Thursday, November 1, 2012
What Has God Done Lately?
I continue to be amazed at what is happening that I don't hear about! I know we are busy and we don't get together that often, so I hope this will be an encouraging tool for us. Just comment and let us know when you see God come through, either a successful professional milestone (received that grant!) or had a great interaction with a student, colleague or family member about faith in God, etc. I just heard of two Chinese scholars who have come to Christ at Utah State. Another prof has had a great interaction with two students at Westminster. So feel free to share a quick story and to use your name or be anonymous. Either way, we will all be encouraged!
So, what has God done this semester?!
Thanks,
Rob
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Chpt 3
Fast forward to 2006 and Dr. Malik's son, also a scholar in his own rite, looks back at his father's thoughts twenty years earlier. He points out that Christianity has always existed within conflict and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism is yet another example of the never ending battle.
He then looks at the global view, describing the loss of faith in Western Europe, the rise of Islam, and the culture wars here in the US.
In discussions,questions have centered around:
What can we, as scholars and mentors here in Utah/Idaho do about Europe?
Suggestions: 1) go there for collaboration, conferences, etc. and look for ways to share our faith-student and faculty groups, etc 2) Pray for and interact with grad students here. e.g., one of our students at USU is from France-what impact can she have when she gets home? 3) What ideas do you have?
Re Islam: Learn about it, love them, realize their struggles....again, we have increasing numbers here on our campuses. One prof recruited a student from Iran with the goal of hopefully influencing him for Christ. Praying for them, loving them....will they see a difference??
Similar ideas have been expressed about going to/reaching out to Russian and other orthodox folks....
Finally, our own culture wars. Are we in a "post-Christian" era? Many think so, including some of you. Others not so sure (including me!). No question we are in an era of "Biblical illiteracy"-but Malik argues we are too quick to say things are over and we have moved on.
He ends: Are you ready to jump into the fray? Or should you study, pray and be supportive? The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom to know, he says. BUT, many academics are by nature rather retiring.....do you hold back because it is wise or because it is your nature? How bad do things have to get before you make a stand, speak up, etc.?
He then looks at the global view, describing the loss of faith in Western Europe, the rise of Islam, and the culture wars here in the US.
In discussions,questions have centered around:
What can we, as scholars and mentors here in Utah/Idaho do about Europe?
Suggestions: 1) go there for collaboration, conferences, etc. and look for ways to share our faith-student and faculty groups, etc 2) Pray for and interact with grad students here. e.g., one of our students at USU is from France-what impact can she have when she gets home? 3) What ideas do you have?
Re Islam: Learn about it, love them, realize their struggles....again, we have increasing numbers here on our campuses. One prof recruited a student from Iran with the goal of hopefully influencing him for Christ. Praying for them, loving them....will they see a difference??
Similar ideas have been expressed about going to/reaching out to Russian and other orthodox folks....
Finally, our own culture wars. Are we in a "post-Christian" era? Many think so, including some of you. Others not so sure (including me!). No question we are in an era of "Biblical illiteracy"-but Malik argues we are too quick to say things are over and we have moved on.
He ends: Are you ready to jump into the fray? Or should you study, pray and be supportive? The Holy Spirit gives us wisdom to know, he says. BUT, many academics are by nature rather retiring.....do you hold back because it is wise or because it is your nature? How bad do things have to get before you make a stand, speak up, etc.?
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