I am one privileged puppy! I get to teach seminary and graduate students — and I often feel that I learn more 
from them than they do from me. I don’t feel that so keenly that I’m going to refund a percentage of their tuition, but you get the point. I am deeply impressed with the quality of student we have here at Columbia International University Seminary and School of Ministry (our cheers at basketball games last longer than the games themselves: ”Give me a ‘C’!,” etc.).
One of the courses I’m privileged to teach this semester is entitled “Theological Methods and Issues.” It is an upper-level course in which students study poor and best practices in doing theological research. They also present two major papers in class which we evaluate, critique, and otherwise encourage each other to pursue possible publication. [I'll ask some of my students later if they will give me permission to publish some of their papers here in this blog].
One of my students presented a paper on “A Theology of Risk.” He spoke about our “risk-averse” faith and how we look to insulate ourselves from all risks. Referring to Mark Buchanan’s book Your God Is Too Safe, 
this student talked about some in our culture who are addicted to risk (one thinks of Extreme Sports junkies). He referred to Greg Tung’s 365 days of doing something each day which “scared” him.
In our culture, especially in our Christian sub-culture, it looks like we are comfort-addicted. Instead of longing for an adventure of faith, we cushion ourselves against hurt and hard work, acting as if we can just glide to glory. (to be continued)
Questions:
1. What risks are you taking in your walk of faith?
2. How does a risk-averse life keep us from a life of trusting God?
larrydixon
