2023 Hope College Faculty Books
An example of the robust and varied scholarship of Hope’s faculty as represented by the recent publications celebrated during the annual Provost’s Recognition Luncheon in January.
Writing Imperial History: Tacitus from Agricola to Annales
Dr. Bram ten Berge, Associate Professor of Classics
The late first- and early second-century Roman senator and historian Tacitus produced a collection of works widely recognized as offering the most authoritative account of Rome’s early imperial history. Tracing many of the enduring themes and concerns that Tacitus explores across his writing, the book shows how the political, geographical, and rhetorical theories expounded in his early works influenced his later narrative of the evolution of the Roman monarchy.
The Evolution of the Groove
Professor Robert Shipley, Assistant Professor of Music
A resource for students and professional drummers, the book provides more than 150 song examples within genres such as R&B, rock, pop, soul, disco, funk, blues, jazz and Latin. They are presented in chronological order, covering more than five decades, to demonstrate the development of the styles across time.
Psychology
Dr. David Myers, Professor of Psychology
Now in its 14th edition, the bestselling book continues to be shaped by Dr. David Myers’s goals since the first: connecting students to high-impact research, focusing on developing critical thinking skills, and presenting a global and inclusive perspective on psychology so that all students can see themselves in the text and see psychology in the context of a wider world. With Dr. C. Nathan DeWall, professor of psychology at the University of Kentucky; and Dr. June Gruber, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience, and director of the Positive Emotion and Psychopathology Laboratory, at the University of Colorado.
What Hath Darwin to Do with Scripture? Comparing the Conceptual Worlds of the Bible and Evolution
Dr. Dru Johnson, Visiting Associate Professor of Religion
Moving beyond the either-or debate in exploring what the Bible and evolutionary science say about creation, the book considers that and how — even though their ideas are sometimes in conflict —they both provide intellectual frameworks for understanding human origins. After opening with discussion of the differing conceptual worlds of the Bible and evolutionary science, Johnson traces both through the connection among scarcity, cooperation and violence; the fitness of creatures to their environment; and the genealogical aims of sexual reproduction.
Widening the Lens: Integrating Multiple Approaches to Support Adolescent Literacy
Dr. Deborah Vriend Van Duinen, The Arnold and Esther Sonneveldt Professor of Education
Providing a resource for secondary teachers across all content areas, the authors encourage a “widened lens” approach that considers varied perspectives and research findings when engaging in multiple and often competing initiatives, issues and pedagogies. Using examples from their own and others’ classroom experiences, they explore numerous theoretical and practical understandings of literacy to inform classroom instruction. With Dr. Erica R. Hamilton, assistant vice president for academic affairs at Grand Valley State University.
Understanding Technological Systems
Dr. John Krupczak Jr., Professor of Engineering
Filling the gap between engineering science and engineering design, the book provides an introduction to engineering and technology centered on the underlying structure common to all technological objects. Major topics include the concepts of technological function and the embedding of functional capabilities in physical components, the hierarchical nature of systems, and the clustering of related systems into technological domains.
The Nicene Creed: A Scriptural, Historical and Theological Commentary
Dr. Jared Ortiz, The Lavern ’39 and Betty DePree ’41 Van Kley Professor of Religion
An accessible introduction that explains how the Creed is anchored in the Bible and how it came to be written and confessed in the early history of the church. The authors show how the Creed reflects the purpose of God in salvation, especially in relation to Christians’ divine adoption as sons and daughters, leading to glorification. With Dr. Daniel A. Keating, professor of theology at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
Power Struggle: Cycle B Sermons Based on the Gospel Lessons for Proper 17 Through Thanksgiving
Dr. Wayne Brouwer, Professor of Religion Instruction
A tapestry of sermons inspired by the Gospel lessons from Cycle B of the three-year liturgical cycle, which focuses on Mark and John. With titles including “Bonding and Confidence,” “Chaos,” “Heaven’s Culture” and “Up The Ladder to Nowhere,” the sermons delve into themes such as the true motives behind our actions, the essence of authentic humility and the values that truly matter to Jesus.
This past fall was an especially active publication season for Dr. Steven Bouma-Prediger ’79, who is the Leonard and Marjorie Maas Professor of Reformed Theology and had three books that provide a Christian perspective on environmental stewardship published within two months.
Beyond Homelessness: Christian Faith in a Culture of Displacement
Discusses various forms of homelessness — socioeconomic homelessness, ecological homelessness (not feeling at home on the planet) and postmodern homelessness (having a house, but not feeling at home) — and demonstrates how Christian faith offers a path toward homecoming and homemaking. Co-authored with Brian J. Walsh, now retired campus minister and adjunct professor of theology at the University of Toronto.
Creation Care Discipleship: Why Earthkeeping Is an Essential Christian Practice
A guide that progresses from biblical vision, through Christian tradition, through ecumenical insights from around the world, to practical advice for those who want to put their faith into action in their everyday lives. The chapters are bracketed by biblical meditations on passages such as the Creation story, Noah’s flood, and Jesus’s seven “I ams” from the Gospel of John.
Ecoflourishing and Virtue: Christian Perspectives Across the Disciplines
Explores how human vices drive many ecological problems and how human virtues foster ecological solutions. Drawing on insights from 20 Christian scholars across many academic disciplines, this book addresses issues such as environmental racism, interfaith dialogue, ecological philosophies of work, marine pollution, ecological despair, hope and humility. Co-edited with Dr. Nathan Carson, associate professor and program director of philosophy, and director of the Sierra Program, at the Fresno Pacific University.