Conversation with Dr. Mary K. Farag
Q&A with Dr. Farag about her research, spiritual practices, and what she hopes for her students
January 31, 2018
Dr. Mary Farag joined the Princeton Seminary faculty in the fall of 2017 as Assistant Professor of Early Christian Studies. With interests in the diversity of Christian witness in text, image, and material culture, Dr. Farag focuses her research on the early and late antiquity history of Christianity. Recently we sat down with Dr. Farag to ask her about her research, her spiritual practices, and what she hopes for her students.
Q: How does your academic work
inform your faith, and how does
your faith inform your academic
work?
A: I believe that faith and scholarship
mutually enrich one another. Scholarship challenges us to grow
in the knowledge and wisdom of
God. Faith guides us to meet every
challenge with hope and trust in God.
Q: What spiritual practice nurtures
your faith?
A: I try to let “Lord have mercy” be
my mind’s utterance as often as
possible during the day. God’s mercy
can encourage us to become more
disciplined in our discipleship, and
also reminds us that we are human
and dependent on God.
I try to let “Lord have mercy” be my mind’s utterance as often as possible during the day.
Q: What do you enjoy most about the Seminary’s community?
A: I value how caring community
members are to one another and how
there is a culture of appreciation. We
give thanks to God for one another.
Q: What is one thing you hope your
students will take away from your
classes?
A: I hope my students will learn that
humility is the key to seeking the
truth in love and “speaking the truth
in love.”