Abram Van Engen is a professor of English at Washington University in STL, Executive Director of the Carver Project, and the author of 2 books. The second and most well-known is titled “City on a Hill, a History of American Exceptionalism.” By way of disclaimer, Abram and Dan both wrote these on the Puritans, and nerd out about that on this episode from time to time. They also talk in-depth about Abram’s book “City on a Hill” and this idea of American exceptionalism, which may not immediately feel like it has bearing on your own vacation or work. But as you listen, we invite you to take note of the idea of an “origin story.” Consider how you think about your own history. What “origin story” do you tell about your own career, and how does that shape the way you see yourself and your work?
We have a book on the Puritans that we’d love to give away courtesy of Reformation Heritage Books. Click here to enter for the opportunity to win a copy of Following God More Fully: An Introduction to the Puritans by Joel Beeke and Michael Reeves.
Show Notes
“The gospel is the anti-success message” – Dr. Joseph “Skip” Ryan. On our podcast we often get to hear stories of people who have had a lot of success in their work. While Dr. Ryan has had many successes in his work as a pastor and professor, he has also experienced some significant setbacks.
In this episode, Dan sits down with Abby Karsten and Chris Gordon. Abby is the Women’s Ministry Leader of the Kirk of the Hills Church in St. Louis, and Christine (Chris) is an author of Bible studies for women and co-founder of At His Feet. They talk a bit about their work in their churches and on writing Bible study curriculum, but spend most of the conversation on a subject, quite literally, close to all our hearts: the body.
“Books are like windows,” shares this week’s guest Nancy Gruneisen, “you can see another time, another world, another culture. But they can also be mirrors. Children want to see themselves in the books they are reading.”
As a professor of English, Dr. Prior argues that reading both shapes character and requires character, including patience, prudence, and love. Karen offers Christian perspectives on events for the New York Times and the Atlantic, taking up the role of public theologian. Although she never sought one, Karen has a “platform” – and explains why it is ill-advised to seek a platform.
Our guest on this episode is Tom Nelson. The subject of faith and work is very near and dear to Tom’s heart. He is president of the faith and work organization Made to Flourish, a pastor, and the author of several books including: “Work Matters,” “The Economics of Neighborly Love,” and, most recently, “The Flourishing Pastor.” In this episode, Tom and Dan discuss the world of faith and work, and Tom’s profound, lifelong commitment to bridging, what he calls, the Sunday to Monday gap.
Ryan Watson practices law for a large firm litigating judicial decisions that seem both mistaken and strategic enough to challenge. Watson explains how his firm decides to take up a case and how they work to reverse judicial mistakes in areas like free speech and the so-called wall between church and state.
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