Theology & the University: An Interesting Discussion
The Brisbane Chapter of ANZATS (= Australian & New Zealand Association of Theological Schools) conducted an interesting discussion today that I was able to join by Zoom. The discussion was titled, “Theology and the University: Queen of the Sciences?” Two essays were …
Ignatius on the Spiritual Exercises
Last week I used introductory comments from Ignatius to define the Spiritual Exercises and their purpose. In 1536 Ignatius wrote a letter to a Father Miona in which he commends the Exercises. In fact, he implores his friend to take the Exercises …
Evangelicals and Nationalism
Much has been written about Evangelical support for Donald Trump over the last few years. Was this support an aberration? How could so-called Bible-believing Christians have supported so unlikely a candidate? Why did they resonate with his rhetoric and policy positions? In …
Defining an Ignatian Spiritual Exercise (ii)
Yesterday’s post asked what a spiritual exercise is. Today I continue unpacking Ignatius’ definitions to explore his intent for those undertaking the Exercises. Ignatius gives the purpose of the Exercises: the overcoming of self and the (proper or ideal?) ordering of one’s life in …
Defining an Ignatian Spiritual Exercise (i)
In the opening paragraph of his Spiritual Exercises Ignatius provides a statement of purpose: Spiritual exercises having as their purpose the overcoming of self and the ordering of one’s life on the basis of a decision made in freedom from any ill-ordered attachment [paragraph …
On Silence…
At present I am recovering from a skin graft to my lower leg, and it has meant that my usual activity has been severely restricted. Apparently the lower leg has a poor blood supply and to prevent swelling and the risk of …
Scripture on Sunday – James 3:18
James 3:18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (NASB). And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace (NRSV). There are several connections between this verse and …
Scripture on Sunday: James 3:17
James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. In this verse James sets the ‘wisdom from above’ (hē de anōthen sophia; …
Scripture on Sunday: James 3:16
James 3:16 For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. In this highly compressed saying James reiterates and summarises the point he has made in verses 14-15 where he warned his listeners …
The Case for Martha…
My last post explored the Luke 10 account of Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha – and noted that the interchange on Mary’s decision to sit listening to the teaching of Jesus rather than to help Martha in the kitchen, …