Reader Overload
It’s time for a break
My thesis proposal is due next week and while I’m excited about the topic, writing the proposal has proven to be more challenging than I anticipated. I’m pretty sure it’s a classic case of reader overload as I’ve been researching my topic for six months and reading voraciously since the semester started because I knew the deadline would sneak up on me. And now that it’s almost here, I find myself staring at the computer unable to write a coherent sentence, much less a thesis. Please tell me this is normal.
I really enjoy the weekly rhythm of writing on Substack, but it’s time to shift that effort and energy to my thesis proposal (and memorizing Hebrew verb paradigms). But before I disappear for a while, I wanted to share some recent favorite reads on Substack, in no particular order. Some of you may already read or subscribe to some of these newsletters. For others not on the Substack platform, they may be new. If there’s a topic or writer that interests you I hope you’ll subscribe, follow, like, comment, share, or just enjoy reading. And…*poof.* I’m gone.
Contemplative and Inspirational
I look forward to Sunday Musings by Diana Butler Bass each week as she illuminates the lectionary readings with intelligence, humility, and honesty. Her voice has been one of reason, wisdom, encouragement, and hope in this tumultuous election season. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but this week’s musing about awe as an antidote to fear comes close.
This essay by Jen Pollock Michael about law and grace is an excellent explanation about why a rule of life practice is not legalism. The way she beautifully articulates grace-empowered effort makes me want to stand up and cheer. After four semesters of mentored (spiritual) formation in seminary, I can testify to the truth and necessity of intentionality in our spiritual formation process. “Effort” is not a four-letter word.
News, Politics, and Current Events
I’ve been reading Word & Way’s newsletter A Public Witness for about a year. The writing and reporting are stellar. It’s hard to believe that any news source is without some degree of bias, but these author-reporters genuinely care about truth (imagine!) and report with honesty, integrity, zero spin, and a strong commitment to a biblical worldview.
Professor, historian, and author Kristin Du Mez consistently provides accurate, well-researched content and commentary, and she does it with a unique blend of boldness and sensitivity as one who understands the vitriol and backlash that comes with speaking truth to power and defending the powerless. She shared this essay back in August right after the Olympics, and it remains one of the best I’ve read.
Academic (Biblical and Theological Studies)
My go-to academics on Substack are Scot McKnight, Nijay Gupta (New Testament), Sandra Richter (Old Testament), and Michael Bird (NT, theology, hodgepodge). McKnight always has great book recommendations. Gupta shares the most recent NT and OT commentaries. (I want them all.) I never know exactly what to expect from Bird but it’s always interesting and infused with his trademark sarcasm. It’s hard to pick only one to share, but Sandra Richter’s latest essay about the Psalms of Lament is beautiful.
Tim Davy has become another favorite academic to follow. I admire his ability to share a wide variety of resources and helpful advice so succinctly—something I strive to do better! His focus is often on missions and missional theology, but he also shares practical advice for teachers and students. Every newsletter ends with a quote and recently he shared this pearl from Wilda Gafney. (Speaking of, I pre-ordered Womanist Midrash Volume 2 and it finally arrived today!)
“I don’t run from a fight or a hard text or a fight with a hard text. I believe in wrestling the bruising words until I squeeze a blessing out of them, no matter how down and dirty it gets or how out of joint I get.” (quoted in Kat Armas, Abuelita Faith)
Pastoral
Every Monday I look forward to YESTERDAY, a series by Brad Shockley in which he shares his notes from the previous day’s sermon. He is currently preaching through the Lord’s Prayer, and while I recommend starting from the beginning, this particular sermon is a timely reminder to lean into kingdom living, especially as we groan and grumble our way through the election.
My pastor, Matt Pearson, loves to preach and pastor even more than he loves Auburn football, which is a lot. He knows and loves the members of our congregation and leads with a gentle, humble spirit. He is always willing to engage with our questions about the Bible or theology, or even pushback after a sermon from annoying seminary students like me, and he does so with grace and an open mind. Some of my current and former SBC friends might be surprised to learn that he read a book I recommended about the Samaritan Woman and how Christians have historically misunderstood her, then preached a sermon on it to set the record straight. A few days later he wrote about it, along with important reminders about reading, preaching, and interpreting Scripture.
And while I’m on the subject of pastors, Beth Allison Barr wrote a lovely tribute to her husband, a longtime pastor and her biggest supporter. Yes, there are still good and faithful pastors, even in the SBC.
Humor
Laughter is the best medicine. If you can handle a little irreverent satire, Matthew Pierce will make your day. His mock essays and fake exegesis make my side hurt. I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard while reading. Enjoy.
I loved how your reading list is so similar to mine—but broader. So thanks for broadening mine. :)
Julie, you do a great job with these post recommendations. I love reading what you find insightful. And I'm not just saying that because you gave me a shout out :) Keep investing in your writing. You are a natural. It's not fair.