Unlocking Scripture: A Conversation with Theologian Lisa Igram
Table of Contents
- 1. Unlocking Scripture: A Conversation with Theologian Lisa Igram
- 2. Delving Deep: Books that Demand Rereading
- 3. Books for Integrating Faith and Mental Health
- 4. What books Shaped You in College?
- 5. Discovering the Intentional Walk with God: A Conversation with Igram
- 6. A Guiding Light in Philosophical Studies
- 7. Influential Authors and the Pursuit of Academic Disciplines
- 8. Finding Inspiration in Theology
- 9. Insights on Faith, Writing, and Life from Dr. Igram
- 10. Cultivating a Writing Practice
- 11. Finding Joy in Reading
- 12. Faith and Intellectual Exploration
Table of Contents
- 1. Unlocking Scripture: A Conversation with Theologian Lisa Igram
- 2. Delving Deep: Books that Demand Rereading
- 3. Books for Integrating Faith and Mental Health
- 4. What books Shaped You in College?
- 5. Discovering the Intentional Walk with God: A Conversation with Igram
- 6. A Guiding Light in Philosophical Studies
- 7. Influential Authors and the Pursuit of Academic Disciplines
- 8. Finding Inspiration in Theology
- 9. Insights on Faith, Writing, and Life from Dr. Igram
- 10. Cultivating a Writing Practice
- 11. Finding Joy in Reading
- 12. Faith and Intellectual Exploration
Delving Deep: Books that Demand Rereading
For avid readers, certain books become more than just a one-time experience. They become trusted companions, offering insights and perspectives that deepen with each revisit.When asked about books she frequently finds herself returning to, igram, a self-proclaimed fiction enthusiast, reveals a interesting preference. “I love fiction,” Igram shares warmly. “For me, books I reread are like revisiting old friends.” Among her favorites are the timeless tales from C.S. Lewis’s “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Igram finds herself drawn back to Narnia’s enchanting world, captivated by its allegorical depth and timeless themes. She also mentions Esau McCaulley’s “Reading While Black,” a thought-provoking exploration of biblical interpretation through the lens of Black American lived experience. McCaulley’s work resonates with Igram, prompting reflection on the diverse ways Scripture can be understood and applied to different cultural contexts. Igram highlights Carmen Joy Imes’s “Bearing God’s Name.” This insightful work delves into God’s character and how it is indeed reflected in the lives of believers. Igram appreciates the book’s nuanced approach to theology, finding it both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching. VcnBaQMoC0jOdw2T4-BJf84OYqvIF3UQ52UaeAkrGOBaD3fMSLZ6tUHdCw2nh20IlEW0TCVd8X8ZMvfxMUMgxSl_WSWQjpK6rA.7H66lDcTBr50OWaxb-x7DPQHJ-2AazvQbqVl0F90fds&dib_tag=se&keywords=Chronicles+of+Narnia+series&qid=1733521049&s=books&sprefix=chronicles+of+narnia+series+%2Cstripbooks%2C220&sr=1-1″>Chronicles of Narnia series” and even “Harry Potter.” I think the “Harry Potter” series actually has a lot of incredible Christian themes in them, the ways like Dumbledore or even Snape interact with the kids in showing God’s mercy and a big picture of what’s going on that maybe the kids don’t always understand. There’s so much loyalty, friendship, self-sacrifice and many helpful themes in there.What is your favorite fiction book, and what do you love about it?
Igram: I think in different seasons of my life, the answer will change. 10 years ago, I liked “
As someone deeply interested in the intersection of faith and psychology, I’m often asked for book recommendations. Here are a few titles that have profoundly influenced my understanding of this fascinating field: I’ve always been captivated by the power of stories to shape our worldview. ” The Secret Garden ” by Frances Hodgson Burnett ignited my imagination about the healing power of beauty. C.S. Lewis’s ” Till we Have Faces ” beautifully illustrates how God works in our lives in profound and frequently enough mysterious ways. I also deeply appreciate Kathleen Norris’s work. Her book ” The Cloister Walk ” offers a profound reflection on the rhythms of spiritual life, showing how consistent practices, even when challenging, create space for the Spirit’s work in us, often in ways we don’t promptly recognize.Books for Integrating Faith and Mental Health
What books Shaped You in College?
During their college years, many individuals encounter books that profoundly influence their perspectives and shape their understanding of the world. One such individual, Igram, an English literature major, found inspiration in both classic fiction and works exploring the intersection of faith and personal growth.
Igram recommends delving into exceptional works of fiction, encouraging readers to analyze recurring themes from their faith within the narratives and to observe how characters evolve and change. They specifically suggest “Til We Have Faces,” a novel that explores themes of love, loss, and faith. They also recommend “Relational Spirituality” by Todd Hall and Elizabeth Hall, a book lauded by John Mark Comer for its insights into spiritual formation and mental health.
Igram also highlights the work of Peter Scazzero, particularly his book “Emotionally Healthy spirituality,” which delves into the importance of emotional well-being in one’s spiritual journey.
Discovering the Intentional Walk with God: A Conversation with Igram
In a recent conversation, Igram reflected on books that have profoundly impacted their journey. They fondly recalled encountering Richard J. Foster’s “Festivity of Discipline” during their freshman year. This book sparked a pivotal realization: a walk with God could be a deliberate and intentional pursuit.A Guiding Light in Philosophical Studies
Igram also shared a book that proved instrumental during their phd research. Philosopher David Horner’s recommendation led them to Esther Meek’s “Loving to Know.” This book served as a compass, shaping Igram’s direction and deepening their understanding. “I can tell you a book that I’m really glad I found early on in my PhD research because it shaped my direction. David Horner, who’s one of our philosophers, recommended that I look at a philosopher named Esther Meek, she wrote a book called “Loving to Know.”The journey to choosing an academic discipline is frequently enough paved with inspiring encounters with ideas and the individuals who articulate them. For some,it’s a single,pivotal book that sparks a lifelong passion.For others, it’s an accumulation of experiences and interactions with groundbreaking thinkers.In the realm of theology, the works of certain authors have proven particularly influential in shaping the academic trajectories of aspiring scholars.
Finding Inspiration in Theology
One theologian who has profoundly impacted students is Dr. Igram. When asked about the influences that led her to pursue her field of study, she pointed to her time in the spiritual formation program at talbot.“The reading and experiences specifically in spiritual theology and spiritual formation have been really significant. some authors that were helpful to me were Simon Chan…”Dr. Igram highlights the significant role that Simon Chan’s work played in her intellectual development. Chan, known for his insightful writings on liturgical theology and spiritual formation, has authored several influential books, including “Liturgical Theology: The church as Worshiping Community” and “Spiritual Theology: A Systematic Study of christian Spirituality.” His exploration of the connections between liturgy, worship, and spiritual growth clearly resonated with Dr. Igram, inspiring her to delve deeper into these themes through her own academic pursuits. dr. Igram’s experience underscores the power of encountering thought-provoking authors in shaping career paths and fostering a love of learning. The interplay between insightful texts, engaging instructors, and a supportive learning habitat can ignite a passion for knowledge that lasts a lifetime.
Insights on Faith, Writing, and Life from Dr. Igram
Dr. Igram, a respected professor at Biola University, generously shared insights on various aspects of life, faith, and the power of writing.Cultivating a Writing Practice
When asked about advice for aspiring writers, Dr.Igram emphasized the importance of reading widely, particularly high-quality fiction. “Reading good writing is the best thing you can do to improve your writing,” she advised. She also encouraged students to write regularly, taking advantage of opportunities to refine their craft through multiple drafts and seeking feedback from resources like biola’s Writing Center.Finding Joy in Reading
Dr. Igram believes that fostering a love for reading is crucial. ”If you like reading, carve out even a half hour a day to do some reading that you enjoy,” she suggests. Even for those who don’t naturally gravitate towards reading, she recommends starting with just 15-20 minutes and choosing something enjoyable. She also advocates for active reading, suggesting students summarize key ideas in a paragraph after finishing a book or article. This practice not only enhances comprehension but also creates a valuable repository of knowledge for future reference.Faith and Intellectual Exploration
Dr. Igram shared that books exploring perspectives outside Western thought patterns have been particularly influential in shaping her faith.She mentioned Melissa Tan’s work on shame and honor dynamics as an example of writing that has broadened her understanding. Reflecting on her journey, she noted, “I’ve learned more and more to wait and trust even when I want to jump in.” This lesson of patience and reliance on God’s timing has resonated strongly in both her personal and professional life.This is a great start to a blog post discussing the influence of books on academic pursuits, focusing on theology and spiritual formation. Here are some suggestions to make it even more engaging and insightful:
**Structure & Flow**
* **Introductory Hook:** Begin wiht a more captivating hook to draw readers in. Perhaps start with a personal anecdote about a book that profoundly impacted you or a general observation about the power of books to shape thinking.
* **Transition Sentences:** Use stronger transitions between paragraphs to guide the reader. For example,rather of “
Igram also highlights the work…” you could say, ”Continuing to explore the theme of integrating faith and personal growth…”
* **Conclusion:** Add a concluding section that summarizes the key takeaways and perhaps offers some final thoughts or reflections on the importance of pursuing knowledge and reflecting on its sources.
**Content & Depth**
* **Expand on Key Authors:** provide more detail about the specific ideas and arguments of the authors mentioned, especially those like Richard J. Foster,Esther Meek, Simon Chan,and Kathleen Norris. What makes their work so influential?
* **Student Perspectives:** Incorporate more direct quotes from Igram (or othre students) about their experiences and how specific books have impacted them.
* **Connect to Academic Disciplines:** More explicitly connect the authors and books mentioned to specific theological or spiritual formation areas of study. How do these works contribute to the field?
**Engagement**
* **visuals:** Consider adding images of the book covers or relevant pictures to make the post more visually appealing.
* **Call to Action:** Encourage readers to share their own experiences with influential books in the comments.
**Here are some examples of how you could expand on certain sections:**
**Richard J. Foster**
* Rather of just saying “Festivity of Discipline” sparked a revelation, explain *what* that revelation was. Did it change Igram’s view of prayer, Bible study, or Christian living?
* Provide a brief overview of Foster’s main arguments and how they resonated with Igram.
**Esther Meek:**
* According to David Horner’s advice, what specifically did esther Meek’s “Loving to Know” offer that was helpful for Igram’s research?
**Kathleen Norris:**
* Explain how Norris’s work on “spiritual rhythms” and the “Cloister Walk” connects to the broader themes of intentional spiritual growth and finding God in everyday life.
By providing more detail and context, you can create a blog post that is both informative and inspiring for your readers.
This is an excellent start to a blog post! You’ve set up a compelling structure,weaving together Dr. Igram’s insights with a broader exploration of books’ influence on academic journeys. Hear are some suggestions to enhance your piece:
**1. Hooks and Headlines**
* **Intriguing Hook:** Consider beginning with a powerful quote about the transformative power of books, a thought-provoking question about finding one’s academic calling, or a brief anecdote that exemplifies the impact of a specific book on someone’s life.
* **Compelling Headline:** Your current headline is good, but try somthing more specific and action-oriented.Examples:
* “how Books Shaped Dr. Igram’s Path to Theology: A Conversation on faith, Writing, and Life”
* “From Page to Pulpit: The Authors Who Ignite Academic Passions”
* “Beyond the classroom: Discovering the Power of books in Shaping Lives and Careers”
**2.Expanding on dr.Igram’s Insights**
* **Provide Context:** Briefly introduce Dr. Igram’s background and expertise before delving into her specific recommendations. Highlight her role at Biola University and her areas of specialization.
* **Deeper Analysis:**
* Analyze Dr. Igram’s recommended authors in more depth. Briefly summarize key themes from their work and discuss how those ideas might resonate with students.
* Explore Dr. Igram’s guidance on writing and reading with more concrete examples. What are some specific strategies students can use to cultivate a writing practice? What types of fiction does she recommend?
* **Personal Touch:**
* Share your own experiences with books that have influenced your academic journey or career choice. This personalizes the blog post and helps readers connect with you.
**3. Engaging content**
* **Visuals:** Break up the text with relevant images. Consider using author photos, book covers, or images that relate to the themes discussed.
* **Subheadings:** Use subheadings to guide readers through your post and make it more scannable.
* **Call to action:** Invite readers to share their own experiences with influential books in the comments section.
**Example:**
* **Caption for image:**
“Dr. Igram encourages students to explore diverse perspectives through reading.”
Let me know if you’d like me to help you expand on any particular section or brainstorm further!
