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Volume 37, Issue 1, March 2003

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ORDER FORM Christianity and Learning Lectures 2003 PRICE QTY TOTAL Perspective Newsletter CD’S FOR SALE (USPS 335-530) Love’s Memory by Miroslav Volf: Christianity and Learning is published by Lectures 2003 | Three Lecture Series $20.00 $ Institute for Miroslav Volf on love’s memory Christian Studies BOOKS FOR SALE Dr. Miroslav Volf’s appearance as a guest speaker was another feather in the cap A Royal Priesthood?: The Use of the Bible Ethically and Politically Editorial Committee: of this lecture series presented and hosted annually by the Institute. Edited by Craig Bartholomew and Jonathan Chaplin et al. $54.99 $ Harry Fernhout, John Meiboom Critical Faith: Toward a Renewed Understanding of Religious Life and Design: Willem Hart his year’s Christianity and Most recently, this book has won its Public Accountability By Ronald A. Kuipers $55.00 $ Communications In this issue: Learning Lectures (Feb. 27 the prestigious 2002 Louisville Coordinator: & 28) marked another mile- Grawemeyer Award in Religion. Toward a Christian Conception of History By M.C. Smit | Edited and Chris Cuthill T stone in the over twenty- In the first lecture of a series Translated by H. Donald Morton and Harry Van Dyke $47.95 $ A walk toward the year tradition of the lecture series entitled “Love’s Memory,” Volf Send all address future 2 presented and hosted annually by retold a story from Dante’s Divine as Responsibility: A Celebration of Hendrik Hart’s changes to: the Institute for Christian Studies. Comedy in which the pilgrim walks Contribution to the Discipline Edited by Ronald A. Kuipers and Circulation Manager, Word of God or The ICS event proudly featured Dr. through hell and purgatory until Janet Catherina Wesselius. $37.00 $ Perspective Miroslav Volf as its guest speaker, he reaches the garden of earthly ICS cup of coffee? 3 who flew up to Toronto from Yale pleasures where he discovers two The Bible and the Task of Teaching By David Smith and John Shortt $24.95 $ 229 College Street University for the two-day event in rivers. First, there is the stream of Suite 200 Interview with response to the personal invitation “Lethe,” the waters of which help Religion With/out Religion: The Prayers and Tears of John D. Caputo Toronto Ontario, Doug Blomberg 4 extended to him by Dr. George one forget sin, and “Eunoe,” the Edited by Jim Olthuis $47.95 $ Canada M5T 1R4 Vandervelde. Dr. Volf’s appearance waters which bring to mind good was another feather in the cap of deeds. For Dante, the river of The Beautiful Risk: A New Psychology of Loving and Being Loved www.icscanada.edu New books 6 this distinguished lecture series. He unmindfulness removes a perma- By Jim Olthuis $29.95 $ joined a list of prominent previous nent stain that the forgiven sin U.S.A. subscribers/ reGeneration! 6 speakers, among them such thinkers leaves upon the soul if it continues VIDEOS FOR SALE supporters please as John D. Caputo, Timothy to be remembered. Drinking the The Breath of God: Calvin Seerveld and the Art of Bible Translation $19.00 $ contact: Noone, Merold Westphal, water is a purification from the Friends of ICS Richard Kearney, Jean Bethke guilt of sin’s hold. According to A performance of the complete Song of Songs. 678 Front Street NW Elstein and Langdon Gilkey. Volf, the heavenly paradise in Translation by Calvin Seerveld. $19.00 $ Suite 159 Miroslav Volf is considered by Dante can only begin after sins Grand Rapids many to have one of the most fertile have disappeared from memory. Total Order $ MI 48504 and provocative Christian minds This image of the two rivers *Shipping & Handling Charges today. Born in (in present- formed the basis for Volf’s own Authorized Second Class day ) and raised in commu- position on memory in which he Canada: Add $2.75 plus 75¢ per additional item $ postage paid to the USA nist , this son of a Pentecostal defended a version of Dante’s US: Add $3.75 + $1.00 per additional item $ and Territories, mailed pastor earned a master’s degree at vision. Volf proposed that memo- Other: Add $5.75 +$2.00 per additional item $ from Box 110 Fuller Theological Seminary and a ries of sin and suffering will not be Lewiston, NY 14092 Equipping Christian doctorate at the University of remembered in the world of per- Final Total $ Tübingen, studying under Jürgen fect love — a “strange and dange- Publications mail leaders around the Moltmann. Volf has been the Henry rous” suggestion in a post-Holo- ICS offers a wide variety of books: from scholarly and academic titles to popular and devotional. To have a agreement no. 105244 world B. Wright Professor of at caust world where we are encour- full list of our available titles sent to you, contact ICS at (416) 979-2331 or visit our online bookshop at Reg. no. 2091 since 1998. As aged to “never forget” the evils of www.icscanada.edu/bookshop a young man in communist violence, genocide and cruelty by Address correction Yugoslavia, Volf saw firsthand the which we characterize our present  Please send me your complete list of books available through ICS requested ethnic frictions that turned bloody age. Volf’s thoughts on memory, Name after the breakup of that country. “Dante in the River Lethe” Gustave far from abstract theoretical Address CityProv/State ISSN 0847-0324 His quest for a resolution to the Doré (1832-1883) The Divine arguments, are deeply rooted in Postal Code/Zip Phone/E-mail violence and bloodshed in his Comedy. Volf’s experience as a Croatian country led him on a journey of who has experienced the horror of Payment PRINTED IN CANADA Balkan warfare. Such memories are essential “in this ON RECYCLED PAPER intense theological reflection which soon caught the  Cheque/Money Order notice of the academic world. His widely-read 1996 world” Volf argued, for seeking justice —but will not  VISA # book Exclusion & Embrace probed theological Signature Expiry implications of reconciliation in a fractured world. (Continued on page 3)

Perspective / VOLUME 37 / NO. 1 / MARCH 2003 / 8 1/ INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES from the of today. Such ICS presence at major faculty Calvin Seerveld has a president exploration is essential if focus letter to young artists A walk toward the fuure the church is to become conferences on the Bible requested by and included “a royal priesthood” in a new book by Christian n February 19 I took a short, four-block walk Our students and graduates face barriers when, at today. Contributors & Religion singer-songwriter Michael that could have major, longterm benefits for times, their qualifications for jobs or further graduate include Oliver O’Dono- the Institute for Christian Studies. My programs are assessed not on the basis of the content van (respondent to 14 O destination was the Office of the Clerk of the and quality of their studies but on the basis of the chapters), Gilbert housands of scholars converged on Toronto Ontario Legislature, where I delivered an application unusual name of their degree. Meilaender, Christopher between November 23-26 to review the latest for a ‘Private Bill’ amending the existing Institute for In the spring of 2000 the Ontario government Rowland, Bernd T religion and Bible research at the 2002 annual Christian Studies Act. initiated major changes with regard to degree granting. Wannenwetsch, N. T. meetings of the American Academy of Religion and The ICS is seeking two key amendments to the In my column in the June 2000 issue of Perspective Wright, Jonathan the Society of Biblical Literature. The joint meetings current Act: we want to change the name of one of (under the title “Degrees of Persistent Prayer”) I called Chaplin and James of the AAR and SBL drew more than 7,000 this year. In December, Jonathan our master’s degrees and we are asking for the right to it a “tidal change in policy.” The government proposed Skillen. ICS was involved with these meetings on several Chaplin served as an grant the Ph.D. degree. to create a framework in which privately-funded A Royal Priesthood? is levels. Sylvia Keesmaat, Senior Member in Biblical External Assessor for a Long-time ICS supporters will remember the institutions could apply for degree-granting authority the third volume from Studies at ICS delivered a paper at the Society of Social Science and arduous struggle in the early 1980’s to secure a appropriate for their programs. This framework has the Scripture and Her- Biblical Literature entitled “Paul’s World Creation: Humanities Research degree-granting charter from the Ontario Legislature. gradually been implemented and now the ICS hopes to meneutics Seminar. This Suspicious Rhetoric or Trust-Evoking Speech?” Council of Canada grant Specifically, we When the original ICS Act became law in 1983, we capitalize on new opportunities. annual gathering of In addition to lectures, the AAR and SBL meetings application. From January “ won the right to grant the “Master of Philosophical Specifically, we are asking for legislative Christian scholars from were accompanied by more than 140 publishers, 3-4, he participated in are asking for Foundations” degree. This degree name represented a authorization to change our “Master of Philosophical various disciplines was whose displays created the world’s largest bookstore “Security, Terrorism and legislative creative compromise. Existing government policy Foundations” degree to “Master of Philosophy.” This established in 1998 and specializing in religion. Zondervan/ Paternoster Press Peacemakers: A Conver- Card in his new book, stated that only publicly-funded universities could time-honoured and recognizable designation is very aims to reassess the disci- took the opportunity to celebrate the publication of A sation on the CRC and Scribbling in the Sand, authorization to give ‘standard’ degrees. The government took the appropriate because it accurately reflects the central pline of biblical studies Royal Priesthood? (See New Books) Speaking Out on War”, at Christ and Creativity position that, because of our Christian identity, the philosophical focus of the program. We are also asking from the foundations up ICS also held their own wine and cheese reception Good News CRC in (InterVarsity Press, 2002). change our ICS should be restricted to granting theological for the right to grant the Ph.D. degree. This does not and forge creative new on site to allow scholars from around the world to London, Ontario. He The book explores the ‘Master of degrees. The ICS took the position that, since our mean that the ICS plans to terminate its arrangement ways for reopening the visit the Institute. ICS Junior and Senior members attended a meeting of the biblical foundations of programs were philosophical (not theological) in with the VU; we believe that this partnership and our Bible in our cultures. met with visiting academics from as far away as New Toronto chapter of the Christian creativity. Philosophical nature, we should be allowed to grant a ‘standard’ affiliation with the Toronto School of Theology (TST) Any attempt to open Zealand in what was described as a lively and fruitful Canadian Society for Seerveld has a review in Foundations’ degree in philosophy, comparable to degrees offered make excellent sense for our relatively small institution. the Book in new and exchange. Political Thought on Christian Scholar’s by other graduate schools in philosophy. The “Master However, we believe that in light of more than twenty fresh ways for our cultur- February 7, and was a Review (31:4, 2002) of degree to of Philosophical Foundations” designation repre- years of experience and success in offering an excellent es at the start of the third FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE contributor at a confe- Frank Burch Brown’s sented a creative compromise that met key concerns doctoral program (confirmed by the VU’s willingness millennium must explore (Continued from page 3) rence on “Theology, book on Good Taste, Bad ‘Master of of both the government and the ICS; the government to grant its respected Ph.D. to our students), it is now how to read the Bible Morality and Public life”, Taste, and Christian Philosophy’ could accept it because it was not a ‘standard’ degree time to set the uncertainties of the Ministerial Consent ethically and politically. well as several guests. sponsored by the Pew Taste: Aesthetics in and ICS could accept it because it reflected the nature policy aside and to secure the permanent right to grant This volume looks at the Dr. de Groot’s current research focuses on the Forum on Religion and Religious Life (Oxford and the right to of our program. the doctoral degree. Once this is secured, ICS can take obstacles to such a pro- theological work of Florence Nightingale, the woman Public Life and the Pew University Press). grant the Ph.D. The 1983 Act also allowed the ICS to offer its current partnerships to a new level by exploring, for cess and in dialogue with primarily remembered as the mother of professional Study Group on Politics programs leading to the Ph.D. degree, provided that example, the option of joint degree-granting with the Oliver O’Donovan’s nursing. An often neglected aspect of Nightingale’s and the Problem of Hu- In September, Sylvia degree another institution authorized by the Ontario VU or the TST. creative work in this life, her understanding of scripture and of God’s call man Nature, University Keesmaat had an article government would grant the actual degree. As noted Clearly, there was much at stake when I walked to regard, looks in detail at were in fact what impelled her to pursue and improve of Chicago, February in The Banner entitled above, government policy restricted ‘standard’ degrees the Legislature that cold February morning. The aca- how to read different the field of nursing. Nightingale’s theology was, as Dr. 25-27 where he served as “Treason and the Gospel.” to the mainstream universities. And at the doctoral demic status of the ICS, and the long-term future of parts of the Bible for de Groot’s work highlights, radical and often respondent to a paper by In October, she taught a ” level there’s no room for compromise; the degree is our programs, will be greatly enhanced by the proposed ethics and politics. simultaneously completely Victorian. Believing herself Robin Lovin from one week course in Belize either a Ph.D. or it isn’t. In 1983 the creative solution changes. At this point, we are not certain that our to be directly called by God, Nightingale at a young Southern Methodist entitled “The Biblical was to place the ICS doctoral program under the proposed bill will be dealt with when the Legislature age, dedicated her life to the work and service of University. Jonathan Foundations of Creation “Ministerial Consent” policy for out-of-province reconvenes in March; it is widely expected that the nursing. Her noted experiences in the Crimean fields began a half-year sabba- Care” to students doing institutions. In 1983 the Vrije Universiteit (VU) in Premier will cut the spring session short with an elect- Extraordinarily as “the lady with the lamp” was a further result of her tical in January running environmental studies in Amsterdam received Ministerial Consent to provide a ion call. However, we are determined to be ready for “ calling, as were the volumes of passionate theological till June. His main project the Creation Care program of doctoral studies in Ontario. Everyone every opportunity, so we invite friends of ICS around illuminating and meditations and personal reflections in which her clear is to complete a book on Stewardship Program. In understood that this program would be offered at and the world to hold this matter before God in prayer. a model of vision and absolute confidence in the rightness, the Herman Dooyeweerd’s November, Keesmaat by the Institute for Christian Studies. The ICS We know from experience that God does answer essential importance of the work she did, is compel- political thought. participated in a panel on program was modeled on the formal requirements of persistent prayer about Ontario degree-granting policy! lingly evident. in Toronto, the VU Department of Philosophy. The ICS and the Interspersed throughout the presentation were Bob Sweetman presented giving a talk entitled “The VU developed an agreement outlining the conditions engagement… Nightingale’s own words, still intriguing and challen- a paper entitled “Haunting Threat of Globalization under which the VU would give ICS students Firstrate! ging today. Dr. de Groot concluded the presentation Conceptual Boundaries: and the Promise of the advanced standing and admit them directly to the with a few of these thoughts, “The time is coming Miracle in the Summa Bible.” This theme was thesis writing stage. However, ICS had to publish a upcoming Open hearts, or hearts when we must close our Bibles and Prayerbooks and Theologiae of Thomas picked up in two talks that statement in all recruitment material stating that the events that are closed, disenga- assure ourselves from other sources why we believe in Aquinas” for a conference she gave in Rochester in “Ministerial Consent” did not imply that the ged, troubled and joyless. Nicholas Wolterstorff, God and what is the nature of the God we believe in. entitled “Limina: February at Roberts Government of Ontario took responsibility for the ICS Ontario Summer Connecting and recon- Noah Porter” Professor of Then we may again open our Bibles and Prayerbooks Thresholds and Borders” Wesleyan College, quality of the program. The VU had to reapply for Conference necting with our authen- Philosophical Theology, with a sacred and holy interest. We may find in at the 6th Annual St. entitled “Subverting the Consent every three years. Neither of these August 16, 2003, tic selves, others, creation Christ’s words and deeds, in his life and character, Michael’s College Sym- Empire: the Bible, Rome conditions was an asset to the program! Redeemer University and God – the healing of & ICS Senator what will inspire us and assist us.” posium (Toronto) on and Globalization” and The degree-granting provisions of the 1983 Act College, Ancaster our hearts – is a journey Dr. de Groot is a visiting scholar on sabbatical from March 1. Bob has been “an Alternative gave the ICS legitimacy and enabled us to serve a that is an awesome dance Calvin College where she is professor of Old Testa- chosen to be one of three Imagination: Local generation of graduate students. However, we realize The Beautiful Risk: in which we are caught ment in the Religion department. Her work on ARIHE lecturers, a Community and the that our unusual degree names and the unusual Finding our passion, up in the flow of God's Nightingale is part of a larger undertaking to reclaim lectureship addressing Threat of Globalization.” doctoral studies arrangement are a handicap. We opening our hearts love. women’s voices in biblical studies and theology. In aspects of the character of Keesmaat also preached at always need to explain the unfamiliar nature and status To love or not to love: Join us for a new one- addition to her research, de Groot participated in the Christian Scholarship. chapel while at Roberts of our degrees to both individuals and institutions. that is the question. day format, with keynote fall interdisiplinary seminar at the ICS. Wesleyan.

Perspective / VOLUME 37 / NO. 1 / MARCH 2003 / 2 7/ INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES ARIHE selects new MIROSLAV VOLF Focus on embodiment books (Continued from page 1) ICS faculty and alumni be needed in a time when justice and peace embrace. his year’s annual Art Talks! lectures will feature Congregations Division update Volf’s works on memory can best be understood in Erica Grimm-Vance, an accomplished artist RIHE (the Asso- the light of his previous work, in particular his book T from Western University in Vancouver. by John Meiboom, Vice President of Advancement and ciation of Refor- Exclusion and Embrace. In that book, he argued for an Erica will speak on April 25 at 7:30 pm on the topic Campaign Director A med Institutions of unconditional obligation for Christians to love their Beauty and Affliction: Reflections on Art and Embodiment Higher Education) is an enemies. If memory is part and parcel of the way that (St. George the Martyr Church, 197 John Street, ev. Arie Van Eek chairs the Congregations association of academic Christians relate to their enemies, then the question Toronto). Embodiment has been the theme of Erica’s Division of the campaign. He is a retired pastor institutions dedicated to arises: how does one who loves remember? As Volf art for almost twenty R who has served churches in various parts of years. More recently, developing a common pointed out, the injunction to remember is one that is Canada. From 1978 to 1999 he was the Executive understanding of the repeated these days like a drumbeat by philosophers, materials such as wax, Secretary of the Council of Christian Reformed relationship between psychologists and cultural critics – but there are voices steel, gold, and lead have Churches in Canada. In that role he traveled widely faith and academic work. in the Christian tradition, he argued, which do not been paired with the and got to know many people in many places. While To that end, the ARIHE view memory as unambiguously good. body to heighten meta- in that role, Arie had many opportunities to represent governing committee In his second lecture, Volf examined the resources phoric meanings in her the CRC in ecumenical gatherings. Arie continues to approved the establish- of three prominent defenders of forgetfulness, Søren work, where both em- serve the church today as Refugee Coordinator for Clarence Joldersma A Royal Priesthood?: ment of an annual Kierkegaard, Frederick Nietzsche and Sigmund bodiment and materials the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee. The Use of the Bible lectureship to sponsor a Freud. For all three, Volf argued, forgetting is an are used to explore Arie has a number of excellent characteristics that Ethically and Politically common discussion of Christian scholarship on the essential part of a larger account of what it means to themes of beauty and serve this campaign position well. He is gregarious, Editors: Craig eight member campuses. Each institution was invited be human. Though Volf admits that these thinkers do affliction. This year’s Art generous, committed, persuasive and persistent. The Bartholomew, Jonathan to nominate lecturers for 2003-2004. A selection not understand forgetting consistently, he allowed Talks! will also feature a result is that ICS has over 110 volunteers working for Chaplin, Robert Song, committee reviewed the nominees and selected three their ideas to set the stage for his own thesis which he panel discussion on the campaign with the largest percentage working for Al Wolters persons. developed in the third lecture. Saturday April 26, (9:30 the Congregations Division. Many are still being Hardcover, 480 pages Bob Sweetman, ICS Senior Member in the In the final talk Volf asked some critical questions am – 12:30 pm) entitled recruited. We are grateful to God for the dedicated History of Philosophy, was selected as one of the first surrounding this idea of forgetting. Most importantly Body Images in which number of volunteers that have joined our team. Since September 11, series of three lecturers. Bob’s published dialogue with he acknowledged the popular view that sin and Erica Grimm-Vance, Only Erica and other artists will talk about the role of the Overall, the campaign has received pledges and 2001, we are intensely George Marsden on models of Christian scholarship suffering are elements in a narrative story of our lives Say the Word 1, graphite, body in their work (to be held at the ICS building). gifts in excess of $1,525,000, representing aware of the need for and his closing lecture at the Runner conference held in which pain is an integrated part. According to Volf, pastel, gesso, steel on birch, Erica Grimm-Vance is a consummate artist who approximately 150 individuals and organizations. political wisdom. Can in October at Redeemer University College, were pain in our modern mindset gives “meaning” to our 44”x 60”, 2002. Winner, has had over twenty solo exhibitions and is in Scripture help us in this important factors in his selection. lives, but this obsession tends to overlook a rich Imago 30th Anniversary numerous private and public collections, including the respect? Yes, but not The other two lecturers are also familiar names: Christian tradition that understands redemption as a Art Competition Vatican Art Collection, Canada Council Art Bank and simplistically. In an Upcoming course Brad Breems from Trinity Christian College in redemption of people and not of all their negative the Richmond Art Gallery. Last year, Erica was the exhilarating dialogue with Chicago and Clarence Joldersma from Calvin experiences. Sin, death and hell are not integrated into Distinguished Nash Lecturer at the University of Oliver O’Donovan Spring Seminar, May 1-16, 2003 College, Grand Rapids. Both are ICS graduates and a meaningful unity of our story, but are swallowed up Regina, the First Prize recipient of the Imago National (Regius Professor of Realism & Objective Truth in Science & Religion: both currently serve on the ICS Senate. by Christ. Juried Art Competition and was honored as the Moral Theology, Uni- Entering a Modernist-Postmodernist Discussion The member institutions of ARIHE may now In such a redemption, Volf argued, we forget part Distinguished Alumna from the University of Regina. versity of Oxford), a team invite one of these persons to be their guest lecturer in of our past, but we can still maintain our identity. She is currently working on sixteen larger-than-life of international scholars With seminar leaders Henk Hart, Professor of 2003-2004. It is assumed that each of the three per- This, he argues, is built into the nature of remem- female saints for Seabury Western Theological look in detail at biblical Systematic Philosophy, ICS (emeritus) and Clarence sons will go to two or three campuses. It is significant brance itself – in which we always selectively remem- Seminary’s Chapel in Evanston, Illinois. interpretation as we make Joldersma, Professor of Philosophy of Education, that the three lectures chosen as models of Christian ber our past. If our identity as Christians is grounded This event is sponsored by the Institute for the journey from what Calvin College. scholarship are all heavily connected to ICS, an in Christ and not ourselves, Volf pointed out, we Christian Studies’ Art Talks!: The Ruth Memorial Series God said to Abraham, as affirmation of the importance of the Institute’s goal to don’t make ourselves by what we do or what we have on the Arts and Culture, in partnership with Imago, an it were, to how to respond see our website for more information: connect faith and learning. Congratulations are due to experienced. We achieve our identity in Christ: in initiative for Christians in the arts in Canada. For to the political challenges www.icscanada.edu Bob, Brad and Clarence. God’s relationship to us. more info go to: www.icscanada.edu Each lecture concluded with a lively discussion period in which Volf was given the opportunity to EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY field questions and hear comments from various Word of God, perspectives. Those in attendance represented faith or Cup of Coffee? ICS seeks a half-time Western Canada This person will be supporting efforts of volunteers Interested candidates traditions from Roman Catholic to Evangelical as well Advancement Officer who will be responsible to in each of these areas. This person will not normally are invited to send in a as field perspectives ranging from theologians and ICS hosts symposium on Florence the VP of Advancement. Ideally the candidate will be asked to solicit funds for ICS but rather to resume or a request for artists to philosophers and philosophers “of life.” The Nightingale’s theology be located in either the Greater Edmonton, facilitate volunteers and senior staff in this task. more information lectures are available for purchase through the ICS Greater Calgary or Greater Vancouver areas. Pay range of $20,000 to $25,000 per year for a half attention to: bookstore. By Amy Packwood, ICS Junior Member This person will be able to articulate the mission time position, plus benefits. of ICS with enthusiasm, have excellent ICS will provide computer equipment, office John Meiboom, interpersonal skills and be able to work with support, as well as travel and expense allowances. VP Advancement speaker Jim Olthuis, Alberta Family “It is said that those who do not admit ‘authority’ do volunteers and a dedicated staff team. S/he This person will be expected to travel to ICS at therapist and Senior Conference not know when it is God that speaks, and when it is must be willing to travel. offices in Toronto four to six times per year for [email protected]. Member in Philosophical August 1-4, 2003 the excitement of a cup of coffee.” The major responsibility for this person will be planning and reporting, as well as traveling to all Theology at ICS as we Deer Valley Meadows, Florence Nightingale to create a higher profile for ICS in Western areas of Alberta and British Columbia. This position will remain explore this topic. This Alberta Canada. The aims for the position include: ICS is committed to a long-term approach to open until a suitable family conference will ith music by the “Copper When visiting scholar Dr. Christiana de Groot read also offer children’s and Coins” Nurse and theologian this passage as part of her sabbatical research, she • increasing visibility for ICS in Western Canada increasing its presence in Western Canada. ICS is candidate is found. Florence Nightingale. through a variety of events; also committed to ensuring that this person is a youth programs for all knew she had found a title for her paper. At the first • increasing financial support for the mission of meaningful part of a staff team. ages. British Columbia symposium of the new semester, on February 13, Dr. ICS; and Conference de Groot presented Word of God, or Cup of Coffee?: • supporting student recruitment efforts in Fall 2003 Florence Nightingale’s Understanding of Scripture to a Western Canada. packed audience of senior and junior members as (Continued on page 7)

Perspective / VOLUME 37 / NO. 1 / MARCH 2003 / 6 3/ INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES say in response to your question, even if it seems Wortz: What is your own vision for the Institute? What On January 1, 2003, Dr. Doug Blomberg began his tangential, is that recognizing that education is always a do you personally hope to accomplish, as the new full-time appointment as the Institute’s new Senior Member in religious undertaking is one way I go about integrating Senior Member in the philosophy of education? theory into the classroom. I’ve always been centrally Philosophy of Education. Blomberg’s research centers on concerned with a biblical perspective on curriculum, in Blomberg: A major challenge is my role in serving the biblical perspective on wisdom, and his research and terms of its content, certainly, but just as much in teachers generally. How can I get out there and do respect to its structure, which so often seems to take that? How can I establish the contacts and networks thinking on the meaning of wisdom in a school setting is for granted that theoretical understanding is the that make me available for that? At the moment, most framework through which the meaning of life is to be of my work is with teachers in Christian schools, and leading-edge in Christian schools. Doug and his wife grasped. Which of course is so antithetical to the no doubt I will continue to give that first priority. But Heather have relocated to Toronto from their home in gospel. the question that then raises itself is, What about I spent the last year, in fact, teaching in a high Christian teachers in government schools? That is a Australia. Recently, ICS student Brad Wortz sat down school again. A number of my colleagues put the field where I would like to make some contribution if I An interview with with him to talk about the move, the experience he will question to me, “Has this experience changed your could. theory, Doug, after working in a Grade 10 classroom, Alongside this, there is a research function that is a Doug Blomberg bring to this position and his vision for working at ICS. where you have these 15 year old boys who don’t want significant part of my role, and that involves demands Q&A to be there, who in fact would rather be anywhere that are somewhat, if not quite different, from those Wortz: You have just recently made a big move from Christian approach to education, and in fact Sydney else?” Well, what it did do was ground me. It that face one as a teacher educator. As I have said, I Indonesia, Japan and so on, Australia to Toronto. Tell us about your move and the is sometimes called a “reformed church reinforced for me that if my theoretical work doesn’t want my work to serve teachers, but that is not is just the tip of the iceberg, inspiration behind it. with bishops,” its theology is so Calvinist. One day I serve the classroom teacher then it is of very little necessarily in the forefront of the minds of those as it were. There are was at the university co-operative bookshop and I saw value. The theory of education ought to serve the engaged in more abstract reflection in the field. numerous other students Blomberg: Naturally, in many respects it has been a this display of books with a big sign that said, “Wedge practice of educators, and ought to serve, not just My immediate project, which is close to who would like to come very difficult move, having to leave family and friends Publishing Foundation. Books for thinking teachers, but students. Indeed, it should serve students completion, is a book, which will probably be called here, who would be excited and the last few months in particular have been hard, Christians”, and I thought, “Hmm, ‘thinking first, because teachers are there to serve students. Shrewd as Serpents: Christian Schooling after and would benefit from with various farewell events. Then, all of a sudden we Christians,’ that sounds interesting!” There I found Postmodernity. I’ve been working on that for a few what the Institute has to were transported halfway around the world to where things like Spier’s Introduction to Christian Philosophy, Wortz: Had you taught at the high school level before this years — maybe a few years too many, some would say! offer, but don’t have the there is definitely a great difference in temperature— Arnold De Graaf’s Educational Ministry of the Church, experience? Getting back into the classroom again was invigo- resources to accomplish it. about fifty degrees!—sixteen hours difference in time, a and a few other things that came out of this place, or rating, “grounding” — and that is something I have So, another dimension of twenty-four hour trip. So yes, it has taken some were at least associated with it. So, I bought some of Blomberg: When I had almost completed my Ph.D., I tried to bring into my book. My broad theme is my vision for the Institute adjusting and no doubt it will for some time yet. But these books and they really excited me. The education wanted to see how this ‘theory’ I was working on, wisdom and schooling, a biblical view of wisdom and is further developing that we’ve been here before, quite a number of times. So in book talked mainly about the church and religious which had to do with there being a variety of ways of how that provides an alternative to the theory/practice global role, the global that respect we knew what we were getting ourselves education in a narrow sense, but I found it exciting knowing (which at the time was not a common idea, paradigm that you asked about before. I think that the reach of the Institute. In into. We know the Institute and we know that this is because although I read a lot of theology, alongside but now it is), applied in the classroom. I was asked to Scriptures do provide an alternative to that basically that respect, distance where God has called us to be at this time. And my normal study program, it was the first book that apply for a position at Mount Evelyn Christian School. Greek categorization. Not that I deny the importance education is not just a poor Toronto feels a lot like Melbourne, allowing for approached education from a specifically Christian I had grown up in Sydney, and Melbourne was about a of theory — I am also a theorist myself. I think theory second best to face-to-face blizzards rather than bushfires! It’s by a bay, it’s a perspective that I had come across. The Spier book thousand kilometres away, so that was my first big is an important part of life, but I am saying that I think teaching. When you are in similar age, the terrain is flat, they are both laid out on also gave me a framework, because one of the things I move in life. They were setting up a senior secondary theory has a particular, limited role. And I would like a situation where it is the a British military grid. They are both very had been struggling with as an undergraduate was that school. None of the other parent-controlled Christian to explore the implications of a wisdom paradigm for only option, it is the best cosmopolitan cities. although I was part of the Evangelical Union and we schools had done this before. I was asked to come graduate education as well, which is both overtly option, and it has its own I first came here in 1975 on research leave, while I had a prayer group, a Bible Study group and a down as a curriculum consultant and actually ended up theoretical and preparatory for professional practice. intrinsic values. It has was a Ph.D. student, so my association with the theological lecture every week, I didn’t know how all being the coordinator and teaching years 11 and 12. I would like to take up the challenge (most of my advantages over and against Institute goes back a long way. As I say, it hasn’t been The theory of this related to what happened in the lecture theatre or Those were some of the most enjoyable years of my publications have been in Christian journals, or on-campus learning. For an easy decision and it’s been a long time coming. But “ tutorial room. It seemed that people who belonged to life. I love to interact with students. I love teaching, in through Christian publishers) of publishing in the instance, flexibility: people there seems to have been a certain inevitability about education the Labour Party, or held to various socialist positions, various forms, and I was blessed with a visionary and “mainstream” press. This is difficult because in North can work full time and it, in terms of God preparing me for the role. I have for ought to serve the feminists, or Young Liberals, all had something to innovative group of colleagues. So, I did my theoretical America, as elsewhere, there is a strong separation schedule their own study many years had a background sense of God calling me say. As a Christian, I didn’t actually feel that I was work first, then I could have gone on in the academic between church and state in education, which means times; people can extend to work here. With the accreditation of a master’s the practice of engaged with the world as a Christian. In fact I felt world, but I wanted to get involved in a school. I am that anything with explicitly Christian themes gets their studies beyond degree in Australia, along with a number of other removed from it. I certainly didn’t feel like I was not recommending this “theory into practice” relegated to theology or religious education. But we traditional term times; factors, the work I was doing there came to a educators, and getting the resources I needed to engage as a full time approach, by the way! In many respects it was crazy to do need to speak into the mainstream, wherever well-structured learning conclusion and this helped to overcome the reluctance ought to serve, student as a Christian. do a doctorate in education without having been a possible. Related to this is the challenge of making packages, etc. I am excited I had previously had about making a long-term move. teacher, but as soon as I say that, I have to affirm that contact with people in the broader education about what can happen in In fact, I certainly see the Lord giving me a big push, a not just Wortz: This brings me to a question I wanted to ask there was a strong sense of God calling me into this, community in North America; Toronto in particular. this area and how the “helping hand” to get me here. teachers, but pertaining to theory and practice. Your specialty is in with various people being put in my way, rather than One of my first steps is to attend the American Institute can come to serve education and I know you have had a lot of experience into the alternative I had in view, which was the Educational Research Association conference in the global Christian Wortz: 1975 was your original connection with the students. teaching in the classroom. What are some of the ways in ordained ministry. Chicago in April, as a way of plugging in, pretty community even more than Institute, but how did you first come in contact with the Indeed, it which you go about incorporating the theory and philosophy But I don’t think I adequately answered your immediately, to the North American scene. it already does. So that’s reformational Christian philosophical tradition? of education into the classroom setting? previous question. In addition to the ways of knowing, another way in which the should serve which I have mentioned (which leads me to seek a Wortz: To conclude, could you say something briefly your Philosophy of Education Blomberg: I became a Christian at a Billy Graham Blomberg: This question about the relationship curriculum that recognizes the wide range of gifts that involvement in the distance learning program here at ICS? position will hopefully have crusade back in 1968, my last year of high school. I students first, between theory and practice has been one of my main students have) I would say that the notion of the an impact on how the don’t come from a Christian family. I got involved with because concerns ever since I started graduate studies in integral curriculum, and of a curricular rhythm of play, Blomberg: One of my roles here is not only distance Institute operates. an Evangelical Anglican Church and I started reading education. That is one area in which I found problem-posing and purposeful response, have been education for teachers, which is already running, but C.S. Lewis and Schaeffer, I did my honours thesis on teachers are Dooyeweerd’s work so stimulating. In some respects my major theoretical contributions. But as soon as I to work with my colleagues in other disciplines to Schaeffer, I went to L’Abri and I started to get into the there to serve what he did was try to put theoretical thought back in identify them I hope it is clear that these are not prepare some of their courses for distance mode. I tradition that lay behind Schaeffer. Even though he its place, recognizing that it is not neutral but theoretical concepts that need to be translated into the didn’t move into distance education by choice, myself. doesn’t actually say much about that himself, he had students. religiously motivated. Recognizing that ‘theory’ classroom, but very concrete ideas for curriculum But, in Australia, if we wanted to serve teachers across close connections with Rookmaaker (the art historian should not be the controlling or dominating influence planning, classroom organization and pedagogy. This the continent, that is the way it had to be done. At first from the Free University), who was very influential. He in life, that what he calls “naïve” or everyday doesn’t mean that they are easy to implement, but they I resisted it because I prefer face-to-face teaching, but mentions Kuyper once, I think, though he misspells his experience, is a place in which one meets God. God are not formulated at one remove from what teachers I learned something of how to do it, and I would like name! So, it was in the course of doing my work on ” speaks to one there and not just through theoretical do. In fact they have been forged in dialogue with to help others do it as well. I think that every student Schaeffer that I got into thinking about a reformed activity, not even just theology. So the first thing to teachers. who comes here from Korea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone,

Perspective / VOLUME 37 / NO. 1 / MARCH 2003 / 4 5/ INSTITUTE FOR CHRISTIAN STUDIES