Welcome to The Holy Academic! Whether you are an undergraduate student, graduate student, research professional, or professor, my hope is that this will be a space where you will be encouraged, challenged, and propelled toward a closer relationship with Jesus and his purpose for your life (whether that keeps you in the ivory tower or leads you beyond it)! This is a space where Christians can wrestle with their role in academia, whether it be a place you’re simply passing through or the home of your profession.

Sometimes, you may feel as though academia can be hard to navigate as a Christian. You might struggle to balance the day-to-day demands of work and life with pursuing God diligently. Alternatively, you may vacillate between trying to critically analyze everything through the mind of Christ and simply going with the flow for ease. Perhaps, you even worry about rocking the boat and being at odds with your peers, PIs, or tenure committees.

Surprise! You’re…normal.

Christians in every sector struggle with similar things in one way or another. Still, navigating academia requires nuance at times. I hope that each post helps you discern those nuances and live with more peace and purpose. Take heart! You’re part of a long line of thinkers in the faith who challenged or went beyond the ideas of their day. I believe that you are one of the next great thinkers. Furthermore, Jesus has positioned you right where you are for a purpose. You can be the next one to move us closer toward heaven on earth.

Take heart! You’re not alone in this journey. I’m here with you and I will be one of those great thinkers, too. I love academia. I know. If you go on Twitter, it’s easy to think all the love is lost. However, I plan to be in this profession for a good, long time. Thus, you can trust that The Holy Academic will be here as well.

So without further ado, I say, “Hello, world!” (I’m sorry; I couldn’t stop myself.) There’s much more to come from this little corner of the internet and I hope you’ll hang around for the journey.