Today's article is by our good friend Dave Smith, recently retired from Indiana Wesleyan University, and now finds the precious gift of time to read for leisure. One of the most captivating books he encountered this year is Boys in the Boat. This remarkable story follows a world-class rowing team from the University of Washington in the 1930s, culminating in their participation in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Boys in the Boat intricately weaves together multiple social forces, including the geopolitical interactions with pre-WWII Nazi Germany, the economic struggles of America during the Great Depression, and the science behind Washington State's weather patterns leading to the Dust Bowl years. It also delves into the artistry of boat building and the meticulous teamwork required for rowing. In his article, Dave explores how this book serves as more than just a sporting story. It is a complex anthropological study of how social, economic, cultural, and scientific forces shape human decisions and culture. This perspective leads us into an even deeper discussion: integrating anthropology with theology, creating what we call Theological Anthropology. Theological Anthropology considers human beings in light of God's Word, work, and will. To illustrate this, he draws upon a simple model proposed by Bill Arnold, addressing four crucial questions: our origins (cosmology), our identity (anthropology), what has gone wrong (hamartiology), and the solution (soteriology and eschatology). A compelling biblical worldview, centered on Jesus, provides us with the most effective tool for discipleship—a story that must captivate those around us. I invite you to read Dave's full article and join us in exploring this profound theme. Let’s delve into how every aspect of our lives is intricately connected and influenced by the divine conversation between God and humanity. Looking forward to your thoughts and reflections.

Posted by Paulo Lopes at 2024-07-12 15:30:08 UTC