Reu Memorial Library - Wartburg Theological Seminary

05/13/2024

Congratulations Wartburg—we're on the downhill slide!

Just 11 days until the end of the semester!!

05/10/2024

You did it, Wartburg! Congratulations to all graduates, and a happy summer to all continuing students! Peace be with you in your next adventures!

05/08/2024

On Wednesdays, we highlight a book review from the Currents in Theology and Mission publication. This week, we're featuring a review from Roger P. Ebertz, from the University of Dubuque, regarding "Natural Philosophy: On Retrieving a Lost Disciplinary Imaginary," by Alister E. McGrath.

Below is a sample of the review:
How do science and religion fit together? How should we evaluate
the truth claims of physics, theology, and philosophy, and other fields? How does one adjudicate between the many disciplinary voices? It is not uncommon, both among scholars and in the public mind, to assume that it is science that speaks the genuine truth, and all other claims must be measured by its standards. But there is much in the human experience of nature on which science has nothing to say. In
Natural Philosophy: On Retrieving a Lost Disciplinary Imaginary, Alister McGrath suggests we learn from the natural philosophy tradition to develop a more adequate view
of nature than is available from science alone.
To help us toward a more holistic view, McGrath recommends a retrieval of the practice of seeing nature “through many eyes” (169), finding ways to weave what we “see” into a coherent whole. Communities of scholars, each working within their own discipline, can network, share their knowledge, and collaborate to form a grander vision of the natural world than is possible in any one field alone. McGrath draws on insights from Karl Popper and Mary Midgley to suggest models for understanding the multiple layers of our encounter with the natural world. We have different maps to show different aspects of one territory. So also different disciplines communicate different truths about one world. “There is nothing wrong with science,” he writes, “save that there is more that needs to be said and seen” (183). This is an insightful work, not just for scholars, but for anyone interested in recognizing and respecting all the dimensions of the natural world in which we live.

Want to read more from this review and others? Check out this link: https://www.currentsjournal.org/index.php/currents/article/view/453/491

04/26/2024

Need a funny for your Friday?

Check out our grammar jokes in the Writing Center portal on our Digital Commons. We laughed—out loud. In the **library** 🫢 👀

04/25/2024

It's throwback Thursday! Today, we were inspired by glorious mustaches and beautiful bookmark art. Such lovely smiles!

Any guesses as to which year we pulled this photo from?

04/24/2024

Each Wednesday, we highlight a book review from the Currents in Theology and Mission publication. Today, we're featuring a review of "God Can't: How to Believe in God and Love After Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils" by Thomas Jay Oord.

Below is a review from Wartburg graduate Anthony G. Windau:

Thomas Jay Oord makes the incredibly bold claim to “solve” the problem of evil within this text, and in five steps, no less. Oord begins his argument with two assumptions; first that God’s very being, or character, is love and of a loving nature (11). The second assumption is that gratuitous, or genuine, evil exists in the world (12-13). One can tell that these ideas are heavily influenced by Open Theism even without it being explicitly named in the text. With these in mind, Oord begins laying out his argument, one chapter per step, using real life stories and experiences to move theodicy from the realm of theory into lived reality.

In brief, Oord’s points are: First, God cannot prevent evil singlehandedly (17). Second, God truly feels creation’s pain and suffering (48). Third, God wants to heal those who have been harmed or experienced suffering (79). This third point has four subpoints within it, including God is omnipresent/loving, God walks alongside creation, God can’t heal singlehandedly, and God’s love extends beyond death (88-97). Fourth, God can “squeeze the good from the bad” (113). Finally, God requires our participation in solving evil (142).

Oord, in this text, successfully presents his solution to the ever-vexing problem of evil. Through his five steps, Oord identifies shortcomings of traditional images of God, offers his alternatives, and seeks a way forward. This book would be well worth the time of pastors and congregation members to engage in a new way of thinking about evil. It is up to the reader if Oord truly succeeds in answering the ancient question of evil.

Want to read more of this and other book reviews? Check out this link: http://www.currentsjournal.org/index.php/currents/article/view/453/491

04/23/2024

It's World Book Day! Join with us in celebrating the joy of reading!

Curious about the history of this holiday? Check out this article: https://www.thequint.com/lifestyle/world-book-and-copyright-day-2024-date-theme-history-and-significance -more

To kick off the celebration, we're asking you, Wartburg: what book has brought you the most joy in your life?

Discover the history and significance of World Book and Copyright Day 2024, dedicated to promoting literature and fostering a love for reading.

04/22/2024

Happy Earth Day, Wartburg! Today we were encouraged by this Earth Day reflection from Pastor Philip Ruge-Jones back in 2020.

May we continue to acknowledge that our place is in the presence of God.

This Wednesday we celebrate Earth Day for the fiftieth time. In 1970, a young adult held the first Earth Day with 20 million people showing up to celebrate. The day has been a rallying point for environmental commits that have changed the world. However, after a half a decade many of those important...

04/21/2024

As we prepare our hearts and minds for the week ahead, may you find time to revel in the beauty of creation!

04/20/2024

On Saturdays we highlight a new book in our collection. This week we're featuring "Discovering Trinity in Disability: A Theology for Embracing Difference" by Myroslaw Tataryn and Maria Truchan-Tataryn.

It would appear from the gospels that the disabled have a special claim on Jesus' love and attention. And we learn from the doctrine of the Trinity that God is an inclusive community of love. Yet are these truths reflected in the life of the church?
Drawing on scripture, theology, and the personal experience of their daughter's severe disability, the authors explore the theological meaning of disability and the special insights it affords into the mystery of God's Trinitarian being. They call on the church to become a truly inclusive community, marked by a special welcome and embrace for those whom the world identifies as broken, disabled, or somehow defective.

Myroslaw Tataryn and Maria Truchan-Tataryn are a married couple. Myroslaw is a priest in the Ukranian Catholic Church, and holds a doctorate in theology. Maria has a doctorate in literature, with a specialty in disability studies.

04/19/2024

Hey Wartburg!
Are you studying away from campus right now? Do you need a copy of a book that Reu Library only has in physical form? Never fear! Your Reu Librarians are here!
We're happy to scan chapters of physical books to distance students near and far. Just send us an email with your request, and we'll get back to you within a day.

What's the difference between a librarian and a superhero? They're the same thing. :)

04/18/2024

It's Throwback Thursday! We took a look through the library archives and found this picture from the 2013-2014 school year. Anyone look familiar? :)