It is a fundamental Biblical theme. Learning to be grateful is a vitally important skill. There is always something that would make one’s life better, but this ignores the many ways in which life is already good. So, once a year, we pause and give thanks. There is a simplicity about this occasion. The focus […]
VTS has always had a journal. The VTS Journal is now home to our “state occasions”. So, you tend to find the Costan Lectures, the Reinker Lecture, and the Commencement Address in the Journal. It provides the historic record of the present and makes that record available to the future. I am delighted to share […]
As we enter Thanksgiving week, I am anticipating the Seminary closure days – from Wednesday lunchtime to Monday – and the fact that the Seminary will reopen on Monday December 2. It is a little strange. With Thanksgiving being so late, we find ourselves ready to open our Advent calendars and start the journey to […]
It is always the weekend just before Thanksgiving. The two largest religion organizations in the Academy gather for their annual meeting. Literally thousands of religion professors descend on an American city. Numerous publishers gather. Various organizations turn up to advocate and lobby. Endless papers are delivered. It is an extraordinary event. Suddenly Virginia Theological Seminary […]
In many ways I have been blessed. The combination of genes and luck has kept me relatively healthy. I have managed to avoid broken bones or major illness. For all this I am grateful. Yet, some medical complexity comes to all of us in time. So, yesterday, I had a minor procedure and I am […]
Questo is a fun way to explore cities. They are walking tours, often with an elaborate plot, that helps to understand the neighborhood you are in. Lesley and I have done several around the United States. So, I am grateful to Sharon Longley who agreed to take on the task of organizing our walk around […]
It is a joy having Sarah Coakley nearby. She is an extraordinary theologian and a delightful conversation partner. And I pleased to share with you that you can participate in three opportunities for quiet devotion as part of your Advent preparation for the coming of the Christ Child. Entitled “Advent prayer as waiting and longing”, […]
The Biblical witness is clear: Acts 8 names a place for trans people in the church. To that end, the Seminary aspires to work with our trans students to facilitate their presence for training on the campus. After discussions with a group of trans students and as part of our commitment to hospitality, we are making […]
Today, I will continue to report out significant board decisions. A key motion came from the Academic Affairs Committee. It is our practice at Virginia Theological Seminary to appoint faculty, who are tenure track, on an initial three year appointment. Then after two years, as the faculty member enters the third, there is a review […]
It is my practice to share the results of the Board Meeting with the community through the commentary. The primary set of motions were linked with the “descendants memorial”. This is all part of our reparations program. The recommendations of the Finance Committee and the Buildings and Grounds Committee were accepted by the Board of […]