The Symposium High

Summary Statement
The UGST Symposium has come and gone in all its glory. If you didn't get a chance to make it this year, I strongly urge you to mark your calendars now for October 29-30, 2009. It is a beautiful event that symbolizes all that can be good in the church. It manifests the opportunity to have conflicting viewpoints and a variety of perspectives given equal play and wrestled with. Beginning with the premise that everyone participating is saved and in a maturing relationship with Jesus Christ, no one is categorized or shut down unfairly just because he or she doesn't conform to certain expectations. I love it and it is writing that provides the entrance into conversation.

Convictions Born of the Experience
1. Become more disciplined, particularly in my study and writing. Of course, the lateness of this very post does not reflect a great start on this! I was challenged by the depth of thought and time spent to produce a quality paper. It made me realize that I don't just get to sit down, spit out some thoughts and feel satisfied that it meets any kind of academic standard. You have to dig through texts, take notes, let it marinate, get peer reviews and re-write!! It is hard...no wonder I was slacking in the area!

2. Study and produce writing with the understanding that not only do I come with my own presuppositions, my presuppositions should not disappear from the shaping of the work. I had to come to terms with the fact that who and what I am does not always get transcended by engaging Truth or some such thing. Rather, I only get to Truth when I acknowledge who and what I am. That may mean representing for some things when I'd rather be a nameless face in the background.

3. I have to go back to school! Argh! This one is hard!! It's intricately tied to the first one. I'd rather not have to be disciplined!! But it's what I have to do!! Why'd the Bible have to say "Study to show yourself approved"?!?!?!?!

4. Read out loud. It's great.