Loren D. Crow, Ph.D.

My earliest memories in life are memories of discoveries: like the time I discovered electricity by sticking a hair pin in an electrical outlet (which is actually my very earliest memory). Or, less painfully, the time I discovered a cave in the canyon behind my house in California. Some people might remember best those times when they felt peaceful or triumphant. But the times I remember best are moments of discovery and beauty - the moments when I've been overcome by wonder. For me, learning about almost any subject - possibly excluding math, although I can't say for sure because I've never given it a fair shake - is an effort of the soul whose purpose is to come face-to-face with mystery.

That's how I approach the Bible, too. I'm not interested in explaining things away, either to demean faith or in a misguided attempt to prop it up. I have confidence that faith, if it is placed in the God who is reliable, can stand. I want to pay studious attention to the particulars of what the Bible says. I find that doing so almost always leads me into a sense of God's mystery and beauty.

Of all the beautiful mysteries in God's world, human beings rank very close to the top. I am continually amazed and delighted at the ability of my students and colleagues to make me see the world, and the biblical text, differently. I am regularly humbled by incredibly smart students who learn quickly what I still struggle with, especially the more important lessons in life such as how to love our neighbors. I feel so very, very grateful to be brought daily into God's presence by so many people who are living sacraments.