Category Archives: Uncategorized

Strategy of Gratitude

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Kristin Swenson

Maybe we could call it a grategy, though that lacks the melody of its sentiment. I had the rare opportunity yesterday to hear Gary Snyder, Pulitzer-prize winning poet, essayist, and sometime Buddhist with an environmental ethic seamlessly integrated into his … Continue reading →

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Second Coming, all the time?

Posted on August 3, 2011 by Kristin Swenson

What if Jesus has already come back or is even coming back all the time? That the first generation of Jesus’ followers expected the Parousia or “second coming” during their own lifetimes is certain. They were sure, based on Jesus’ teachings and … Continue reading →

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“My Take” on CNN Not My Take

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Kristin Swenson

CNN published an essay I wrote but with edits that got it wrong. Unintentionally, I’m sure, but it says exactly what I’ve been arguing against. I disagree with both the title and the final sentence, arguably the most powerful parts. … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible and Pop Culture, Biblical Literacy, Uncategorized, Writing Process | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

When Everything Seems a Variation

Posted on February 27, 2011 by Kristin Swenson

We enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a dear friend this weekend, a UVA professor, now in his 90s. Mr. Mead taught music out of his academic and professional expertise, and he continues to conduct a seminar for a few lucky … Continue reading →

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The Particular Exasperations of Learning Biblical Hebrew

Posted on February 8, 2011 by Kristin Swenson

“The language of God,” Biblical Hebrew. I’m off soon to teach our third week’s class, and we’re in the thick of it now. The alphabet (or aleph-bet) is kind of fun — little ditties, the novelty of recognizing letters completely … Continue reading →

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Suspicion and Being Desperate

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Kristin Swenson

Eliza Griswold’s story of meeting the Ethiopian monk said to guard the Ark of the Covenant includes his saying, “two things keep you from God: suspicion and being desperate.” I like it. His explanation is less compelling, but so what? Its … Continue reading →

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Cyrus Cylinder back in Iran

Posted on December 9, 2010 by Kristin Swenson

A small clay object with scratches decipherable by only a few people in the world can nevertheless still move nations. Sometimes called “the first charter of human rights,” this text inscribed on a cylinder of clay comes from Cyrus II, founder of the … Continue reading →

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Bible and Book Talks

Posted on November 6, 2010 by Kristin Swenson

Had a great time on Thurs with Cville’s Writer House folks! and am off to Raleigh, NC in an hour or so (Quail Ridge Books tonight; Hayes Barton United Methodist tomorrow). In chatting about Bible Babel, there are at least two big things on … Continue reading →

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Happenin’

Posted on October 28, 2010 by Kristin Swenson

How did November get so busy? At least it’s in lots of happy ways. C’mon out and join me at any one or more of the events listed when you click on “upcoming events” on the bottom right of my home page … Continue reading →

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Where Islam and Christianity Meet

Posted on September 29, 2010 by Kristin Swenson

The furor over mosque-building in Manhattan and Koran-burning in Florida reminds us that like it or not, religious differences continue to challenge civic peace. A new book, The Tenth Parallel, by journalist Eliza Griswold narrates her experiences on the 10th parallel, … Continue reading →

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