theLAB

The Logos Academic Blog

Radical Decision Making: A Christian-College Response to Covid-19

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Let me give you a quick a snapshot of what happened during the most difficult season of leadership I have ever experienced as a leader in higher education:

  • 25% loss of our operating budget in 30 days
  • Enrolment swung from 15% growth to 10% drop (25% swing)
  • We had to lay off 30% of our staff
  • Our Financial reserves had been exhausted
  • With the remaining staff we were as much as 9 weeks behind on payroll at one point

Surprisingly, this was not a result of the recent pandemic, this was 10 years ago! God had entrusted us with a significant season of affliction; it was painful, it was hard, and it forced us to ask some really difficult questions that God used to refine us through an incredibly difficult season. These are questions that are just as significant now as the world of higher education is in a state of serious disruption and refinement. 

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Observations from a Linguistic Spectator: An Annual Report

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Part 1: Introduction

Why this blog post series?

Beginning this April, I will work as an assistant at the University of Basel at the chair of Prof. Moisés Mayordomo. Already on my second work day, I was going to give a presentation in the research seminar in Zurich – an event which now has of course been cancelled due to the Corona virus situation. Since I had already begun making some mental notes for this presentation, I thought it might be wise to instead make a series of blogposts about the subject that I was going to talk about. Here, I’ll make some introductory remarks and I hope I’ll be able to find the time over the coming weeks for the other instalments.

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Academic Jobs in Biblical Studies and Theology: Feb 12 – Mar 3, 2020

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Image: Ian Lee via Flickr

The past few weeks have been busy for the academic job market. Numerous Assistant Professor and Postdoc opportunities available, from Glasgow to Athens, London to Dublin. Some exciting posts for Hebrew and DSS specialists. Happy hunting!

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Academic Jobs in Biblical Studies and Theology: Nov 26–Dec 16, 2019

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The past few weeks have seen a number of exciting jobs come to the market across the spectrum of disciplines. Jobs available from Denmark to New York, Bonn to Canada. Happy hunting, and Merry Christmas!

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The Model Scholar: Bernard of Clairvaux

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by Greg Peters | Associate Professor of Medieval and Spiritual Theology, Torrey Honors Institute, Biola University

As a scholar of monasticism it seems to me that what roots biblical scholarship is rootedness in the text in such a way that it becomes one’s language of prayer and meditation. In this regard I would suggest that Bernard of Clairvaux (d. 1153) is a good model. Let me explain why.

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ISBL 2019 in Rome: Photoessay

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Words and photography by Tavis Bohlinger; shot on Hasselblad.

There were few good excuses for any scholar in the EU to miss ISBL this year (the annual international conference of the Society of Biblical Literature), simply because the conference was held in Rome. What better location for a conference on biblical studies than the geographical center of historical Christianity? Furthermore, the event itself was held at one of the key training centers for Roman Catholic clergy and teachers in this iconic city, the Pontificial Gregorian University, a beautiful location in the heart of Rome’s main attractions.

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David Ritsema on “What Makes a Good Biblical Scholar or Theologian?”

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I think the answer to that question can only be measured based on output. Good scholars can be recognized either through their writing or through their teaching. [Read more…]

Kevin O’Farrell on “What makes a good Biblical Scholar or Theologian?”

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A good theologian knows what they are doing and why they are doing it, asking the vocational questions of what it means to be a theologian and what it means to do their task well. A good theologian keeps these questions close at hand, since they clarify what it means to be a theologian in one’s own setting. [Read more…]

Teaching Outside Your Tradition: Four Suggestions Toward Transformational Pedagogy

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by Amy L. Balogh | University of Denver

As a professor who teaches Hebrew Bible and Judaic studies courses across Colorado’s Front Range while also working at the University of Denver’s Center for Judaic Studies, my non-Jewish identity is a topic of conversation more often than one might expect. These exchanges, as awkward as they are, also provide priceless opportunities to reflect on the pedagogical and ethical responsibilities that are specific to teaching and supporting a religious tradition other than the Christianity with which I was raised. [Read more…]

Max Botner on “What Makes a Good Biblical Scholar or Theologian?”

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From my perspective, a good biblical scholar is someone who is immersed in the primary sources, has a firm grasp of the history of the discipline, and communicates clearly with and listens to the voices of others. [Read more…]