Comments on: Loneliness and Literature: A Case for Poetry in Ministry

By: Marija

Marija — Fri, 14 May 2010 03:31:17 +0000

Wow. I really enjoyed reading your paper. Poetry is definitely something that speaks to the soul and it is also something that can be greatly used in bonding with others. I really liked your paragraph on vulnerability and how it is a way of love. Though it is really hard to be vulnerable especially in the Christian world it is a great representation of love. Your creation part was written beautifully and a great expression of redemption. Great work.

By: Bailey

Bailey — Thu, 13 May 2010 15:45:15 +0000

Really good stuff. I like how this is targeted at an audience you are passionate about and also somewhat agree with Haley that I almost wish it were more focused. You are a good writer. Your passion shows thru.

By: Zachary

Zachary — Thu, 13 May 2010 06:01:53 +0000

Great Great Great Great. I started clicking on the links to the difference spoken word links and then got lost for about an hour the first time I read your piece. This truly is a great place to give the words of Christ and man coming together, especially because it is a place that is supposed to be where people give their views on faith, especially in an honest way.
Your creation was fantastic. I was moved by how honest and painstakingly beautiful it was. Very powerful. I knew your story before and this piece only helps me love you more man, great job.
The only piece of advice I have is the same as a couple others, I think you should show practically what you mean for missionaries to do with poetry.

By: Faith

Faith — Wed, 12 May 2010 19:55:52 +0000

This paper is impressive. Very unique and well-written. I gained new insights into spoken word/slam poetry, the struggles of single missionaries, and the chilling power of poetry. Based on your observations, what is Moody Bible Institute’s stance toward spoken word?

By: Samantha

Samantha — Tue, 11 May 2010 18:57:36 +0000

Wow, I honestly have never thought so deeply about the struggles that single missionaries encounter; thank you for introducing me to this. Poetry is indeed a beautiful thing and language is the essence of being created in the image of God. I appreciate your urge to not look past cultural wrongs that occur. This is in turn a call for social justice that many of us ignore in our comfortable Christian homes today. I guess the question that the paper caused me to have at the end was why this literature is not being used to its full potential in churches today? What are they afraid of? Why with media are we so gung ho, 100% about putting new videos up but we are afraid to have a church member be vulnerable and read a personal piece of their life struggle? I think that this paper is a great motivator to Christians today to remember to be open and vulnerable. Your paper compliments Baileys to some extent and both are well written thought-provoking papers.

By: Haley

Haley — Tue, 11 May 2010 08:04:29 +0000

Your paper was not only a strong case for the use of poetry for single missionaries, but it was also an insight for those (like me) who do not know much about spoken word/slam poetry. This was mentioned earlier (but just to emphasize), these concepts that you presented could be applied to many areas of a Christian’s life and other media. Your creation displayed a lot of vulnerability, as your paper said it should. Good job, Kyhl.

By: Brian

Brian — Tue, 11 May 2010 05:02:33 +0000

Beautiful insight. Love the focus and the strong case made for poetry/literacy. I would say this applies to all, but see the value in putting the spotlight on single missionaries.

I too would be very interested in some more historical/theological context of how/why Evangelicals are not exactly known for their poetry. Or are there great examples out there that we are simply unaware of?

I second Colton’s thoughts. How would you frame this perspective as advice to the missionary in training?

By: Jake

Jake — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:37:29 +0000

Some really interesting comments. Overall, I think it was well written and clear in its purpose. Definately something that would help missionaries. On a technical note, you may want to go over some of the grammar and spelling in the paper. Also, did you find any reasons as to why poetry and literature are neglected in the evangelical church? Insight into that may also be helpful, rather than mostly “is” statements. Overall, great work.

By: Colton

Colton — Fri, 07 May 2010 19:36:05 +0000

Great piece Kyhl. The whole time I was reading it I was looking forward to the creation part to see what you would present us with. I was not disappointed – your ‘lesson in vulnerability’ was extremely powerful and evocative. Was it composed as Spoken Word originally?

Practically speaking, what do you think is a good way for the single missionary to introduce literature, and poetry specifically, into their lives? Are you advocating the writing of poetry as a way for missionaries to be vulnerable, or are you suggesting the reading of poetry for encouragement in their ministry? I guess what I’m asking is, what do you think is the best way to develop a stronger understanding, appreciation, and integration of poetry into one’s life as a single missionary?