Category Archives: Scripture

“A Universe with Stakes” or “The Right Way to Experience the World”

Posted on February 20, 2023 by awtraughber

Back in early January, I attempted a short series of reflections on the hot-button of the turn of the year: the Christian faith and a “therapeutic gospel.” This piece by Brad East of Abilene Christian University was going to be … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Life in the Fifth Act, Scripture, The Long Story | Leave a comment

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas . . .

Posted on January 5, 2023 by awtraughber

For some time, I’ve been meaning to write something about this blog post by Brad East of Abilene Christian University. + + + + + + + I discovered East’s blog through Twitter some time in 2022. It was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Notes for a World's End, Scripture, Teaching, The Long Story, Travel | Leave a comment

The Three Movements of This Summer

Posted on July 5, 2022 by awtraughber

Today marks the beginning of the “third movement” of summer 2022 for me. My summer officially started after our commencement service back in the first weekend of June. From there, the summer divided itself neatly into three movements. The first … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Recovery Journal, Scripture, Teaching | Leave a comment

On Being Occupied

Posted on March 15, 2022 by awtraughber

I think often of this story from Jesus, particularly during times like spring break: 43 “When an impure spirit comes out of a person, it goes through arid places seeking rest and does not find it. 44 Then it says, ‘I will … Continue reading →

Posted in Scripture, Teaching | Leave a comment

Time’s Fullness

Posted on December 25, 2021 by awtraughber

One of the best essays that I read this year was this one by Paul Kingsnorth. It stands well on its own, even as it also serves as a necessary coda to his most recent (and wonderfully written) book, Savage … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Faith, Music, Scripture | Tagged Christmas | Leave a comment

A Reading for Today

Posted on December 22, 2021 by awtraughber

One of the things I like most about using the Daily Office as my Scripture-reading guide is that it often ties things together thematically (especially during seasons like Advent and Christmas). Here’s today’s selection from Paul’s letter to Titus (some … Continue reading →

Posted in Scripture | Leave a comment

Sunday’s Best: A Splash in the Face

Posted on August 10, 2021 by awtraughber

Charles Schulz’s “hand puppet theater” strips are always an interesting thread in the Peanuts run. This Sunday’s classic Peanuts had a nice, simple joke worth sharing. My chapel talk this week is about the Biblical Story. It’s a common refrain … Continue reading →

Posted in Comics, Faith, Scripture, Teaching | Leave a comment

Continuing Cultivation

Posted on June 14, 2021 by awtraughber

From James K. A. Smith’s recent newsletter over at Image: In May and June, my hands are dirty and I spend a lot of time thinking about sanctification. After the danger of Michigan frost is past, usually after Mother’s Day, … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Scripture, Teaching | Tagged James K A Smith | Leave a comment

Leaning Rightly into Lent

Posted on February 16, 2021 by awtraughber

I’ve been thinking about this piece by Hans Boersma about Lent all day. I’m always a little excited when he posts something new to First Things, even though there’s only a 70% chance that I’ll mostly understand it. Today’s piece … Continue reading →