FROM THE HILL: Park gives input on counseling and spiritual wellness, Darling offers insight on loving political enemies, and more

“From the Hill” is a regular series highlighting the work of Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s faculty. Check back here regularly to find articles, blogs, podcasts, interviews, and more.

“What if Americans decided to love their political enemies” (article on USA Today), written by Daniel Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement and assistant professor of faith and culture at Texas Baptist College

• “As the calendar turned its last chapter, many of us evaluated the year that was and anticipated the year to come. Let me suggest one goal for 2022 that seems counterintuitive in a culture that rewards the opposite: loving your political enemies.”

“Church Leaders At Risk As COVID Takes A Toll On Pastors As Well As Parishioners” (news story on CBS DFW), interviewing Benjamin Skaug, dean of Texas Baptist College

• “The pandemic has taken its toll physically and emotionally. People that many Americans turn to, church leaders and pastors, are also feeling the stress of the uncertain times.”

“Counseling leaders say biblical connections key to mental, spiritual wellness” (article in The TEXAN), contributions from Lilly Park, associate professor of biblical counseling, and Jonathan Okinaga, assistant professor of biblical counseling

• “The state of addressing mental health-related issues is improving in our churches, but there’s still work to do. We asked some of the top counselors and Christian counseling directors in Texas to chime in on topics ranging from the stigma that can exist in the church regarding mental health and wellness, to how pastors can take steps to care for their own mental health, and what churches of any size can do to minister to others who are struggling.”

“The perils of being in the know” (article on World News Group), written by Daniel Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement and assistant professor of faith and culture at Texas Baptist College

• “We can’t know what 2022 will bring, but we can control the way we approach the inevitable onslaught of information that is a feature of living in this digital age. We can make wise decisions about who we trust and whose worldview shapes the way we understand the times. This is an age of disinformation, biased news, and agenda-based media, and Christians need discernment to avoid being catechized by half-truths.”

“What Would Jesus Curate? Meet Pastor Dan Darling (Podcast)” (episode on Inside Flipboard), featuring Daniel Darling, director of the Land Center for Cultural Engagement and assistant professor of faith and culture at Texas Baptist College

• “You don’t have to be religious to enjoy this interview with Southern pastor, author and columnist Dan Darling. As the director of the Richard Land Center for Cultural Engagement at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dan lives at the intersection of the Bible, the culture and his ministry. It’s fascinating to learn about how he curates ideas and stories for his sermons, how he would curate the Bible for beginners, and his thoughts on what Jesus would curate.”

“Baylor University Announces Recipients of 2022 Baylor Alumni Awards” (news release from Baylor University), honoring Rebekah Naylor, distinguished professor of missions and missionary-in-residence

• “The Pro Ecclesia Medal of Service is awarded to individuals whose broad contributions to Christian ministry have made an immeasurable impact. This year’s Medal of Service is awarded to Rebekah Naylor, BA ’64, MD, of Fort Worth, retired Baptist medical missionary and current distinguished professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.”

“FIRST-PERSON: Why cooperate? A New Testament model” (article on Baptist Press), written by Adam W. Greenway, president of Southwestern Seminary and Texas Baptist College

• “Why cooperate? At first glance, the question itself might seem rather trivial. Cooperation unifies. It accomplishes more than individual effort. It overcomes isolationist tendencies. Within a local congregation, cooperation between believers to live out the Great Commission and Great Commandment vision of the church usually causes little strife. Yet, when the question is applied not simply to one local body but to many churches, the answer often becomes muddier.”