Doug Miller at Convocation on the Book of Isaiah
Highlighting words from Doug Miller’s presentations on the Book of Isaiah
As a graduation requirement, Bethel College students enroll in a course titled “Basic Issues in Faith and Life,” more commonly known as BIFL. Like the name implies, this course asks students to take a deep dive into faith-related reading, and apply it to their life and experiences. Each year, BIFL is centered around a particular book in the Bible. This year, students who take the course are reading the book of Isaiah.
Before spring break, The Bible and Religion department invited Doug Miller, professor Emeritus of Biblical and Religious Studies at Tabor College, to come speak on the book of Isaiah at Convocation on March 10. Miller also provided a lecture for BIFL students in the chapel on Sunday March 9th, which was also about the book of Isaiah.
During the lectures he answered questions he had received about the Old Testament, and Isaiah in particular.
One question he attempted to answer was why the Old Testament had value. He responded with ten different reasons as to why he believes it does. He stated that it is an intriguing puzzle, complex picture of God, contains fascinating characters, highlights the importance of worship, and many more aspects.
During Convocation, Miller did more than just talk about the importance of the book of Isaiah. He also found a way to apply the information to the everyday lives of students. He said that there are five ways to approach work: “staying alive (little choice), living for the weekends (pessimistic and self-centered), my empire (hopeful but self-centered), work addiction (enslaved and self-centered), and service (hopeful and others-centered).”
Miller encouraged listeners to “let service be the motivation in [their] vocation and profession.” He also acknowledged that success can look different to each individual, and that it is important to “figure out what success will mean in your profession and call.” To do this we must “recognize the tension of success and failure” Miller added.
In closing, Miller made sure audiences knew to “make God alone [their] prime love and worship.”
These lectures were brought to students by a donation from the Hartzler Foundation, in honor of the former president of Bethel College J.E. Hartzler.