Lockdown Diary: Sean Adams, University of Glasgow

My lockdown has been hard. At first, it was OK and even a bit nice being around my family. However, the pressures of working, homeschooling, chores, etc. became increasingly stressful.

Things came to a head in June when I contratracted stress-induced shingles and my depression worsened. It has been a slow recovery. I am on research leave this semester, so I am trying to get work done, but concentration is low. I am feeling disappointed that I am not achieving what I hoped to as I was looking forward to this leave for a few years.

The lockdown has not been all bad; I have gotten to know my neighbours much better and am working on a more sustainable pace.


Sean A. Adams is Senior Lecturer in New Testament and Ancient Culture at the University of Glasgow.

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Tavis Bohlinger

Dr. Tavis Bohlinger is Editor-in-Chief of the Logos Academic Blog and Creative Director at Reformation Heritage Books. He holds a PhD from Durham University and writes across multiple genres, including academia, poetry, and screenwriting. He lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and three children.

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6 comments
  • Dr. Adams,

    Thank you! I feel for you that things are not working out the way you would like them to, but I am so incredibly thankful that you share your story. I too am struggling and even though I know I’m not alone, I often feel alone. Your story gives me hope that it is all right that today is hard. You’re brave for not giving this honest diary entry a needlessly and unconvincingly positive spin, although you do see the positive things in life.

    I will be praying for you and your condition, dr. Adams. I hope my prayers will be as edifying for you as your diary entry has been for me.

  • Dear Sean – saw you on Logos. Momentarily confused by Tavis Bohlinger and you; and very glad to have Ian Paul’s ‘Revelation’ highlighted.

    Most of all though, just to say how moving and thoughtful I found what you wrote about lockdown. Thank you. May the Lord continue to draw near to you and all the family, especially as you try to make some sense of your research leave…

    No Middle East travels except online for me. I’m mighty relieved I handed over to a new director at the beginning of the year, and happy to be a supporter now. Enjoying life at the South Queensferry church, and being chaplain to the Scottish Bible Society – a really stimulating mix. Not sure when we’ll see our family gain, either in Islay or London!

    Tim S tells me how much he’s appreciating having you guys at Patrick Trinity…

    Much love to you all,

    Mike & Helen

  • Thank you for your helpful honesty, Sean. I too have had shingles … very draining of mental energy.
    I have been encouraged by the honesty of the Psalms, e.g. Ps 73, and struck by how pastorally understanding and human Paul is … sadly not many folk seem to have an accurate understanding of Paul, e.g.
    “the spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words” Rom 8
    and
    “we are under pressure, but not cornered
    at our wits’ end but not our hope’s end
    pushed down by man but never let down by God
    knocked down but not knocked out”. 2 Cor 4

    Reading reports from various Street Pastor groups over the last month’s indicate many hurting people searching for hope and meaning : it is a challenge to academia to show the understanding humanity of the Psalmist and NT writers.

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