There is so much division and contention around us. People have different opinions, which become more evident during the election season. We all long for unity! However, unity is not something we pursue in our efforts; as followers of Christ, it is a gift we receive, affirm, and celebrate. Celebrate the heavenly citizenship of all…
Christian men and fathers need more encouragement
I have always been struck by the contrast between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day celebrations. Generally, Mother’s Day is a great holiday and a reason for widespread joy in which most recognize mothers’ hard work and selflessness. Celebrating mom is a social obligation enthusiastically embraced because everyone has every reason to do so. Recognizing fathers,…
Theological Education as Lifelong Communal Relationship (Article in Sapientia)
The North African theologian Augustine of Hippo allegedly made a statement that could quickly summarize the purpose of theological education: “To fall in love with God is the greatest romance; to seek Him the greatest adventure; to find Him the greatest human achievement.” Our lives find their purpose and meaning in the triune God, and…
Love in Action (Easter Devotional for the Biola Center for Christianity, Culture, and the Arts)
Individualism is a core value of American culture. In this country, a central goal of parenting is to raise children to become independent and self-sufficient adults. The underlying assumption for this reality and cultural practice is the belief that each of us has the agency and responsibility to look for our own interests without becoming…
“The Hispanic Faculty Experience: An Interview with Octavio Esqueda” for the Christian Scholar’s Review
Hispanics have long been integral to U.S. society making significant contributions including the education sector. Though many institutions of higher education have increased their priority on recruiting students from Hispanic backgrounds, the challenge remains for institutions of Christian higher education to engage in the recruitment, support, and retention of Hispanic faculty. Furthermore, the challenge remains…
An Invitation To Wait On The Lord (Biola Advent Devotional)
I have attended church services all my life, but there is one in particular that I will never forget. It happened many years ago in a little town in the eastern part of Cuba, but I can still hear the music and picture the faces of God’s people worshiping our Lord. The church’s town was…
Peace That Passes All Understanding (Buckner Advent devotional)
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” – John 14:27 (NIV) We all want to live in peace. In our Western context, peace means avoiding troubles or even the absence…
The Image of God Is Our Identity, Part 2
The Christian Scholars’ Review just published a series of two blog articles about our doctoral program. Three current global students and I wrote these blogs, “The Image of God is Our Identity,” reflecting on our learning experience in the program (Kevin is from Canada, Ruhama is from Ethiopia, and Shaiju is from India). This is…
The Image of God Is Our Identity, Part 1
The Christian Scholars’ Review just published a series of two blog articles about our doctoral program. Three current global students and I wrote these blogs, “The Image of God is Our Identity,” reflecting on our learning experience in the program (Kevin is from Canada, Ruhama is from Ethiopia, and Shaiju is from India). This is…