I find Christian faith coherent, intellectually rigorous, and deeply soul-satisfying. Why? Probably because I have been fed a hearty diet of Reformed Theology. I did my doctoral dissertation on John Calvin, the Reformed theologian who shaped the tradition more than any other. For a good long while I’ve regularly taught the theological summaries that make up […]
Finding a Life-Giving Approach to the Bible (part 5): Pray It
I am convinced that far too few who follow Jesus find fuel for the journey in their own regular engagement with the Bible. If you do, that’s great. If you don’t, Guigo II (d. 1188) is the man to check out. Actually it is his little book that you should check out: The Ladder of Monks is […]
My Nominee for “MIP” of the Middle Ages: St. Bernard of Clairvaux
I don’t know if there is a competition for “Most Interesting Person” in the Middle Ages, but today I’d like to nominate St. Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153). August 20 is his feast day. What a rich and varied influence he had. He was a shaker and mover in the Cistercian monastic reform. Clearly his gifts […]
Finding a Life-Giving Approach to the Bible (part 4): Meditate On It
Raise your hand if the word “meditation” brings to mind images of someone trying to empty their mind of every thought. Okay, how many of you think of “meditation” as repeating a mantra — a secret word in a language you don’t actually understand? What about option three: When you hear “meditation” how many of […]
A New View of Contemplative Prayer, from St. Clare of Assisi
I first knew of St. Clare of Assisi (c. 1193-1254) through one of my favorite films: Franco Zeffirelli’s Brother Son, Sister Moon (1972). I was totally smitten by Judi Bowker’s portrayal of the young noblewoman who risked all to live in poverty with St. Francis, joining him in serving Christ in the poor. Today is her […]
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