The Christian Century

Abraham haunts me. When I wrote my first Faith Matters column in 1997, I began with those three words. At that time I was in transition—moving from Maryland to North Carolina, and from a faculty position teaching undergraduates at Loyola College in Maryland to a position as dean of Duke Divinity School.

In that column I reflected on Abraham’s faith and trust. I was particularly troubled by all of our family’s stuff; it’s difficult to follow God’s leading if we are weighed down by possessions. In the 13 years since, I have acquired more possessions, especially books. But I have been able to stay put—until now. I will step down as dean at the end of June in order to assume a new position: vice-president and vice-provost for International Strategy and Programs. As I end my time as dean (and as a writer of Faith Matters columns), I am still haunted by Abraham.