In recent months, I have done some extensive study and teaching in the gospel of Matthew, a fascinating journey which produced a slew of articles, sermons, and posts (a couple of which are previously posted on the CiRCE blog here and here), mainly addressing the structure, types, and patterns in the gospel. Here I offer one more.
Brian Phillips
Alexander Schmemman (1921-1983), ordained to the priesthood in 1946, gradually becoming one of most influential Orthodox theologians of the 20th century. He served as a teacher and dean at St. Vladimir’s Seminary until his death, was an official Orthodox observer of the Second Vatican Council, and helped to establish the Orthodox Church in America in 1970. However, Schmemman’s influence spans far beyond the Orthodox tradition, particularly in the form of his superb work For the Life of the World.
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Earlier this year, I wrote a five-part series on Dante’s Inferno entitled “Blogging through Hell”, a collection that grew out of teaching the great work this spring. Along with those articles, which served as outlets for some thoughts that incessantly swirled around my head while teaching, I want to provide a bit of practical help for any who might be teaching or reading the Inferno in days to come.
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Just a few weeks ago, an NPR report revealed the findings of several recent studies on parental smartphone dependence and the effect it has upon their children. The results are not surprising, filled with things we already know and, therefore, need to hear again and again.
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“Love the quick profit, the annual raise,
vacation with pay. Want more
of everything ready-made. Be afraid
to know your neighbors and to die.”
- From “Manifesto: Mad Farmer Liberation Front” by Wendell Berry
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We're getting pretty excited about this summer's conference! Here's a recent video from one of our speakers, Wes Callihan.
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Bright red numbers glow, burning my sleep-heavy eyes. It takes a few moments for my brain to process what I’m seeing, but there’s little doubt now – “5:30.” Surely such horrific buzzing should be reserved for air raid alarms. I only use the torturous device when I have to awaken early, and then only for its persuasiveness. It is 5:30 a.m. on a Monday morning, and I do not want to get out of bed.
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The Bookends
Several months ago, I posted an article that introduced the subject of patterns and types in St. Matthew’s gospel. Particularly, I pointed out how Matthew portrays Jesus as the beginning and the end, the fulfillment of all God’s promises. You can read part one here, if you like.
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"It is easier to be enthusiastic about Humanity with a capital 'H' than it is to love individual men and women especially those who uninteresting, exasperating, depraved, or otherwise unattractive. Loving everybody in general may be an excuse loving no one in particular." – John Stott, commenting on 1st John 3:17
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Journalist: “What are your thoughts on Hell?”
G.K. Chesterton: “I regard it as a thing to be avoided.”
One of the most obvious benefits of reading Dante’s Inferno is that it provides a vivid reminder that sin destroys and heaps horrific consequences upon the sinner. Temptation, by definition, entices one because of the apparent pleasure that the sinful act will bring, but Dante cuts through such transitory appearances, directing us to the frightening aftermath.
Paolo & Francesca
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