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.?
Monday, November 7, 2011
chpt 2
This is Dr. Malik's address, on which this entire book is based.
How have you seen Christians from different backgrounds work together? Do you think things are better in this regard since he wrote this (early 80's)? Does your faith tradition/church encourage this?
(In most of our discussions it seems to be true that things are much better on a global basis since Malik's address, but not necassarily locally. Some communities and even campus communities seem to have a better spirit of oneness than others)
How does the university foster pride and self-sufficiency??
Do you agree with his assessment of the humanities?
Do you know of leaders in your field who are Christians??
(See my comment-and although it may be rare to see a Nobel Prize winner among us, excellence in our work is still very important and speaks volumes-and I would add, very biblical!)
On the bottom of page 62, Malik states the university only reflects the mind of the current culture. Do you agree? If true, what real difference can we make??
We all seem to agree that the university "runs the world" (as one of you remarked "Wow, if we run the world, shouldn't we get paid more?!" :)
But is the university (generally speaking) that devoid of Christ? Some would say the pluralism that dominates is a good thing-Christians can speak with an equal voice and not just be the voice of traditional dominance. Others agree with Malik, that Christ is generally rejected and not given a fair hearing. No doubt the degree of this varies from campus to campus. Have you thoughtfully evaluated your campus? Department?
Finally, Malik pleads with us: Wake up!! (pg 65) The need is imminent!! Since this was given in 1980, we can say many HAVE woken up-including you dear reader! This faculty ministry among many others around the world is just what he hoped to see!!
Some further thoughts from an English prof:
Hi Rob,
Thanks for sharing this article. I've never heard a Christian emphasize the role of humanities scholars in universities the way that Malik does. It's an interesting view. I think he's right in his evaluation that the various humanities perspectives can be summarized as self-worship, but I don't think that's anything particular to the humanities. All humans worship, and only Christians worship God. So the majority of people on earth worship self, other people, or nature. Still, his characterization of the influence that humanities scholars have is a lot grander than other opinions I've heard. It's good food for thought, especially for a Christian humanities scholar. Thanks for passing along this article.
How have you seen Christians from different backgrounds work together? Do you think things are better in this regard since he wrote this (early 80's)? Does your faith tradition/church encourage this?
(In most of our discussions it seems to be true that things are much better on a global basis since Malik's address, but not necassarily locally. Some communities and even campus communities seem to have a better spirit of oneness than others)
How does the university foster pride and self-sufficiency??
Do you agree with his assessment of the humanities?
Do you know of leaders in your field who are Christians??
(See my comment-and although it may be rare to see a Nobel Prize winner among us, excellence in our work is still very important and speaks volumes-and I would add, very biblical!)
On the bottom of page 62, Malik states the university only reflects the mind of the current culture. Do you agree? If true, what real difference can we make??
We all seem to agree that the university "runs the world" (as one of you remarked "Wow, if we run the world, shouldn't we get paid more?!" :)
But is the university (generally speaking) that devoid of Christ? Some would say the pluralism that dominates is a good thing-Christians can speak with an equal voice and not just be the voice of traditional dominance. Others agree with Malik, that Christ is generally rejected and not given a fair hearing. No doubt the degree of this varies from campus to campus. Have you thoughtfully evaluated your campus? Department?
Finally, Malik pleads with us: Wake up!! (pg 65) The need is imminent!! Since this was given in 1980, we can say many HAVE woken up-including you dear reader! This faculty ministry among many others around the world is just what he hoped to see!!
Some further thoughts from an English prof:
Hi Rob,
Thanks for sharing this article. I've never heard a Christian emphasize the role of humanities scholars in universities the way that Malik does. It's an interesting view. I think he's right in his evaluation that the various humanities perspectives can be summarized as self-worship, but I don't think that's anything particular to the humanities. All humans worship, and only Christians worship God. So the majority of people on earth worship self, other people, or nature. Still, his characterization of the influence that humanities scholars have is a lot grander than other opinions I've heard. It's good food for thought, especially for a Christian humanities scholar. Thanks for passing along this article.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Chpt 1 Part II
"I feel like two people wrote chpt one!" said one prof. Indeed, Paul Gould goes "philosopher" on us with the section using the term "Metanarrative" on pg 31. (He is a philosopher after all, so let's be patient..." What do you think of his attempt to describe the "big story"? Some feel there needs to be more mentioned re the creation and the ultimate goal of God to RESTORE all things, including salvation for those who are lost, but also the creation....and a better life here and now. What do you think??
pgs 40-50 The fully integrated life.....his definition on pg 40-do you agree? Absolute truth is rejected by many....we must be"comitted pluralists" ...most have liked that term. Most fields cry out for Chritian leadership , not domination. Are there well known Christian voices in your field?
CS Lewis advocated for "explicit" and "implicit" research...and followers of Christ should simply be the best. Does that motivate you....or intimidate you???
Do you think the intelligent design movement is a good example of latent Christian research?"
Ultimately, in the final pages, the call is to be a certain kind of person....can you spend a few moments reflecting on this??
A potentially guilt inducing question: Are students and colleagues attracted to the kind of person you are??
I would say, from what I know of those who come to meetings and studies regularly, the answer is yes!!
pgs 40-50 The fully integrated life.....his definition on pg 40-do you agree? Absolute truth is rejected by many....we must be"comitted pluralists" ...most have liked that term. Most fields cry out for Chritian leadership , not domination. Are there well known Christian voices in your field?
CS Lewis advocated for "explicit" and "implicit" research...and followers of Christ should simply be the best. Does that motivate you....or intimidate you???
Do you think the intelligent design movement is a good example of latent Christian research?"
Ultimately, in the final pages, the call is to be a certain kind of person....can you spend a few moments reflecting on this??
A potentially guilt inducing question: Are students and colleagues attracted to the kind of person you are??
I would say, from what I know of those who come to meetings and studies regularly, the answer is yes!!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Welcome to the Discussion : Chpt 1
Welcome! My hope is that this blog will be a place for those of you who cannot make our meetings to catch up, weigh in, or at least see what others are thinking. So here we go...
Chpt 1 The Intro:
Pg 1 Several indicated that yes, they do tend to compartmentalize their lives-but this is not unique to faculty. Christian business men, athletes, medical personnel...there is too much leaving of their faith at church, etc. Clearly, Jesus calls us to take his love and message of reconciliation everywhere...
pg 2 ...but we often encounter opposition as academics from BOTH church and campus...stories were shared of fellow believers suspicious of anyone who works at the "godless university"...and many of us have gotten at least snotty looks or comments from colleagues. How about you?? What have you encountered??
The book is based on Malik's charge: the two tasks are: "...that of saving the soul and that of saving the mind" (bottom of page) Do you agree??
pg 3 As the university goes, so goes the world...teachers, filmmakers,news directors,congressmen are all products of the univ...thus, the campus runs the world! How does that make you feel? Some feel challenged, some intimidated....some in awe of where God has placed them...how about you??
pg 4 ...because of this awesome responsibility, God calls Christian scholars to be the best there is in their field...again, how do you feel about that? Does that not create pressure, even a works mentality?? Yet, "...whatever you do, do so for the glory of God..."
pgs 21-30 In recent years,there has been an explosion of Christian associations and fellowships...and at the same time outspoken atheist critics...do you know of such groups in your field? Have they helped you??
pg 30-31 Finally, at the end of the day, we cannot teach/model what we do not know...what is the depth of our own Christian walk??
Please comment....and join us any time you can!! It is indeed a privilege to walk with you in this journey!!
Rob
Chpt 1 The Intro:
Pg 1 Several indicated that yes, they do tend to compartmentalize their lives-but this is not unique to faculty. Christian business men, athletes, medical personnel...there is too much leaving of their faith at church, etc. Clearly, Jesus calls us to take his love and message of reconciliation everywhere...
pg 2 ...but we often encounter opposition as academics from BOTH church and campus...stories were shared of fellow believers suspicious of anyone who works at the "godless university"...and many of us have gotten at least snotty looks or comments from colleagues. How about you?? What have you encountered??
The book is based on Malik's charge: the two tasks are: "...that of saving the soul and that of saving the mind" (bottom of page) Do you agree??
pg 3 As the university goes, so goes the world...teachers, filmmakers,news directors,congressmen are all products of the univ...thus, the campus runs the world! How does that make you feel? Some feel challenged, some intimidated....some in awe of where God has placed them...how about you??
pg 4 ...because of this awesome responsibility, God calls Christian scholars to be the best there is in their field...again, how do you feel about that? Does that not create pressure, even a works mentality?? Yet, "...whatever you do, do so for the glory of God..."
pgs 21-30 In recent years,there has been an explosion of Christian associations and fellowships...and at the same time outspoken atheist critics...do you know of such groups in your field? Have they helped you??
pg 30-31 Finally, at the end of the day, we cannot teach/model what we do not know...what is the depth of our own Christian walk??
Please comment....and join us any time you can!! It is indeed a privilege to walk with you in this journey!!
Rob
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