In Praise of Private Writing

One of the most fascinating portions of Jonathan Edwards's collected works is a 350 page section entitled "Miscellaneous Observations" and "Notes on the Bible." This section comprises a large collection of Edwards's personal notes on various subjects including philosophical, theological, and biblical musings. The depth and breadth of these writings are remarkable. But what is most intriguing to me is … Continue reading In Praise of Private Writing

20 Tips to Help You Finish Your Dissertation

I haven’t met many Ph.D. students who don’t like to write. Some may like writing more than others, but most enjoy writing—or, at least, the satisfaction of having written. Wherever you find yourself on the love-for-writing spectrum, a dissertation awaits completion, and you must finish. Here are a few tips to help you. 1. Write sooner. … Continue reading 20 Tips to Help You Finish Your Dissertation

The Editor as Servant

For over three and some years, I had the opportunity to serve as the managing editor of The Journal of Discipleship and Family Ministry, a semi-annual periodical published by the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.  As managing editor, my duties included soliciting potential contributors, overseeing subscriptions, and editing articles.  Although there were administrative aspects of the job … Continue reading The Editor as Servant

Clarity: The Responsibility of Every Christian Writer

I am thankful for blogs. Good writers who would otherwise go unread are able to make helpful and edifying insights available for public perusal and reflection. Nevertheless, I am convinced that ease of writing and posting does not always guarantee better writing. At the same time, I am also convinced that Christians have the responsibility---if … Continue reading Clarity: The Responsibility of Every Christian Writer