Author Archives: igalindo

About igalindo

Israel Galindo is Professor and Associate Dean for Lifelong Learning at Columbia Theological Seminary.

The gospel according to the Terminator

Posted on July 6, 2007 by igalindo

Parody is a touchy art. Especially when it comes to religious parody—one risks crossing the thin line between humor and the sacrilegious. I thought this was kinda funny. If it offends you please take responsibility for your own sensitivity and … Continue reading →

Posted in humor | Comments Off on The gospel according to the Terminator

World’s Greatest Christian Educators: JOHN WESLEY

Posted on July 5, 2007 by igalindo

In the history of modern education, John Wesley (1703-1791) holds a special place when it comes to the religious education of children.

Posted in Christian Education, discipleship | Comments Off on World’s Greatest Christian Educators: JOHN WESLEY

Plus ca change…

Posted on July 4, 2007 by igalindo

In moments of skepticism we often repeat that droll phrase, “Plus ca change, plus ce la meme chose” (the more things change, the more they stay the same). One of the perplexing questions that grow out of Bowen Family Systems … Continue reading →

Posted in bowen family systems theory, personal growth | 1 Comment

I want to be unfriendly and irrelevant

Posted on July 3, 2007 by igalindo

In a previous post (“Communion Rant”) we talked about the penchant of certain preachers for “explaining” communion. Some argue that it is necessary because, they reason, some people in the congregation, and especially visitors and the recently unchurched, do not … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, discipleship, ecumenical, sermons, teaching, worship | Comments Off on I want to be unfriendly and irrelevant

Where have you been? (A contest!)

Posted on July 1, 2007 by igalindo

One of the teachers at the elementary school at which I was a principal would take a vacation to a different state every year. Her family’s goal was to eventually visit all fifty states and so at the school year’s … Continue reading →

Posted in games, humor | 8 Comments

Make it your ministry, it’s your calling

Posted on June 29, 2007 by igalindo

I firmly believe that to teach, to serve on a committee, or to minister through a church ministry is a response to a call. How each individual works out that calling is part of the wonderful and enriching dimension we … Continue reading →

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Movie: Akeelah and the Bee

Posted on June 28, 2007 by igalindo

I’m a sucker for spelling bees. Our elementary school spelling bee was one of the highlights of the year when I was a school principal. And I always try to catch the Scripps National Spelling Bee—a real nail-biting sporting event!

Posted in movies and films | 3 Comments

Hitchens isn’t so great either

Posted on June 27, 2007 by igalindo

Christopher Hitchens’ book, God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything appears on the New York Bestseller list as No. 7 (you can read the first chapter on that site if you are so inclined). I picked up a copy … Continue reading →

Posted in books, world view | Comments Off on Hitchens isn’t so great either

Icebreakers and rainy day games resource

Posted on June 25, 2007 by igalindo

When I was in parish ministry one of the things I most enjoyed was planning and leading the summer children’s camp. I doubt I have the energy to do that anymore, but it was a lot of fun. There are … Continue reading →

Posted in children, games, handouts, vacation bible school | 2 Comments

Ante Studium

Posted on June 22, 2007 by igalindo

Some time age I posted Johnn Calvin’s student prayer and said that I’d post one by St. Thomas Aquinas. Here it is. When it’s time to hit the books or get back to school, these can put one in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Christian Education, personal growth, teaching, Uncategorized, worship | Comments Off on Ante Studium