Matt Erickson

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 13 February 2021 with the growing church in Iran, a new documentary on the black church, RIP Hershel Shanks, Kathleen Norris on retreating when you can’t go to a retreat, evangelicals in Myanmar, and more.

Just finished reading: Distant Neighbors: The Selected Letters of Wendell Berry & Gary Snyder by Wendell Berry and Gary Snyder 📚

Here is “The Weekend Wanderer” for 6 February 2021 with the bold architecture of Chicago’s black churches, a personal reflection by Drew Bratcher on his grandmother and her hymns, Pope Francis’ pending visit to Iraq, @ayjay on “Katharsis Culture,” and much more.

I am reflecting deeply on the meaning of the wilderness in Scripture. In the wilderness, we are humbled and tested. The wilderness is a great revealer in the spiritual life.

Currently reading: Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist and Other Essays by Kingsnorth, Paul 📚

Just finished reading: White noise by Don DeLillo 📚

Each day, we echo our baptism by surrendering ourselves to God in death to self and rising up in obedience to God by the Holy Spirit’s power. We say, echoing Jesus, “Not my will but yours be done.” Read more on developing a baptismal spirituality here.

This past weekend at @EastbrookChurch I made a case for the necessity of a baptismal spirituality rooted in the revelation of Jesus’ baptism. While I realize it may sound obtuse, the more I think about it, the more essential I believe this is for our faith at this time.

The strange beauty of nature. (Taken at Door Bluff Headlands Park, Gills Rock, Wisconsin, 10 days ago.)

I wrote about Jesus, Herod, and ways in which idolatry can grip our hearts here.

Last week, Kelly and I escaped to Door County for a couple days. Here is the stunning view of Green Bay meeting Lake Michigan from Ellison Bluff State Natural Area, one of the best scenic overlooks in the area.

Currently reading: Art and Faith: A Theology of Making by Fujimura, Makoto 📚