I’ve been busy and haven’t made the time to write for quite a while. But today I had to share something a little bit exciting: an English language interface for my online banking! I chose my bank last year because it had English on its website. However, once a member, all the online banking was in Swedish, and most banking is online in Sweden and we rarely use cash. Today, when I went to pay my Swedish bills through my bank, there was a new interface. At first, I’m frustrated, because I’m trying to do the tasks I learned how to do with my limited Swedish, and my vocabulary does not have a lot a Swedish banking terms. Then, I found a little Union Jack British Flag and almost jumped out of my seat! Now I can do online banking in English! Yes, I won’t be needing to learn all those Swedish banking words, but when it is important transactions, like banking, I like to know what I’m doing.
I’ve been working most of my spare moments on a paper that I will be presenting at the University of Lund on Wednesday. I fly in and out the same day. Both the Old Testament and New Testament folks will be together for this seminar. I’m trying to graciously challenge the “science” paradigm that is required for all academic biblical studies. Then, I relay that this opens us up to merge different epistemologies (ways of knowing) that are able to engage the Majority World. I have quotes from three Society of Biblical Literature presidents spanning 30 years, so I know that I’m not alone in these concepts. But they don’t live in Sweden. I’m basically challenging the theoretical framework of the whole discipline! My call for multi-epiestemological exegesis not only allows authentic conversations with the Majority World, it also allows engagement with faith and supernatural aspects of Scripture that are downplayed or avoided in Swedish scholarship. I also think that my appropriation of Paul Hiebert’s “centered set” theory to evaluation of legitimate, valid, and plausible interpretations (using Daniel Patte’s terminology) is a contribution to the conversation. There are a couple students here who have heard of my pending presentation and have already started praying for me! How cool!
Then, when I was working on the paper last night, my “doctor father” (former PhD adviser) emailed with a question. I had been thinking that I would really appreciate some feedback on my draft, and so I replied that if he had time, I would welcome his critique, but I made it clear that he could easily say no with all of his busy life. He graciously and quickly gave feedback and encouragement. I am so blessed.
Tomorrow morning, I give a mid-term exam to my Intro to the Old Testament course. However, it has to be written in Swedish. I try my best to prepare a good version, and then I asked my colleague, Elin, to proof my Swedish. Wow, writing Swedish is humbling. Fortunately, Elin is a great help. (If only she could grade the essay questions too! But no!)
On the way to Elin’s apartment, I paused for a picture of some of the building in our neighborhood.
Here are some highlights of the last couple weeks.
A few quick notes about Anya. She has her countdown to test week outside her door. She is serious about her preparations with a plan for what to study each week. She was elected onto the CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) Council, and she is the coordinator of the tutoring program. With her focus on her studies and extra-curriculars to strengthen her university applications, she has decided not to continue with pole vaulting this year. It does make life less full. She bought a used knitting machine and is figuring it out. She makes great chocolate chip cookies!
Back to revising my paper with Knut’s recommendations.
With blessings,
Beth
Shall also be praying for you and the paper presentation at Lund. What a privilege and challenge! To perhaps contribute to a ‘nation’s’ theological and biblical approach: You Go Girl!!! as someone once said. Or to quote our friend Sarah Rejman, “Good on ya'”.
Will look forward to some of those chocolate chip cookies come May!!