Update

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 Once upon a time , someone asked me if I would be happy working a job that was not at the university. Since my position at the university closed in 2020, I found myself doing exactly that— working in jobs not at the university. It has been a very difficult transition.  Recently, things shifted quickly and in unexpected ways. The short version is that I am leaving the hotel which I am currently working, having taken a position at another.  The longer version of the story is that I stopped by to see my good friend and former GM at his new hotel. While I was visiting with him, one of the owners came out and introduced himself and we got to talking. After a few minutes, he said he wanted me to meet his brother. Our conversation turned into a job interview and 48 hours later I accepted a new position as front desk, manager and assistant operations manager. After some negotiating, we reached an agreement and I start my new position on April 9. It’s a much nicer hotel and these...

theological impotence

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"The African theologian who has experienced the agonies of having a burning appetite but nothing to eat will surely theologize differently on the on the theme of food from the American theologian who knows the discomfort of having a plate full of steak but no appetite." (Mbiti, John. "Theological Impotence." Third World Theologies. Eerdmans: Grand Rapids, 1976.)

I look for evening snacks because I am hungry after their third meal of the day.
I couldn't decide what shirt to wear this morning.
I have at least five Bibles within reach (close to 20 if you count the ones on my computer).
I can sit in one place and be tempted to indulge just about every physical sense imaginable--all on the same computer screen I read Bibles on.
I have an estimate of 1500 books in my personal library (e-texts included).

I know of people who will feed their guests first, followed by father and the wife and children get whatever's left--and they think it rude if the guest does not eat.
I know of people with three shirts.
I know of people with portions of the Bible.
I know of people who practice church discipline.
I know of a library made up of an armload of books that serves training pastors in Western Kenya.

God help us and our pitiful excuse for theology.

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