Search Our Writing:
Playing at Lent
Feb 23, 2021 | By Stanley Hauerwas, Gilbert T. Rowe Professor Emeritus of Divinity and Law.
I have always thought that Lent is a dangerous time for Christians. This time in the church year I fear tempts us to play at being a Christian. We are to discipline our lives during Lent in order to discover and repent of those sins that prevent us from the wholehearted worship of God. That is a perfectly appropriate ambition, but we are not very good at it. We are not very good at it because in general we are not very impressive sinners.
A Great Confusion
Feb 22, 2021 | By Sharla Moody BK ‘22
Lord, ask me not to walk atop the seas,
and give me not knowledge of all languages.
Do not speak to me with dew or marvelous wines,
and I plead that you not invite me to a banquet
A Prayer for Disturbance
Feb 20, 2021 | By Ben Colon-Emeric, TD ‘22
The church calendar is largely satisfying to look at … but Lent has always disturbed me. Two large blocks of green Ordinary Time take up most of the year, punctuated by the white of the Christmas and Easter seasons. But this orderly and pleasant calendar is marred by a large block of purple that sits there like a bruise.
Lent: What and Why
Feb 19th, 2021 | By Bradley Yam SY ‘21
What am I giving up for Lent, and why? Lent is a season in the liturgical calendar of the church, which is to say it is a Christian season – just like winter or summer – with its own rituals. Just like we all gear up to deal with and enjoy the snow come winter, Christians come together to prepare for Easter during Lent.
Humble Offerings
Feb 18, 2021 | By Serena Puang DC ‘22 +1
On a good day (when everything is going smoothly, I’m not on a strict deadline, and I’ve gotten plenty of sleep), it’s easier to cut other people slack when they’re being less than their best selves. A person I’m meeting with is 40 minutes late? It’s okay, I’ll just get some other work done. The lady was mean to me at the post office? Hope her day gets better. Drunk guy falls asleep on me on the metro Sunday morning? Hey buddy, this is kinda weird, but you’re clearly not doing this on purpose. Be careful getting home, okay?
Ash Wednesday: Confrontation with Mortality
Feb 17, 2021 | By Will Willimon, Professor of the Practice of Christian Ministry at Duke Divinity.
“The truth about life is that we shall die,” said writer Philip Roth, just before he died. Death is as out of control as life can get. In my years of pastoral work, I have served as psychopompos helping some five hundred souls to the grave, privileged to say a few words on God's behalf at their end.
Upcoming Events:
-
Writing Voice Workshop
THURSDAY, JAN 22ND, 6:15-7:50 PM,
Elm Institute
This week, we will hone our writing voice in different styles.
-
Editing for Writing with Voice Workshop
THURSDAY, JAN 29TH, 6:15-7:15 PM, Location TBD
Based on the previous week’s workshop, we will edit our pieces to hone our writing voice.
-
Veritas Weekend
FEB 6-8TH, Boston
Save the date for Veritas Weekend in Boston! More information below!
Signup Date Passed
-
Theme Introduction Meeting
THURSDAY, FEB 12ND, 6:15-7:15 PM,
Location TBD
Our theme this semester is… mirrors! We will be exploring the literary tradition and potential topics for mirrors.
-
Theme Introduction at Elm
THURSDAY, FEB 19ND, 6:15-7:50 PM,
Elm Institute
We will be continuing our exploration of the theme of mirrors at the Elm Institute, with a session led by Peter Wicks.
-
Writing Retreat
SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH
We will be adjourning to the countryside to spend a day dedicated to making progress on our drafts.