Yesterday in class, the professor asked how many of us had read Christ and Culture by H. Richard Niebuhr. I was the only one who raised my hand. I mentioned that it was a required book in my first class at seminary. How old am I?
Longevity has its advantages. For example, I've discovered seven answers will pretty much get you through seminary. Regardless of the question, one of these responses likely will be suitable.
The Seven Answers to Get You Through Seminary
Context matters.
It's our eschatalogical hope.
We need a new paradigm.
That's evidence of our postmodern mileau.
We need to create space for ambiguity.
Everything is an interpretation.
It's not an either/or but a both/and.
i heart "both and" thanks for the tip - it is so nice for you to share your aged wisdom with us young folk ... he he
ReplyDeletemaybe in return i shall cook you something -- or give you a good recipe
Why might i add do we not have any classes together this semester? hmmm
Apparently because you did not see fit to take introduction to pastoral care and integration of local theologies. You are likely taking something far more artsy than my left brain could handle.
ReplyDeleteSteve-the 7 answers would also have worked for the numerous Sociology/Social Work courses I took back when (but I am not going to tell you how long ago that was)
ReplyDeleteMakes me wonder how many other fields of study they would work for?
You are forgetting to add the phrases that buy you time until you can come up with one of these answers and put it in a nice, neat, 7-10 page paper.
ReplyDelete1. I have been researching and reflecting on that, and am coming to some conclusions
2. I am struggling with this question, as there are so many different points of view to consider, and I want to be inclusive yet decisive.
3. I have the basic framework in mind, but I am working on how to put this in the correct conceptual paradigm--its hard because it's changing, and contextual, and it may not be in just one paradigm.
4. I have been having problems with my computer/hard drive/printer/monitor/sunspots/ etc and will email it to you as soon I as I resolve them...
Remember that I was in school longer than you, and perhaps I was because I knew and used each of these. Perhaps too often!
Now why didn't I think of those? Amen.
ReplyDelete