Ministry, Reading, Burnout

[@tsukareppi]

One of my favorite novels is The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. It's a compelling novel about a Franciscan priest accompanying an expedition to a new world. It also has much to say about the place of suffering in the world, and how we handle it when we suffer greatly.

[@TheGreatGonzales777]

Big comment incoming… 1. A book that has meant something to me lately, is the original Dune book. I read the first half in preparation for the Denis Villeneuve movie that just came out (finishing it before Pt. 2 comes out). It’s a lot more political than the movie, and while I think the movie is a feat for being fascinating but not political, and detailed in just 2.5 hours, I’ve grown to value the book for it teaching me how to focus on such a long narrative. I’m a big picture, to-the-point thinker, but it’s been a great exercise for me. If you ever decide to dabble in it out of curiosity, it’s biggest strength is that it establishes its political drama very well, in my opinion. There aren’t many characters concerned with getting something internal, but something external, mostly power lol… and in that sense it’s kinda refreshing. 2. I really appreciate this topic because it’s interesting how in our tech age, we’ve seemed to equate media consumption with input. In one sense it can be and sometimes is, but I don’t think it’s as rewarding to consume because it’s actually output, since it really exhausts our minds once we’re numb to all of the dopamine rushes… interesting I think. Time to start digging into all those books I put on the shelf to make me look smart. 😅

[@bitesizeseminary]

Good thoughts! I haven't read Dune, but I know it's a classic. I think you're right too on the second point. There's something different about consuming something like social media instead of reading. There's some good value to social media, but most of the time after I'm on it for a few minutes I get bleh feeling. 😂

[@dustinburlet7249]

love the thoughts in point 2 - quite quite apropos With respect to having a library that one uses to boost one's confidence, I see nothing wrong with that all - haha

[@mattwizy]

Thanks I really needed this

[@bitesizeseminary]

So glad it helped!

[@dustinburlet7249]

Excellent excellent excellent video - loved the (not scientific, haha) chart on output and creativity - perfect!!! Love love love Teaching to Change Lives - I couldn't agree more - well done! I also appreciate your emphasis on HOW you come to conclusions As Nijay Gupta relates The method is (often) the magic One minor critique (but perhaps it is not a critique at all but more perhaps of a come-alongside comment) is that I USED to state (and re-state) LEADERS are READERS but I have had an increasing amount of students who seem to simply be unable to process much information through that medium as effectively as others yet are (by all other accounts) fantastic! AS SUCH I switched my witticism/maxim to LEADERS are LEARNERS because learning can occur through a multiplicity of mediums (video libraries, music libraries, the arts, etc). I have also permitted more students to use dramatized audio versions of the Bible alongside traditional reading of Scripture so that things like tone, pause, emphasis, etc. can be better understood lastly With respect to becoming a better reader I know that most everyone recommends the classic How to Read a Book (Adler and co.) but another book (not to mention the numerous extremely helpful series within The Great Courses) that I think is invaluable is How to Read Slowly by James Sire (re-issued with another title etc). NOTHING has helped me more than that book in getting my mind around what precisely it is that we are supposed to be doing to be effective with reading :-) Thanks again for such a a great video and channel - I appreciate it

[@bitesizeseminary]

Yes, good clarification. The goal is to keep learning, whether with a class or podcast or videos. Just keep moving forward!

[@tomsuiteriii9742]

So, to speak to this topic, one of the graduate courses I have for next semester is “Toni Morrison and the Hebrew Bible,” which sounds…. very interesting. 😂

[@bitesizeseminary]

That’s a pretty unique course! Where are you studying?

[@tomsuiteriii9742]

@@bitesizeseminary Indiana University. I’m a Jewish Studies MA. 🙂

[@bitesizeseminary]

@@tomsuiteriii9742 Awesome! Sounds like a great degree and program! I was one class away from a Jewish studies minor during my undergrad. So close! 😂