In this podcast, Paul begins to offer an interlude of reflections during these challenging, uncertain times provoked by the threat of the coronavirus. His first is to emphasize the over-arching significance of biblically-informed metanarratives that help us understand our story, especially in the midst of struggle. What are the ways we understand our journey, stories worth repeating, regularly to remind …
New Year’s Resolutions in February
New Year’s Resolutions in February I generally do not make New Year’s Resolutions. I am just too tired and worn out after completing another semester with its plethora of grading and then throwing myself in to all the holiday preparations and celebrations. So, at the end of the year I have little energy to even consider resolutions. Therefore, I make …
Smurf-blue Pride and the Power of Forgiveness
Smurf-blue Pride and the Power of Forgiveness * Fools mock at making amends for sin, but goodwill is found among the upright. (Proverbs 14: 9-10) The 10 year-old boy visiting our home that day was bored so my wife let him play in the pool room. He was thrilled. His mother soon noticed him touching the cue stick tip and …
Walk Tall and Carry and Gentle Stick
Walk Tall and Carry a Gentle Stick * 1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise adorns knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (Proverbs 15:1-2) In 2009, Republican Mark DeMoss and Democrat Lanny Davis founded the Civility Project. They asked national politicians to sign a …
St. John of Damascus: Patron Saint of Visual Communication
St. John of Damascus: Patron Saint of Visual Communication Terry Lindvall, Ph.D. Virginia Wesleyan University Journal of Christian Teaching Practice Home Page Abstract: This article traces the rise and fall of the image in Christian history, ultimately examining the impact of St. John of Damascus and his defense of holy images in Apologetic Treatises against those Revile the Holy Images and …
Playing Games with Christian Education: Exploring Embodied Faith in Media Production
Playing Games with Christian Education: Exploring Embodied Faith in Media Production Kevin Schut, Ph.D. Associate Dean, School of the Arts, Media + Culture; Professor of Media + Communication Journal of Christian Teaching Practice Home Page Abstract This article considers two interdisciplinary projects to create video games at a Christian university in 2008 and 2011 in light of James K.A. Smith’s call for Christian …
Teaching Communication and Theology
Teaching Communication and Theology Paul A. Soukup, S.J. Professor of Communication Santa Clara University psoukup@scu.edu Originally presented to the Arricia Conference on Communication and Theology, Arricia, Italy, 2007 Journal of Christian Teaching Practice Home Page Abstract A media ecology approach allows a better integration between theology and communication, either as a unit in an existing course or as a stand-alone course. …
The Light Shines in the Darkness
The Light Shines in the Darkness Annalee R. Ward, Ph.D. Guest Columnist Annalee Ward, Professor of Communication, currently serves as the Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque. This Initiative promotes excellent moral character and lives of purpose. Passionate about interweaving faith, life, and learning, Annalee is grateful for the work of the Christianity and Communication …
St. John Chrysostom: Identification and Communication in a Culture of Compromise
St. John Chrysostom: Identification and Communication in a Culture of Compromise William L. Mullen, Ph.D. Chair of Communication Studies and Professor of Communication Arts Journal of Christian Teaching Practice Home Page Abstract: John Chrysostom (354 to 406 CE), literally translated as “Golden Mouth,” remains today one of the most popular preachers in church history, and is described by many as the …
George Fox: Silence and Stillness as Communicational Ethic
George Fox: Silence and Stillness as Communicational Ethic Douglas Gwyn Journal of Christian Teaching Practice Home Page Abstract: George Fox (1624 – 1691), the central figure of the early Quaker movement in seventeenth-century England, posed silent worship as a way beyond the English Reformation’s protracted conflict among truth-claims. Through the practice of verbal silence and physical stillness, early Friends generated new …
