It seems that we have a tendency of falling in love with certain concepts now and again. Some of these concepts come and go, others are more pernicious. Some concepts become popular, then wane with time or over-familiarity. What I mean by “falling in love” is that people develop an uncritical romantic notion toward the concept. They love the sound of the word or phrase, love to use it often.

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In 1996, Catholic Bishop Pierre Claverie of Algeria was martyred after a lifetime of serving the Christian and Muslim community in that country. Bishop Claverie was convinced that Jesus’ model for table ministry was the key to Islamic-Christian relations. A review of his biography, recently translated into English is featured below.

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Many of us have followed the work being done at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on the religious beliefs of American teens.  “Moralistic therapeutic deism” now rolls off our tongues with growing ease, though it does nothing to ease our minds about the future of the church.  I heard the Rev. Rhonda VanDyke Colby do a highly effective job of interpreting the research to a group of pastoral counselors, social workers and medical personnel recently.  As I listened I heard voices from the past.  This is something that often happens to those of us who have more past than others.  I knew that I had heard similar critiques of current beliefs.  Where and when?

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At a recent conference the dialogue got sidetracked on the question about when the “new middle age” begins (I’ll confess that it was my fault, I begged the question). The participants had fun guessing and throwing out ages from 45 to 65. I ended that rabbit-chasing and got us back on tract by saying that our problem isn’t so much that the midlife chronological point has move up, but rather the issue is that we’re dealing with a widespread case of societal protracted adolescence.

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Paul L. Escamilla is Senior Pastor at Spring Valley United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, and the author of an intriguing new book, Longing for Enough in a Culture of More.  It’s worthy of small group study, with a free downloadable study guide, and addresses a timely topic – - how to “escape the lifestyle and attitudes of a weighed-down world.”  That’s not my primary reason for recommending it, however.  I think it’s worthy of attention here because it’s relevant for educators as persons. 

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I’m the kind that’s wired with a thirst for knowledge and wisdom. As a child one of my favorite books was Proverbs, in the Bible. My dad introduced me to it, extolling the virtues of acquiring wisdom. Seeking wisdom and delving into the “secrets” of life, the universe, and everything (to quote Douglas Adams) remains a pastime.

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During my late high school and college years I drove a Royal Crown Cola truck delivering RC Colas (no moon-pies!) in Beaufort County, South Carolina. My daily routes led me into the backwater areas of the lowcountry. Every Friday I sold drinks on Hilton Head Island. This was back in the days before the island was heavily developed. On the main road and tucked away on dirt roads beyond the paved road on the island were juke joints (small buildings with space for serving drinks, snacks, and dancing) that turned to life in the evenings and weekends for the locals. I was always amazed by the numerous drinks the locals purchased for use in their highly-valued social routines.

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Arion: A Journal of Humanities and the Classics is a favorite journal that, when I have opportunity, savor more than just read. It fills the lacuna of my formal cultural education.

The on-line version of Arion journal for Spring/Summer 2007 has an article by Camille Paglia, whom I always enjoy reading. While I do not always agree with her opinions, she is always thoughtful and intelligent, and rises above the din of contemporary critics and commentators.

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Tomorrow marks the official “back to school” mark for me with the requisite faculty “retreat” (that in quotes as there’s nothing akin to a retreat about it. Let’s all just admit that it’s work-related, therefore work). So, summer is officially over, and along with it, summer travels.

They say traveling is educational in the sense that it expands one’s worldview. I got world travel out of my system when I was much younger, and today don’t feel much compelled to put up with the discomfort and inconvenience of tourist travel (not the least of which is putting up with airline travel). But I’m happy for the memories and experiences of those interesting places I have visited.

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