Dr. James R. Edwards writes, "Looking back on the past four centuries, it may seem that the 'Authorized Version,' as it is known in England, was destined to exert the influence on the English-speaking world that it did. There were a number of exceptionally good English translations before it, however, and the viability of KJV was not guaranteed, and its eventual supremacy even less so," and suggests it succeeded by building on predecessors and by involving a large a scholarly…
The Rev. Dr. Sarah Hinlicky Wilson is a Lutheran minister and currently assistant research professor at the Institute for Ecumenical Research in Strasbourg, France. In this interview, we speak with her about the state of ecumenism in light of the changing shape of Christian faith in the 21st century. She says, "Since ecumenism originated in the mission field, I think its future lies in mission too."
All technologies have a “good and helpful” aspect and they also have a harmful and debilitating effect. I like chairs, which seem utterly neutral or positive as a technological invention — especially nice big, comfy chairs. But cultures that sit on chairs experience more colon cancer than cultures that squat. Neil Postman argued that all technologies are a “Faustian bargain” – they give something, and they take something away. Freedom, I think, comes in knowing what these two things are,…
Rev. Dr. Jason Byassee is Pastor of Boone United Methodist Church in Boone, N.C., and was recently Director of the Faith and Leadership Center at Duke Divinity School where he remains a Fellow in Theology and Leadership.
On Tuesday, October 25, Nancy Jones Schafer, former first lady of North Dakota, shared from her own experiences how leadership and faith shape one another. "Life is a series of interruptions interrupted by interruptions...If I have learned anything in my Christian walk, it is the importance of flexibility and acceptance of the interruptions of life...When interruptions come into our lives, it is usually here that our faith needs to stretch a bit."
Dr. James Edwards writes, "There is something wonderful about the ox and donkey—animals that otherwise arouse no affections in me—peacefully presiding over the infant King. “Presiding” is the right word, for the baby Jesus was a guest at their only table—the manger. The presence of animals is theologically significant, for all sentient creation—animals, humanity, and angels—in varying ways and abilities now glorifies the God Who Became Human in the rustic sanctuary."
On Feb. 2, 2012, childhood burn survivor John O'Leary shared his remarkable story of hope, courage and faith as the keynote speaker for the University of Mary's annual Prayer Day celebration. With humor and emotion, he captivated the audience which filled McDowell Activity Center with his amazing account of the experience that could have ended his life, but instead enabled him to live it with an enhanced appreciation and understanding of its meaning.
Dr. Denis R. McNamara (M.Arch.H. and Ph.D., University of Virginia) is an architectural historian specializing in church architecture. He is the assistant director of The Liturgical Institute at Mundelein Seminary of the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. Dr. McNamara is the author of numerous articles and award-winning books on art and architecture. His recent books include Catholic Church Architecture and the Spirit of the Liturgy (2009) and How To Read Churches: A Crash Course in…
Dr. James Edwards writes, "The Jesus who died on Golgotha was the Jesus who taught beside the Sea of Galilee; the same Jesus who ate with sinners and tax collectors died for them. In both his teachings and travels, however, Jesus continually reminds hearers that he 'must' go to Jerusalem, and there he 'must' complete the Father’s will. The very structures of the Gospels remind us of the same, and they contribute to the clarity of Jesus’ mission, that the…
In conjunction with the Artists Celebrating Christ Art Show, the Christian Leadership Center of the University of Mary is proud to present artist Daniel Mitsui. Mr. Mitsui is a freelance artist from Chicago who specializes in meticulously detailed ink drawings on paper or vellum, all done by hand. Mr. Mitsui is especially inspired by medieval religious art, illuminated manuscripts, and early printed books.
