THE PULSE OF LIFE: Exploring the Power of Compassion in Transforming the World -Essays in Honor of Frank Rogers Jr.- Edited By Aizaiah G. Yong and Eric Kyle
This book is dedicated to exploring the multifaceted thought and life of Frank Rogers Jr. Frank is a beloved friend, spiritual director, teacher, mentor, and scholar. In loving honor of Frank, the chapters offered within this book explore each of the various roles in which Frank has played to those in his personal life, within theological education, and his leadership as an engaged practitioner of contemplative spirituality in the wider public. While attempting to avoid being reductionistic, it is no stretch to admit that Frank’s academic career as a practical theologian has allowed him to harmoniously weave together three major fields which we understand to be the three pillars which most support his work: spiritual formation, religious education, and narrative pedagogy. And, to better appreciate this book, it is important to have a general understanding of each of the core pillars and how we attempted to organize them into three sections. The three sections of the book are: 1) Frank as an educator, 2) Frank as a scholar, and 3) Frank as an engaged spiritual practitioner in the world. In some ways, the key to engaging Frank’s work is to consider the following three pillars and to see how they are engaged across the three dimensions of his vocation which the sections are named after. Our hope is this book will become a vast resource for scholars, educators, and spiritual leaders from across diverse backgrounds who are interested in the power of compassion to change the world. The book admits that contemplation is a deeply personal yet collective enterprise that can only be performed through intentionality, devotion, and reflection. May this book be nourishing and edifying so that the pulse of life is felt once again, embraced, and experienced as the basis of our resuscitation in times of multiple crises and great transition!
