Conference review

We know that we all possess knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up. The wo/man who thinks s/he knows something does not yet know as s/he ought to know. But the wo/man who loves God is known by God. (Paul, in 1 Cor. 8:1-3 - gender inclusion mine)

As long as we assume we're smart and have all the answers, we remain dummies. We write off what there is to learn (unteachable) and avoid those who disagree with us (unreachable).

Tyndale House (UK) breakfast

An academic conference is an interesting experience. Beyond that, a religious academic gathering assembles a unique group of scholars. W and I spent almost a week in Baltimore at the annual co-meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature (SBL) and American Association of Religions (AAR).

Attendee garb ranged from conservative suits, ties, and polished shoes to Baha'i and African Catholic robes to Rastafarian deadlocks. How many attended? We scattered among hotels and the convention center. Usually, 6-8000 scholars come to read papers and listen to the latest research and religious scholarship.

Inside the Torsk submarine
at Baltimore's Inner Harbor

One pleasure was attending sessions of the Women's Caucus. Women scholars think deeply about their place in the world. I'm facilitating their newsletter, so I hope to learn a lot from these theologians, writers, students, and professors.

This year's publishing trend seemed to be syncretism, summed up as "whatever-path-you-take-is-acceptable." There was a lot of emphasis on creating a One-God for Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. (Hmmm, why would God sacrifice his Son if that were true? Seems cruel to kill someone to provide "another option" of relationship with God, doesn't it?)

We're home with fewer books than usual. Each year we gather information on our current topics of interest. We're looking forward to reading the new ideas and new slants on old ideas. How blessed we are to explore God's Word and work.

What are you learning this week?

Read more:
*The Lord will reign forever and ever. Exodus 15:18 ESV

*Jesus said, "All things have been handed over to me by my Father." Luke10:22 ESV

*Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Colossians 3:16 NEV

Moravian Prayer: Eternal King, your dazzling peace and love spread across the heavens and the earth. We long for the day you will come again to reign over all; until that day, help us prepare your way by devoting our lives to you. Amen.

Lent Day 34: Sunshine in my soul

What a lot of big brains in one room! I love to listen in on conversations. Scholars get very passionate and emotional about their research.

"I couldn't believe it, but there it was!!!" he's almost jumping up and down.

"You should have seen our faces when we put it all together," she exclaims.

Most of the world worries about what they're going to eat or drink. The researchers at this conference are well-fed and content. But their minds wrestle with God's interaction in the world. I'm glad to sit in the classrooms to hear them read their papers.

There's sunshine in my soul, watching how God has called out a few to learn and tell. Scripture tells us Christ's Body includes many parts. The members of the Body have various functions and are viewed differently. Some of us are "eye" or "ear" or "hand" or "foot." Seeing these "brains" walking out and breathing in their calling fills me with joy.

When do you feel all filled up? What excites you? What's your passion?

Read more:
*Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For the Lord is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land.

Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care. Psalm 95:1-7 NIV

*Happy are those who fear the Lord, who greatly delight in his commandments. Psalm 112:1 NLT

*Joyful is the person who finds wisdom, the one who gains understanding. For wisdom is more profitable than silver, and her wages are better than gold. Wisdom is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. She offers you long life in her right hand, and riches and honor in her left. She will guide you down delightful paths; all her ways are satisfying. Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly. Proverbs 3:13-18 NLT

*And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17 NLT

*In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:1-3 NIV

Moravian Prayer: Lord, grant that we may hear your voice when you call and not be distracted by the world around us. Keep us grounded in your word and help us to do all in your name. Amen.

Lent 33: Looking for information

We're attending an academic conference this weekend. W presents his findings on a difficult passage on women speaking in church (1 Corinthians 14). I'm reading a paper on the effect of Spirit baptism on women who were early Pentecostal missionaries. Such different topics, such different interests.

We love scripture and enjoy studying how it's changed the world. He's the theologian. I'm the connector (interested in stories and resources - hence history.)

We read all kinds of books, stay up on international news, listen to speakers, and think about the effect of Good News on people, culture, and policy. Our sources inform and influence our thinking.

What are you reading or learning today? Whom do you consult when you want information or help?

Read more:
*When they say to you, "Consult the mediums and the spiritists," should not a people consult their God? Isaiah 8:19 (NASB)

*When God had disarmed the rulers and authorities, he made a public display of them, having triumphed over them through Christ. Colossians 2:15 (NASB)

Moravian Prayer: Thank you, gracious God, for all you have done for us. You have given us life, your love, and Jesus, your Son. May everything that we do and say this day be a pleasing gift to you, in grateful response. Amen.