My new book on the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles

I'm pleased to announce that my book on the thoroughfare motif in "Luke-Acts" has been published. Many thanks to God, my family, and many friends for their help and encouragement in this project. I certainly have a sense of relief and satisfaction.

For those interested, here is the abstract: 
"Luke-Acts is an impressive two-volume narrative seeking to convince and engage readers regarding the spiritual impact of Jesus of Nazareth on the Jewish people and other nations. To this end, Luke employs an impressive arsenal of literary and narrative techniques. This book focuses on a motif and its performance, the thoroughfare motif, which includes those figurative and concrete expressions involving ways, roads, city streets, and country paths. This study traces this motif's performance within the unfolding plot asking what difference the motif makes—progressively and cumulatively—to the reader's encounter with the story's emphasis on salvation. For example, why does Luke take pleasure in describing transformational events on or in relation to thoroughfares? What are the connections between expressions like "the way of peace," "the way of salvation," and "the way of God/Lord"? Why does Luke use such an unusual expression like "the Way" to describe Jesus' followers? How do such expressions contribute to the spiritual landscape of Luke-Acts, the intermingling of concrete and figurative uses of physical imagery? Like an instrument in an orchestra, the thoroughfare motif works together with other motifs and themes to create a captivating exploration of spiritual transformation, received and opposed."

Click here for the publisher's link to the book.

Let me know if you have questions or comments on this book.

So, what is plot anyway? Here's my go at it...

Add caption

While I was working on my dissertation, I spent a good deal of mental energy trying to understand various definitions of plot and then formulating a definition that I could use to analyze the thoroughfare motif in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles.
In fact, we often hear about the great plot of a movie or book. But what does "plot" mean anyway, and how can that notion help in analyzing a literary or cinematic work? And perhaps even more challenging, what does it mean for the study of ancient texts like biblical narratives? By the way, did you know that Aristotle wrote about plot in his Poetics? It's amazing to think that we are still working with some of the ideas that he introduced there!

Here's the abstract of an article I wrote entitled "Emplotment, Plot and Explotment:
Refining Plot Analysis of Biblical Narratives 
from the Reader’s Perspective" (Biblical Interpretation, volume 21, Issue 1, pages 64 – 98):

The notion of plot has a long history of various nuances and uses in literary and biblical studies. Consequently, the practice of plot analysis is quite variable. Although most definitions of plot privilege other elements than the reader, this tendency has recently begun to change. This article argues that plot is more comprehensible and constructive when it is located within the reader’s encounter of the storyworld on the cognitive and affective levels. Thus, the activities of composition and reception, emplotment and plot are best considered distinct activities. An evaluation of definitions illustrates this necessary distinction and leads to a fresh formulation of plot, especially in relation to narratives purporting to be factual. As a complementary step, ‘explotment’ is proposed as a link between the interpretation of the past and the evaluation of the reader, thus explaining the immersive and emersive exploration of the story’s central question(s). Equipped with this heuristic, the interpreter can investigate various questions in the study of biblical narratives on the macro and micro levels; for example, the narrative’s progressive ideological and pragmatic force and development as well as single plot-enhancing elements such as various types of pericopes, literary devices and narrative techniques. With this emphasis on reception theory, this type of plot analysis can be especially beneficial to narrative-critical and reader-response studies. The value of plot theory for biblical exegesis is further demonstrated through illustrations and discussion applied to Luke-Acts.

You might notice that I use complementary terms like "emplotment" (used by P. Ricoeur and H. White) and "explotment" (a new term for literary theory as far as I can tell).

Here's the link to My article on plot theory and analysis if you have access through your school. You might want to read it or copy it at a local school of theology or seminary, because to buy it online is quite expensive (in my opinion).

Let me know what you think about plot and these other terms!

An Action Packed Year 2012

Dear friends,

What an action packed year 2012 was...but we're not going to repeat all that happened. Our transition from Niger to Switzerland was right in the middle (June). 

We have so much to be thankful for...including you all, our friends and family around the world. 

Here are a few recent items for praise and prayer from each of us. We'll start with the kids. 

• Christina moved up to another class mid-December because of her excellent grades. She really likes her new class. We're thankful that she's doing so well in French. 
• Melinda had a great first semester at the Bible School Schloss Klaus in Austria. She will go back for another four months. Pray for the next step: what to study and where? 
• Daniel really likes his apprenticeship in the architect's office in Heimberg. He's enjoying learning high German (at school) and Swiss German (at office and home). This program will continue another three years after this year. So, he's set for awhile!
• Lilian received an apprenticeship/job on December 31st in a nearby nursing home. It will go until the end of April and is renewable. If she continues there, she will also do more studies in geriatrics. This is a huge encouragement to her and our family!
• James (Maurice) sent his book manuscript to Wipf & Stock on Dec. 28th according to contract. So good to have that behind (now for the proofs, last corrections, and printing). I'm thankful that my work with Inter-Varsity (on loan from SIM) and the University of Fribourg is going well. I have agreed to join a group of pastors and theologians about developing ministerial training for churches in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. There is huge potential for equipping servant-leaders. We need God's guidance! 

With thanksgiving for your friendship! 

The Morgans

Good things happen when...

Are you project-oriented or people-oriented? Or are you a happy mix of both?

If we can think of these on a spectrum, those on the project side like to get things done, achieve objectives...at times...no matter what the cost. They can run people over to get there. 

On the other side, folks oriented toward other people seem to live for the moment according to the most pressing need. In short, they're available...and...consequently, projects sometimes don't get done according to plan. I find that frustrating, because...you guessed it...I tend to be mostly project oriented.

What I have learned over the years is that when relationships are not healthy or are complicated, projects...or working toward some stated objective...can be difficult. Conversely, when relationships are healthy, good things can happen. For a good motor to work, oil is needed. Are not healthy relationships the oil that allows things (projects, objectives) to happen? 

Is there a happy medium between the two extremes on the spectrum? 

In some work activities, objectives have to be met or else the business fails. Customers don't come back...income diminishes...people start to lose their jobs. Not a good situation. 

Communities (families, social groups, businesses) need to indicate their reasons for being so that all understand what the stakes are if objectives are not met. Is it a loose-knit community with low expectations on personal involvement? Or are the stakes somewhat high and members need to held responsible for their part in providing a specific service to the public? 

What seems clear is that communication needs to be good. Expectations are clear. Objectives are agreed upon and measured. Personal responsibility toward the group is a value; and community concern for the individual is also a value. When relationships are healthy and communication flows, good things can happen for the good of the community and beyond. Maybe we can make a difference...

Another transition…from Niger to Switzerland!

Cutting the ribbon at the inauguration of the FEU building

The time has finally come to enter another phase of transition moving from Niger to Switzerland. Our six years of ministry there came to an end on June 17, 2012. We thank God for the opportunity to have served in the Student Outreach Center and at ESPriT seminary.
We decided to come back to Switzerland for our children’s education. Lilian and I have been in missionary service since 1991; thus, it is also a good time to be closer to our families (although visiting our family and friends in Virginia requires a little more organization). This does not mean that we will never return to Niger. It just means that it is a transition and an opportunity to serve in new places. God will show us in the future whether it is opportune to return to Africa.

We'll write more about what we are doing in Switzerland in the next posts...

Thank you for your prayers and support!

Economic growth and...ethics?

BBC News - G8 Camp David summit targets 'growth and stability'

Certainly there is some value to these meetings, but I have to wonder if any of these representatives consider the possibility that some economic problems have ethical causes.

I wonder what could happen if there was a G8 that focused regularly on ethics, the character or moral fabric of their countries. Which economies demonstrate growth and stability over a number of years because the majority of the people work honestly? Where the employers treat employees fairly? Where trust encourages commerce?

And which countries would compose the G8 of ethics? Might be some excluded from the present G8?

And yet this begs the question: Can morality be legislated? (Just be good to one another, people, and the economy will get better...). In the end, the choice to be a better nation depends on whether every individual (or at least the majority) assumes her or his responsibility to improve...gradually...for their own good and for their nation's good.

Another turning point in the history of the Foyer Evangélique Universitaire: our own building!

After 14 years of paying rent, we're finally independent! The waiting, prayers and hard work were well worth it. The Center is located in the Banga Bana quartier of Niamey, Niger. 

Here we are receiving our first student on the morning of April 2nd. Note the international aspect of our team in the photo: African, European, North American, and Asian. God has brought us together for a common purpose: to demonstrate the message of Jesus Christ by assisting university students and professionals especially in the area of training. 

Here's our beautiful new gate (enjoy it before dust and dents affect it!): 

Soli Deo Gloria!

2011 coming to a close

Greetings dear friends around the globe!

Again, I've shown that the name of my blog was well chosen... "poche parole," that is, a few words.

As 2011 draws to a close, we’d like to wish you a happy and blessed 2012.

Here we recap some of the things God has done for our family in 2011 as well as plans for 2012.

· Daniel graduated from Sahel Academy in June in Niamey (Niger). Well done! In August, we left Daniel in Switzerland for a year (that was hard) and he's currently learning German and getting more acquainted with family and Swiss culture. He's already set up for next year, working in an architect's office and learning theory at school.

· Melinda is enjoying her senior year at Sahel Academy. One semester to go...She's looking forward to spending a year in Switzerland to explore various school and work possibilities. A return to the States for college is still an option for 2013.

· Christina is quite the writer and reader. We’re wondering if she has a career in writing or editing (then she would be a paid ‘reader’!).

· Lilian and I have been busy with the construction of the new Foyer Evangélique Universitaire. This was made possible due to some very generous gifts. We're thankful that we can be a part of it. Also, teaching is going well at ESPriT. We have a strong first year class in the two programs. It’s encouraging to be a part of training present and future church leaders here in the Sahel!

· In July, I was able to attend the international meeting of the Society for Biblical Literature in London. The article based on my presentation, "Emplotment, Plot and Explotment: Refining Plot Analysis for Biblical Narratives," has been submitted to a journal. Also, I've signed a book contract with Wipf & Stock to publish my dissertation (due for Nov. 2012). I think I’ll know what to do with my free time!

· We decided to return to Switzerland in June 2012. This will be a major change for the family. Lilian and I have a few ideas about work possibilities but nothing concrete yet. We're walking by faith!!! The same goes for Melinda and Christina for their schooling...we trust that the Lord has something special for them too! We're planning to live in the area of Fribourg (a bilingual city), just 28 km from Bern. This way we can be close to work and family (in canton Bern). We will keep you posted about our new ministries there and possible areas of partnership.

Well, that's it for now, just a "few words" about this past year. Keep us in mind in your prayers...we're going to need it with this major transition ahead of us. We’re very thankful for your partnership this year. It literally would not have happened without your gifts and prayers…Thank you!!!

Shalom to you in 2012!

Catching up...Nov. 09 - Feb. 2011

The last post was in November 2009. Something happened in between...writing my dissertation and turning it in (Jan. for rough draft, then June for final draft)...then getting ready for the defense on September 3, 2010. All went well. I worked extremely hard on this project and in conditions that were not always favorable (understatement! See post about doctoral work in the tropics). Finally, when we got back to Niamey, I had a lot of catching up to do, especially at the FEU. Now it's February 2011 and "burnout signs" seem less visible (I'm hiding them...). No, I really feel much better, and consequently my family, too. Yes, we're all relieved that the dissertation trauma phase is over.

On the fun side, during the summer of 2010, we went to the States to visit family and friends in VA, NC, AL, FL (yes, we did Disney!), SC and then...we did the same thing in Switzerland with Lilian's side of the family, especially in Emmental and Adelboden. Not bad, but when in dissertation phase, I just couldn't seem to relax...Now we're looking forward to Spring break, probably a trip to Benin, our neighbor to the south.

ESPriT's new library

What a new look for ESPriT's library!

This is a huge blessing for the seminary. Students and faculty are really thankful for this improvement. Other photos are on my Facebook site.

The next project is to build a block of three classrooms and a computer room. If you're interested in this project, let us know.

Lilian and I are trying to promote another building project: the construction of a new Foyer Evangélique Universitaire. Pray for this too! (Here's the FEU's website: http://feu.niger.sim.org/