Students participating in a dramatic reading of John 11 – the raising of Lazarus. |
At a Glance
Theme:
Church – Life in the Spirit
Faculty Speaker:
Dr. Amy Laura Hall, Assistant Professor of Theological Ethics
Lectionary Texts:
Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 104 [1a, 19-35]; Romans 8:1-8, 31-39; John 11
Reflections on the Lecture
Today Dr. Amy Laura Hall spoke on “Life in the Spirit” (Romans 8:1-8), challenging those aspects of our culture that teach us to depend on human achievement rather than the Spirit.
With a slideshow of media images, she showed the way generations of Americans have been trained to “move forward” through proper breeding and raising of children, or through the buying and consuming of products. Particularly challenging was Dr. Hall’s rejection of “better living through chemistry.” She suggested that prescription medications, billed as the solutions to our problems, may be symptoms of deeper problems.
Dr. Hall challenged us to “get off” (or at least question) the “train” that tells us the future is all about our achievements and choices. Whether in terms of genetics or academic achievement, our world defines us by a pursuit of the perfect life. In contrast, Christians root our identity and value in our baptism and the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
A few of Dr. Hall's quotes...
“You are not the future. Christ is the future.”
“You are a beloved, treasured grasshopper.” – Dr. Hall referring to why we should not take ourselves, our achievements, and our goals too seriously
“We should view these images with holy offense.” – Dr. Hall expressing frustration with advertisements throughout American history that have provided elitist and racist portrayals of the “perfect” family
“Rage against the machine.”
What's ahead...
Friday will be our final day together before departing Saturday morning.
Dr. Edie will lecture on vocation and the coming reign of God. Elizabeth Ingram Schindler, assistant director of the academy, will preach in evening worship.
It’s hard to believe we are coming to the end of our two weeks together. Time flies in Christian community!
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