Theological education, writing, and an ethic of words.

Here is Stephanie Paulsell on 'Writing as a Spiritual Discipline', one of a number of very fine essays in The Scope of Our Art. The Vocation of the Theological Teacher L. Gregory Jones & Stephanie Paulsell (Eds.), (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2002), 17-31.

It matters what words we choose, what voice we speak in, what tone we take. It matters both for the quality of our own thought, and for the quality of our invitation to our readers. The intellectual and aesthetic choices we make when we write are also moral, spiritual choices that can hold open a door for another to enter, or pull that door shut; that can sharpen our thinking or allow it to recline on a comfortable bed of jargon; that can form us in generosity and humility or in condescension and disdain. (page 24)

One of the courses I teach involves introducing students to writing as a moral and spiritual practice of slowed down thinking, that is intellectually generous and curious, while also providng a framework for trying out ideas, developing mental agility, and learning to love and value words. To preach, to lead others in prayer, to speak into situations of human experience where what is said can be transformative, creative, supportive, redemptive, communicative of love or hope or peace; and also to know when words won't work and wordless presence is the gift we must offer – these require facility with words, but also a practised ethic of choosing our words with care – care for those who will read them, hear them, be touched and affected by them.

Writing this blog is one way of practising the moral and spiritual choices that are part of the vocation of those whose calling involves the use of so many words – may the words of my mouth, pen, keyboard, and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord.