theology Archives - Page 4 of 4

In Their Words: Calvin Seniors on Vocation

A week ago, I was enjoying the splendor of commencement day, saluting some fine young people that Calvin College has now unleashed on the world. (Yes, you’re welcome, world.) This fresh new batch of graduates includes my own daughter! It was my first experience as…

Debra RienstraMay 30, 2015

liturgical year spirituality theology

Communio Sanctorum

When I was a child, my family usually attended church on New Year’s Eve, and during the service the pastor or an elder would read the “necrology”—the list of those from the congregation who had died in the last year. It was a way of…

Debra RienstraNovember 1, 2014

politics theology

We’re Watching You

I’m sure you’ve heard the news about the primary results in Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District, in which Tea Party upstart Dave Brat beat Republican House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. You may even have heard that Brat is a Hope College alum. However, in case you…

Debra RienstraJune 14, 2014

Calvin events college life theology

Get Out Much?

Back at work, my job this month is to help new faculty members at Calvin College learn about Calvin’s history and mission, figuring out what it all means for their academic field and for their life in the Calvin … “vortex”? Is that too strong…

Debra RienstraJanuary 11, 2014

memoir nature silly theology

Sin and Wrath in My Backyard

Every time I work in my yard, I feel as if I’m living out metaphors. Weeding? Obviously a metaphor for rooting out sin. Pruning? A metaphor for suffering, through which God often purges… our sin. Mowing? Well, you have to keep the grass cut and…

Debra RienstraAugust 10, 2013

nature silly theology

Matthew 2.0

Therefore everyone who hears these words and puts them into practice is like the wise woman who followed the instructions on the internet when she built her retaining wall.

Debra RienstraMay 19, 2012