When I first saw this book I picked it up in the bookstore and started reading away at it, and I could not put the book down. So I ordered it from Amazon and am now almost through with it. It is a brilliant book about a persons call from the world into ministry, from ministry into church, and from the church into the world as professor and a chaplain to the world. Strange as it may seem from the title, I have felt more of a tug into vocational ministry after reading this book, not less. Although, it does arouse my latent dreams of someday being a professor and a writer.
Does anyone ride in a car without one day wanting to steer it? (xiii)
The only thing worth writing about is the human heart in conflict with itself--
William Faulkner
I distrust people who know well what God wants them to do, because it always coincides with their own desires--Susan B Anthony
The effort to untangle human words from the divine seems not only futile to me but unecessary, since God works with what is (p. 26)
I went to seminary the way some people sail around the world. On no particular timetable I let the wind carry me. (p.31)
Strange travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God--Kurt Vonneget
When I wake up in the morning, I can't decide whether to enjoy the world or change the world. It makes it to plan the day--EB White
I do not know how male clergy begin their jobs, but I begin mine by cleaning (60)
You never enjoy the world aright until the sea floweth through your veins, till you are clothed with the heavens and crowned with the stars; and percieve yourself to be the heir of the whole world..."--Anglican Priest Thomas Traherne
They eye with which I look at God is the same eye with which God looks at me--Meister Ekhart
True bliss is never more than a hair away from sorrow (97)
People of the Book risk putting the book before people (Arun Ghandi)
God is not found in the soul by adding anything but by subtracting--Meister Eckhart
If you are serenely to bear the trial of being unpleasing to yourself, then for Jesus you will be a pleasant place of shelter--121--Terese of Lisieux
Perhaps the truth depends on a walk around the lake--Wallace Stevens
The world for which you have been so carefully prepared is being taken away from you, by the grace of God--Walter Bruggemann
3 comments:
Well blessings to you as you decide which path to take, though you seem like the kind of person who's good at working with youngsters and others in the community. Many find themselves returning to academia though.
Thank you for this ... there is a lot on my mind concerning ministry, youth ministers, churches ...
a lot in here speaks to me.
Thanks!
I keep coming back to read these. The Bruggemann quote is really hitting home.
Peace-
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