Comenius

The Comenius Institute is a Christian educational institute that will engage in the teaching-learning craft. In doing so, the organization will encourage study, discussion, research, and collaboration of students and scholars in the pursuit of theological truth with academic excellence. The Institute may present relevant materials for discussion through lecturers, guest speakers, authors, resident scholars, and students. It may facilitate the learning process through small group dynamics, mentoring relationships, and open forum discussion. It is the hope of Comenius to provide a place for learners to engage in spiritual-intellectual growth in an environment that encourages study, reflection, curiosity, discourse and collaboration through the in-depth pursuit of wisdom.

Injustice

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INJUSTICE should produce two questions: (1) Could you live with it? (2) Now what will you do? “Civil War Literature and Culture” is an IUPUI class I have been privileged to take this semester with the brilliant professor, Jane Schultz. One of our earliest readings was from Rebecca Harding Davis’s “Life in the Iron-Mills.” [Listen … Read more

BENEFICENCE

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“Doing good” has its source in The Good God. “Beneficence” – giving for the good of others. The cultural mandate (Gen 1.28-29) can be defined as God’s intention for humanity was to manage and conserve, not use and abuse, the creation.  Both production from and preservation of earth’s resources are possible. God’s beneficence shows God’s … Read more

HOW TO THINK REVIEW (ALAN JACOBS)

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Read this book! Research is the deliberation of the owl. Research is the spider’s methodical construction of her web. Research is the beaver building his dam, branch by branch. Research is the cat surveying her territory, still, silent, awaiting the opportunity to pounce. Masters and doctoral work demands these and other zoomorphic metaphors of care, … Read more

Campus Episodes (Part Four)

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“So many are so depressed!”   A remark from a student tutor created a discussion about why college students may be depressed. A few at the lunch table began to offer suggestions toward help. “What if you created a short questionnaire? The questions might prompt student reflection and an opportunity for practical suggestions.” The discussion … Read more

Faith-Learning Integration

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How it all began.   The Practice of Faith-Learning Integration A frantic phone call.  A quick visit at my door.  A conversation at lunch.  An emailed question. “I’m showing the periodic table today, what biblical principles should I teach?” “Is there anything to say from a Christian perspective about The Giver which is on our … Read more

Campus Episodes (Part Three)

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“The only way we can judge if someone’s feelings are hurt is if absolutes of right and wrong show why feelings shouldn’t be hurt.” See Campus Episodes (Part One) here. See Campus Episodes (Part Two) here. Episode 1 Academics We had just been discussing how various Christian groups share the gospel. My young friend expressed her … Read more

Campus Episodes (Part Two)

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How do you “self identify”? See Campus Episodes (Part One) here. Episode #1  “Social media is an illusion where people try to control our image using people to value ourselves.” Our discussion was about why young people don’t feel like they are doing any good in their lives. Students, my young conversationalist contended, are depressed … Read more