I turned 40 in 2017. The Protestant Reformation turned 500, which gave this particular 39/40-year-old Reformation historian plenty to learn, write, share, and see. I try to let my passion for accurate history and good theology come through in my writing, teaching and public speaking. Sharing my passion helps keep me honest and energized about what I do.
I spent a little time at academic conferences this year, which is always rewarding. Even better was the time I spent with churches, classes, clergy groups, and public forums. I loved seeing other people's interest in how we might apply Reformation themes today, too. After all, the Reformation was about things that still matter today: truth, love, hope, faith, loving God and loving neighbors in this gift of life. Life is grace. These are things for all of us to keep pondering and learning together.
I wish I could take values like love, peace, and truth for granted, as if they were things that everyone around me also valued. But these values are not givens. A lot of people value the wealth of a few over the well-being of the many. They value the rights and freedoms of the few over the rights and freedoms of others. When confronted with these one-sided views, they point the finger and show the failures of others.
These are not new tactics or realities. But movements like the Reformation, the Enlightenment, the arts, the scientific method, and constitutional democracy have arisen over the centuries to help people get past the kind of tribal thinking that otherwise takes over and does a lot of damage.
Reform movements have all had their flaws and faulty assumptions embedded in them: a Reformation based on radical grace and love included plenty of judgment against 'the other;' the US Constitution enshrined racism and sexism about who counts and whose voices matter. Where they failed we can do better. Where they point to truth and well-being, we still have a lot to learn from them and with them.
I love history, because it tells stories of people confronting hardships and doing what they can in their time and place to stand up for love, peace, and the well-being of their neighbors. I love theology because it keeps challenging me to grow in love and life. The recent Star Wars movie was big on themes like that (loved it!). Even better, from our own personal and cultural histories we already have tons of these good examples of people who worked for truth and love against tremendous odds: people like Martin Luther, Mary Wollstonecraft, Jose Rizal, and Frederick Douglass. Real-life jedi for truth and love.
The conclusion of this annual review, therefore, has two parts. First, I want to keep learning and sharing these life-giving stories. I am thankful that I get to learn and teach about people who care about life and love, from famous folks like Luther and MLK to the countless saints and heroes whose names we don't know. We know the stories that give life, so let's keep finding them and telling them. Second, this is the journey I want to stay on as a person and as a community member in the year to come. I won't be perfect at that. But that's the road I want to be on. See you there.
I spent a little time at academic conferences this year, which is always rewarding. Even better was the time I spent with churches, classes, clergy groups, and public forums. I loved seeing other people's interest in how we might apply Reformation themes today, too. After all, the Reformation was about things that still matter today: truth, love, hope, faith, loving God and loving neighbors in this gift of life. Life is grace. These are things for all of us to keep pondering and learning together.
I wish I could take values like love, peace, and truth for granted, as if they were things that everyone around me also valued. But these values are not givens. A lot of people value the wealth of a few over the well-being of the many. They value the rights and freedoms of the few over the rights and freedoms of others. When confronted with these one-sided views, they point the finger and show the failures of others.
These are not new tactics or realities. But movements like the Reformation, the Enlightenment, the arts, the scientific method, and constitutional democracy have arisen over the centuries to help people get past the kind of tribal thinking that otherwise takes over and does a lot of damage.
Reform movements have all had their flaws and faulty assumptions embedded in them: a Reformation based on radical grace and love included plenty of judgment against 'the other;' the US Constitution enshrined racism and sexism about who counts and whose voices matter. Where they failed we can do better. Where they point to truth and well-being, we still have a lot to learn from them and with them.
I love history, because it tells stories of people confronting hardships and doing what they can in their time and place to stand up for love, peace, and the well-being of their neighbors. I love theology because it keeps challenging me to grow in love and life. The recent Star Wars movie was big on themes like that (loved it!). Even better, from our own personal and cultural histories we already have tons of these good examples of people who worked for truth and love against tremendous odds: people like Martin Luther, Mary Wollstonecraft, Jose Rizal, and Frederick Douglass. Real-life jedi for truth and love.
The conclusion of this annual review, therefore, has two parts. First, I want to keep learning and sharing these life-giving stories. I am thankful that I get to learn and teach about people who care about life and love, from famous folks like Luther and MLK to the countless saints and heroes whose names we don't know. We know the stories that give life, so let's keep finding them and telling them. Second, this is the journey I want to stay on as a person and as a community member in the year to come. I won't be perfect at that. But that's the road I want to be on. See you there.