The vision is starting to come together. For years I have been involved in higher education programs, on two continents, without ever really answering the question, "So what are you going to DO with all this learning?" Or my father's more direct question: "When are you planning to get an actual job?" And my answer has always been, "I'm not sure yet. But... umm... definitely something really meaningful. And soon." I am glad I waited, for the answer that is now starting to crystallize in my mind and heart is very different than the one that was hovering on the horizon a few years ago. And this new answer is a better one, I think: well considered and tailored to my gifts and passions.
The answer that is becoming clearer and clearer to me is, in a word, ethics. Theological ethics, to be precise: the study of the role of the church in society, how we think theologically about morality. I have several motivations for this desire: first and foremost, I think the church (especially my denomination) is currently in great need of intelligent and faithful ethical guidance for many difficult decisions, and there are unfortunately comparatively few good Lutheran ethicists (which makes my quest for a PhD supervisor that much easier). Another motivation is one that comes entirely from inside me: I want to learn this stuff. I want to be able to give thoughtful, well-grounded responses to the ethical dilemmas that await us around every corner today, to contribute in a meaningful way to the conversations that will propel us into the future. I want to be able to articulate my beliefs about government, about politics, about the non-profit sector and the role of faith-based organizations in the political system. I want to be in the position to nurture young minds and to instill in them the frameworks that assist them in discovering and expressing their convictions. I want to help the ELCA think about this thing that they've named diaconal ministry.
A college professor of mine had this quote from Frederick Buechner hanging on his refrigerator: "Our vocation is the place where our deep gladness meets the world's deep needs." In two weeks I will be consecrated as a diaconal minister in the ELCA, and for that I am deeply glad. Diaconal ministers, in our church lingo, are the folks who feel called to the ministry of "word and service," in that gray area at the margins where the church and the world meet. The place where the church gets engaged in society, and invites them to reciprocate. The place where people fall through the cracks. And so far, what I have figured out is that this is my vocation. How it will look exactly remains to be seen, but I am glad for this dawning sense of direction.
I guess I'll start with Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Ethics, since it's sitting on my bookshelf.
Saturday, January 15, 2005
Where do I go from here?
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9 comments:
The church will be a better place - it's hard to find people who understand the stuff and who are able to clearly explain it as well. Whether it be in a book, in front of a classroom, or as a resource to others you will be doing that. I am excited for you, and for me as someone who will benefit.
Thanks, Amused. I'll do my best. :-)
Aladdin to Buffy the Vampire Slayer in only three posts. You're like a pop culture melting pot. Most impressive.
The Buffy reference was unintentional... Unless my vocation includes wooden stakes, which is possible, I suppose.
Woah. Having just watched season seven (and most of its commentary) over the last few weeks, that's dead-on. Woo hoo for empowered leadership. And vampires.
Woah. Having just watched season seven (and most of its commentary) over the last few weeks, that's dead-on. Woo hoo for empowered leadership. And vampires.
"Early one morning, just as the sun was rising..."
=|:-)
Hmm... let's see how long my new direction lasts. :-) Seriously, though, I feel like this one has long-term possibilities. Peder, that is Elizabeth's friend in Chicago, right? I am not sure who his advisor is. I should check. (It is also really freaking difficult to get accepted at the U of C) :-)
I am still not entirely sure what the Buffy reference was. Am I that far removed from US pop culture? Or maybe just the fact that they talk about "vocation" on the show. Outside of church circles, maybe Buffy is the only one who uses the word? Charlie, Abba, a little help here? :-)
No, nothing so oblique (although there is a strong theme running through the show of Buffy feeling trapped by the life she's called to). In season 6 they did a musical episode and the big finale number was entitled, "Where do we go from here?" Your post title got me humming the tune.
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