Wisdom Actors, part 1

This article looks into the political careers of several prominent classes of domestic and international government advisors and officials in the royal courts old-world Middle East, with illustrations from several individuals who held high-level positions in those offices.

Wisdom Actors, part 2

In the fascinatingly instructive Book of Daniel, we see many of the ideas and norms of the wisdom tradition applied by its main actor during his long and distinguished political career. There are more clues concentrated in this one book about a wisdom-based praxis in politics and government than in any other piece of ancient wisdom literature that I know about. And these can be surprising finds when considered through the lens of wisdom. The features covered in this article explore Daniel’s education in wisdom and his religion, as well as his politics, sticking points, and style of communication in his relationships with kings and top government officials.

Is There a Gospel in the Stars?

Although this article was originally published in 2000 (Christian Research Journal, vol. 22, no. 4), it remains a seminal piece about a controversial topic that still draws discussion on the Web. Unlike many public Christians, I have am critical of the theory. See what you think.

Rami Khouri (interview)

Rami Khouri, a Palestinian-Jordanian, has some wise words for Americans who are trying to come to grips with life in the Middle East. Khouri is a prominent and well-respected journalist and internationally syndicated columnist. He was editor-in-chief of The Jordan Times and is now editor-at-large of the Beirut, Lebanon-based The Daily Star, the largest English language newspaper in the Middle East.

A shorter and differently emphasized version of this interview, “The Christian Message in Lebanon,” appeared in Christianity Today, August 2007.

Karen L. Mulder (conversation)

Charles Strohmer gets art historian and critic Karen L. Mulder to take us inside the visual arts and help them come alive for us.

This conversation was originally published in Openings #12, Jul-Sept, 2001.

Lynn Green (conversation)

Charles Strohmer talks with Lynn Green about an Evangelical-led Christian reconciliation walk among Muslims in Europe and the Middle East.

This conversation was originally published in Openings #3, April June, 1999.

Nancy Pearcey (conversation)

Charles Strohmer talks in depth with author Nancy Pearcey about intelligent design, creationism, and evolution.

This conversation was originally published in Openings #23, July-Sept, 2006.

Pamela MacKenzie (conversation)

Charles Strohmer talks with Dr. Pamela Mackenzie about Christianity, wholistic education, and her work in tribal regions.

This conversation was originally published in Openings #6, Jan-Mar, 2000. Slightly edited for the Web.