How do our environments shape us?
What can we learn from the world around us as we press on to know God more fully? Author Kat Armas talks with us about her own journey of learning to integrate ideas of ecology, embodiment, and ancient wisdom with her study of Scripture. These fresh avenues of connection with God provide the inspiration for her new book, Sacred Belonging: A 40-Day Devotional on the Liberating Heart of Scripture.
“What if I actually took Jesus literally and … looked at the birds of the air and actually noticed the flowers? We relate to the natural world how we relate to each other.... If we disregard the natural world, it’s so much easier to disregard people in our midst.”
Our environments can have a significant impact on our spiritual formation — especially if we can discipline ourselves to pay attention and receive the lessons. We’re reminded of Audrey Chan’s article about the spiritual formation in grad school and the way God meets her in “the hardest thing [she has] ever done.”
“I know that many feel the call and move of God in the academic vocation. I am in awe as I experience it myself: in these days when life seems the busiest, I find things like character and grace present without working for it.”
You’re Invited!
Fall 2023 Bookclub has begun! Still want to participate? You are welcome to join Women Scholars and Professionals on Thursday nights at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern) to discuss Amy L. Sherman’s Agents of Flourishing. We’ve even added a couple of “bonus” meetings on Tuesday nights for those who can’t make Thursdays. Click through to register and learn more about our bookclub!
Weekly Prayer has begun! Mark your calendar for Fridays at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. (Eastern) for our weekly online prayer meetings.
Faculty Ministry Fall Series: The Harmony Way. How can we be peace-makers in our departments and campuses? How can we care better for our Indigenous students or colleagues? Join the Faculty Ministry Fall Series: The Harmony Way to learn from North American Indigenous leaders who have walked this way of harmony.
Oct 12 — 2:30P (ET): What’s in a Name? The importance of names in Bible languages and the First Nations Version
Oct 25 — 1:00P (ET): ESN Conversation: What Jesus Intended
Oct 25 — 6:00P (ET): How can we love our land? Creation Care and Justice
Nov 2 — 8:00P (ET): Is it too late to come in a good way? God’s invitation for shalom and harmony with our Indigenous brothers and sisters
Nov 11 — 10:00A to 2:00P (ET): Writing Retreat
Nov 16 — 1:00P (ET): ESN Conversation: Rethinking the Police
Via Divina: The Harmony Way. Join fellow grad students and faculty on a unique prayer journey! You can participate in these 45-minute audio-guided walks wherever you live, work, or play and whenever it is convenient for you. Online gatherings, a journal, art, music, and more will also be available to you on these walks. You are welcome to participate in as much or as little as works for you. Join us! Register at bit.ly/HWReg
IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy for InterVarsity Press titles adopted for classroom use up to three times a year. Your free exam or desk copy will be sent to you within four weeks. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!
Are you an InterVarsity alum? Use promo code IVCFALUMNI to get a 25% discount at ivpress.com.
Special sale at InterVarsity Press! In honor of Pastor Appreciation Month this October, IVP is offering all 50 books featured on this page at 25% off! Simply use promo code IVPPASTOR23 on these select titles through October 20, 2023.
Emerging Scholars Network has released their upcoming lineup of author conversations! Considering joining them for one of their events over the next several months, including October’s conversation with Daniel G. Hummel on The Rise and Fall of Dispensationalism.
Job openings at Baylor University. The Computer Science department at Baylor University is hiring five additional faculty members this year to support our research and teaching. All five positions start in Fall 2024. Take a look at the job descriptions and application forms and email our Baylor contact person if you have more questions.
Four More Things We Loved This Week
Do you agree with the new phone call etiquette? (Washington Post, unlocked)
“Blessed are we who are appalled that brute ignorance can so easily dominate over decency, honesty, and integrity.” Kate Bowler offers a blessing for when you’re tired of broken systems. (Check out the other blessings she offers on her newly-redesigned site.)
This clever map shows the traditional Mercator Projection map while depicting the true size of countries.
It’s officially soup season! This favorite recipe made an appearance this week in some of our kitchens.