the fine print of the ad it reads like a commentary, violating all the rules of snappy, precise one-liners.  It is as if IBM is outlining for the reader their philosophy of change, seeking to sell that they “get it”.   For example, because decisions are now made by customers on information directly one-on-one, … Continue reading →

PARISH FOCUS/PITTSBURGH TO BEGIN JULY 2012 PARISH FOCUS/CHARLESTON TO BEGIN JANUARY 2013 EASTERN CHRISTIAN FOCUS TO BEGIN MAY 2013 SCIENCE AND THEOLOGY FOCUS TO BEGIN JUNE 2013 Click on the links provided to review the calendars for each of the Doctor of Ministry Focuses listed above.  Each program is tailored to specific themes and all share a common core of addressing ministry, pastoral leadership, and the present challenges of ministry.  PARISH FOCUS/PITTSBURGH begins July 16, 2012 in Pittsburgh.  A cohort … Continue reading →

Two articles on atheists have popped up on my reading list this week.  Anthony B. Pinn, a writer and researcher I like, identifies himself as a non-theistic  humanist.    The other article is of a different tone, though on the same theme of a United Methodist pastor in Florida, who has finally turned the corner and confessed publically that “I no longer believe in and portray myself in a way that is totally false.”  The writer of the article, Candace Chellew-Hodge … Continue reading →