Learning from the past
How history can instruct our path forward.
How can the study of history teach us to grow in our skills of courage and hope? Historian and professor Karen J. Johnson joins us on the podcast to discuss her recent book Ordinary Heroes of Racial Justice: A History of Christians in Action. Karen’s calling as a history professor shines through as she teaches us about the tools of doing history and how this work can inform our everyday lives. Karen shares her thoughts on the way history can impact on our experience of faith, which we see firsthand through Karen’s own integration of scholarship and faith. Her book highlights four important stories of racial justice work in 20th century America, and Karen draws out some lessons from these stories that we can take along with us. And if you listen to the end of the credits you’ll hear an excerpt from our conversation where Karen offers her thoughts on not waiting for the perfect time to have kids.
“Can you have reconciliation in the present if you are not acknowledging what has happened in the past?”
Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, our days are shaped by the stories of those who have gone before us. The practice of exploring these stories and viewing them through compassionate eyes helps us to understand ourselves, our present context, and our choices for the future. March brings us Women’s History Month, and so we invite you to consider the stories of some remarkable women we have highlighted at The Well in years past. What stories are you creating now that might be told by future generations? Large or small, we’re all here to play our part.
“From 8th century Germany to 19th century Pennsylvania, these women lived with a boldness and dedication to Christ that made a mark on the world around them. What good things might God have for us to do in this time, in these days?”
A note. If you head to The Well, you might notice a few little things that are different about our website — including a new landing page for Women Scholars & Professionals!
While we’re in the middle of some behind-the-scenes construction, some website features might be on the blink — so let us know if you have trouble finding anything. In the meantime, any new content will be posted here on our Substack page. Thanks for your patience with us!
You’re Invited!
Our online 30-minute guided prayer meetings happen on Fridays at 8 am, 9 am, and 12 pm (Eastern). Can’t come? We will pray for you anyway — send your prayer requests by emailing us at wsap@intervarsity.org.
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT INTERVARSITY PRESS
This Women’s History Month, IVP is highlighting the wisdom and insight women bring to both the academy and the church. Explore this selection of ebooks by women authors—now up to 80% off!
IVP Faculty exam copies. Professors can request a free exam or desk copy. Register for a professional account to access this benefit!
InterVarsity alums get 40% off! Use promo code IVCFALUMNI40 to get a 40% discount at ivpress.com.
Hear Women Podcast launches Monday, March 9! Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young, Tara Beth Leach, and Nijay Gupta engage in conversations that highlight the many ways that women are having a profound impact in the church, their communities, and the world. Join us as we listen to women, for the good of the church.
Four More Things We Loved This Week
Israeli Attacks Bring Iranian Christians Both Fear and Hope (Christianity Today, unlocked)
Why Phone Conversations Are Better Than Texting (The Atlantic, unlocked)