Many apologies for a long silence.
St. Cyril was Bishop in Jerusalem during the fourth century A.D. His greatest work known to us is his Catechetical Lectures which were likely recorded by some local monks and nuns—information we gather from a scribal note in one of the earliest manuscripts we have of the Lectures.
These lectures were given during Lent to people who were awaiting baptism, holy chrism (anointing) and first communion. They had signed up to join the church, to become Christians, and they were receiving instruction from Bishop Cyril on the basics of the Christian faith, especially as derived from the creed. The creed from which Cyril drew the topics for his lectures was the Jerusalem Creed, which was very similar in form and content to the Nicene Creed. Our understanding of its content (I believe) has been mainly derived from the notion that Cyril made nearly direct quotations in his lectures, and so its contents have been culled therefrom. Here I present the Jerusalem Creed, as it is believed (according to my 1969 edition) to have read:
I We believe in One God the Father almighty
maker of Heaven and earth
of all things visible and invisible
II And in one Lord Jesus Christ the Only-begotten Son of God
begotten true God of the Father before all ages
through whom all things were made
III who came in the flesh (?) (and) was made man . . . (?)
IV and was crucified (?) and was buried (?)
V who rose on the third day
VI and ascended into Heaven
and sat down on the right of the Father
VII and is to come in glory to judge living and dead
of whose reign there will be no end
VIII And in one Holy Spirit and Paraclete (the comforter)
who spoke in the prophets
IX and in one baptism of repentance unto the remission of sins
X and one holy Catholic Church
XI the resurrection of the flesh
XII and life everlasting.
The majority of St. Cyril’s Catecheses follow the creed in their exposition of the faith.
I plan to post one entry for every lecture, and so without further ado, here is my summary of St. Cyril’s Introductory Lecture.
Procatechesis
1 Cyril addresses candidates for enlightenment, an early term for baptism. He says, “already the fragrance of the Holy Spirit has blown about you.” He emphasizes that their resolve will confirm God’s call, and that their attendance to the present instruction is no accident.
2 Cyril notes the example of “Simon the Sorcerer” as one who tempted grace (presumably because of the wickedness of his heart as he tried to buy the Holy Spirit with money after baptism). He warns them against just being here because of curiosity.
3 For the same purpose he notes Jesus’ parable of the guest who came to the wedding without wedding clothes. Cyril says, “Ponder, I bid you, the fate of that intruder, and look to your own safety.”
4 Cyril exhorts those present who, if they have come in with a less-than-holy purpose, to look at the church, its order and teaching, and the Gospel, and turn from their ill intent. He tells them to return tomorrow with a new purpose. If they are in sin, let them put it off and “put on a new fashion.” He indicates the importance of being ready, willing, and believing when baptism comes: “Though the water will not refuse to receive you, you will get no welcome from the Spirit. If anyone is conscious of a wound in himself, let him have it dressed; if any has fallen, let him rise. Let there be no Simon among you, no hypocrite—and no Paul Pry.”
(I don’t know what a Paul Pry is. Don’t ask me; it sounds like something Colonel Potter from the TV show MASH would say. If you know, please leave a comment and enlighten all of us.)
5 He warns against other motives such as a boy to please a girl or a slave his master. He says that you didn’t know where you were going, but now that you are here, you are a “fish caught in the net of the church.” He tells them to not escape, but to let Jesus kill them so they may live. “Die to sin, and live to righteousness; from today be alive.”
6 Cyril says that the hearer used to hear the truth from without, only getting a taste, but not understanding. Now what a privilege it is, he says, that they will hear the truth from Scripture and begin to understand by faith. Again, he asks them to put away the things of the body, and focus on things of the Spirit.
7 You’re only baptized once; don’t screw it up. You only get one chance. Only heretics get re-baptized.
8 God asks of us sincerity. How are your sins blotted out? By believing. Don’t just say the words. “From today cease from every evil deed . . .”
9 “Let your feet take you swiftly to the catechetical instructions. Submit to the exorcisms devoutly.”
(Note: Prior to baptism, the catechumen was exorcised of Satan, and asked whether he “renounced the Devil and all his wicked acts.” The catechumen would respond, “I renounce.” This line in the Baptismal interrogation is still in use in many churches today, even Protestant ones.)
10 Be faithful in your attendance to your instruction. You are learning to fight against the Jews, Samaritans, Gentiles, and heretics. Your greatest weapon is the “sword of the Spirit.”
11 “Study what you are told and guard it forever.” This systematic instruction on the faith, regeneration, and the baptismal laver is priceless in importance. Don’t confuse this with the weekly sermon.
12 If an unbeliever asks you about what you heard after class, don’t tell him. These are the Mysteries of the faithful, precious to the church. When you tell him, he will not understand, and ridicule you.
13 While you are awaiting exorcism, if you see a brother or sister missing, go look for them. Don’t engage in idle discussion and thought.
Here is a very interesting passage, I think:
“Finally, do not indulge in idle curiosity—no asking “what the city has done,” or the ward, or the Emperor, or the Bishop, or the priest. Lift up your eyes: now as your hour strikes, you need Him who is above. “Be still, and know that I am God.” If you see the believers not recollected when they are ministering, well, they are safe; they know what they have received; they possess the grace. Your fate is still in the balance, to be accepted or not. Instead of copying the carefree, cultivate fear.”
14 While awaiting exorcism, let the men be with men, and women with women, so that in your passion you will not fall. Read to one another from a book, or pray, so that something profitable may be done. The women, however, ought to read and pray silently, for, as the apostle says, “I suffer not a woman to speak in church.”
15 “Let your heart be fired to piety . . .” In spirit set your eyes above, to God’s throne and the angelic choirs in glory. Anticipate your salvation.
16 “Great is the prize set before you in Baptism: ransom for captives, remission of sins, death of sin, a new, spiritual birth, a shining garment, a holy seal inviolable, a Heaven-bound chariot, delights of Paradise, a passport to the Kingdom, the grace of adoption as sons.” But watch out for Satan; he desires to have you.
“Prepare your heart for the reception of teaching and the fellowship in the Holy Mysteries. Pray more frequently, that God may count you worthy of the heavenly and eternal Mysteries. Never be idle, day or night, but so soon as sleep falls from your eyes let your mind occupy itself with prayer. If you notice that an evil thought has entered your mind, hold tightly to the saving remembrance of Judgment. Apply your mind to learning, that it may forget lowly things. . . Guard your own soul . . .”
17 “These, then, are the instructions, these the battle orders, that I (so far as a man may) give to you. . . . For it is mine to speak, yours to translate my words into action, and God’s to perfect the work. Let us prepare our hearts, straining ever nerve and sinew of soul and mind. The race is for souls; we have set our hearts on an eternal prize.” God can make even the unbeliever a believer, if only he give Him his heart in faith.
“May He fill you with the heavenly treasures of the New Covenant and sign you with that seal of the Holy Spirit which no man shall break forever, in Christ Jesus our Lord, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Here is an interesting note, whose source is uncertain, about the transmission of these lectures:
TO THE READER
“These Catechetical Lectures, addressed to candidates for Enlightenment, may be given to those going forward for Baptism and to the already baptized faithful. They may, on no account, be given to catechumens or to other classes of non-Christians. Anyone making a copy is hereby adjured, as in the sight of the Lord, to preface it with this warning.”
Well, I guess I screwed that up. There are many non-Christians browsing the web. Oh well.
Postscriptum: The reader should note that these lectures represent quite a good measure of theology from the history of the church. Most that the reader will find herein gives the basics of the orthodox, catholic faith. Here and there will be instances where an instruction given is not currently believed ecumenically by Christians (but perhaps by some in Christendom). And, it should not be presumed that I, the blogger, agree with all of St. Cyril’s teachings. However, let it be known that I think they’re really sweet!
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
"Seven Sisters"
These are the lyrics of one of my favorite bands, mewithoutYou. While most of us would agree that song usually consists of sung poetry, this band is unique in that the lead singer essentially dramatically recites his poetry to music. It is quite amazing, and I encourage you to check them out. Anyway, my point is: read these words like you would a poem. I have posted the poem twice—once as it reads from the CD insert, and again as my own linear interpretation.
Seven Sisters
HE MADE THE WORLD A GRASSY ROAD BEFORE OUR BARE, WANDERING FEET, AND CRUSHED THE STONES INTO THE SOFTEST SAND BETWEEN OUR TOES, BUT WE’RE WONDERING WHERE TO SLEEP, CLEVER WORDS ON PAGES TURN TO FRAGMENTS, CIRCLES, POINTS AND LINES, AND COVER THEM LIKE CARPETS, WITH GRACEFUL, MEANINGLESS ORNAMENTAL DESIGNS COME QUICK, YOU LIGHT THAT KNOWS NO EVENEING – COME, ALONE TO THE ALONE! THERE ARE A THOUSAND SANITIES WORTH LEAVING TO TAKE YOUR MADNESS HOME, YOU DANCE INSIDE MY CHEST WHERE NO ONE SEES YOU, BUT SOMETIMES I SEE YOU REJOICE, THE CLEANSING OF MY LIPS – REJOICE, SALVATION OF MY SOUL! BUT I STILL HAVE A THOUSAND HALF-LOVES (OH MY GOD! I WANT TO SHOOT MYSELF JUST THINKING ABOUT IT) AND YOU THINK I DON’T MEAN WHAT I SAY? I MEAN EVERY WORD I SAY. I THREW A STONE DOWN AT THE REFLECTION OF MY IMAGE IN THE WATER, AND IT ALTOGETHER DISAPPEARED. I BURST, IT SHATTERED ME LIKE A BULLET THROUGH A BOTTLE, AND I’M EXPECTED TO BELIEVE THAT ANY OF THIS IS REAL.
Seven Sisters
He made the world a grassy road before our bare, wandering feet
And crushed the stones into the softest sand between our toes,
But we’re wondering where to sleep,
Clever words on pages turn to fragments, circles, points and lines,
And cover them like carpets, with graceful, meaningless ornamental designs.
Come quick, you light that knows no evening – come, alone to the alone!
There are a thousand sanities worth leaving to take your madness home,
You dance inside my chest where no one sees you, but sometimes I see you.
Rejoice, the cleansing of my lips – rejoice, salvation of my soul!
But I still have a thousand half-loves
(Oh my God! I want to shoot myself just thinking about it)
And you don’t think I mean what I say? I mean every word I say.
I threw a stone at the reflection of my image in the water, and it altogether disappeared.
I burst, it shattered me like a bullet through a bottle,
And I’m expected to believe that any of this is real.
http://www.mewithoutyou.com/
Seven Sisters
HE MADE THE WORLD A GRASSY ROAD BEFORE OUR BARE, WANDERING FEET, AND CRUSHED THE STONES INTO THE SOFTEST SAND BETWEEN OUR TOES, BUT WE’RE WONDERING WHERE TO SLEEP, CLEVER WORDS ON PAGES TURN TO FRAGMENTS, CIRCLES, POINTS AND LINES, AND COVER THEM LIKE CARPETS, WITH GRACEFUL, MEANINGLESS ORNAMENTAL DESIGNS COME QUICK, YOU LIGHT THAT KNOWS NO EVENEING – COME, ALONE TO THE ALONE! THERE ARE A THOUSAND SANITIES WORTH LEAVING TO TAKE YOUR MADNESS HOME, YOU DANCE INSIDE MY CHEST WHERE NO ONE SEES YOU, BUT SOMETIMES I SEE YOU REJOICE, THE CLEANSING OF MY LIPS – REJOICE, SALVATION OF MY SOUL! BUT I STILL HAVE A THOUSAND HALF-LOVES (OH MY GOD! I WANT TO SHOOT MYSELF JUST THINKING ABOUT IT) AND YOU THINK I DON’T MEAN WHAT I SAY? I MEAN EVERY WORD I SAY. I THREW A STONE DOWN AT THE REFLECTION OF MY IMAGE IN THE WATER, AND IT ALTOGETHER DISAPPEARED. I BURST, IT SHATTERED ME LIKE A BULLET THROUGH A BOTTLE, AND I’M EXPECTED TO BELIEVE THAT ANY OF THIS IS REAL.
Seven Sisters
He made the world a grassy road before our bare, wandering feet
And crushed the stones into the softest sand between our toes,
But we’re wondering where to sleep,
Clever words on pages turn to fragments, circles, points and lines,
And cover them like carpets, with graceful, meaningless ornamental designs.
Come quick, you light that knows no evening – come, alone to the alone!
There are a thousand sanities worth leaving to take your madness home,
You dance inside my chest where no one sees you, but sometimes I see you.
Rejoice, the cleansing of my lips – rejoice, salvation of my soul!
But I still have a thousand half-loves
(Oh my God! I want to shoot myself just thinking about it)
And you don’t think I mean what I say? I mean every word I say.
I threw a stone at the reflection of my image in the water, and it altogether disappeared.
I burst, it shattered me like a bullet through a bottle,
And I’m expected to believe that any of this is real.
http://www.mewithoutyou.com/
Sunday, November 20, 2005
Tradition
[This short entry on Tradition was a brief devotional piece I gave at church this Sunday night, and therefore the original audience was a congregation of protestant Christians. This was by no means an attempt at a substantial exposition on my understanding of the church's tradition, nor even a well-thought-out essay, but merely a comment given to a group of believers about my appreciation for Christian tradition in a time when many of my peers shy away from such a notion.]
Tradition. What comes to your mind when you hear that word? Does it remind you of all the things you ought to do because you were told to? Do you think of a time-honored practice or principle? Do you think of the way religion should be and how things are changing too fast? For some of you does it evoke an emotion of scorn and contempt for things people have told you must be done “for the sake of tradition?” Do you think of those things your parents love about church that you don’t understand? While tradition can refer to customs and habits, or an inherited pattern of thought or action, I would like to paint for you a healthy picture of Christian tradition.
My most basic understanding of the word tradition comes from its Latin root, tradere, which can mean: to hand over, surrender, deliver; to hand down, bequeath, transmit, pass on; to relate, recount; to teach. Now, of course, that Latin word does not mean all those things in every context, but it can help us understand what Christian tradition is: the principles and practices of our faith that have been delivered, handed down, or passed on to us; the very gospel that we must relate, recount, and teach to people new to the Christian faith.
Throughout the life of the ancient church, before there were any major divisions, the holy fathers of the church gathered in ecumenical, or universal, councils to deliberate and affirm matters of the Christian faith. In the year of our Lord 381, in Constantinople, the holy fathers gathered with such a purpose. There, and at every ecumenical council thereafter the following creed was confirmed. We should not think that this creed was written at the councils, but rather it was already in usage in the churches, and was merely affirmed by the fathers to be the true faith handed down from the Apostles and the fathers of the faith. It is known today as the Nicene Creed, and is the Christian doctrine most agreed upon by churches East and West, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and most Protestant denominations, including ourselves. This has meaning to me, since it is the gospel that we share, the creed that unites all of Christendom, despite our divisions. This is the creed:
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the Right Hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead. Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver-of-Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And in one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
What has been handed down, or passed on to us? Isn’t it more than just all the things our parents told us to do in church? Isn’t it even more than any creed we have said? Having heard and believed the gospel of Christ, have we not been instructed in true piety and devotion, whose essence consists of: holistic, loving obedience and service to God; love and service to others; submission and obedience to those in authority over us; and the proclamation of the good news? And have we not learned that these ends may be accomplished by means of prayer, attention to the Holy Scriptures, continuing in the sacramental life of the church, and full reliance on God—so that we may be enabled by his Spirit to exhibit the divine virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and self control?
This is the whole gospel—my tradition, and I hope yours as well: We have heard the good news, and, having turned from the Devil and sin, we believe in Christ’s words, life, death, and resurrection. These have been preserved in the writings of Scripture and the teachings of his Apostles. Let us obey what we have heard, imitating Christ and continuing in him, that we may participate in the Divine life of God, and hope for his eternal kingdom.
Let us be thankful for this gospel tradition, and let us hand it down, deliver it, pass it on to our families, to our friends, to our enemies, and to all who have ears to hear.
Tradition. What comes to your mind when you hear that word? Does it remind you of all the things you ought to do because you were told to? Do you think of a time-honored practice or principle? Do you think of the way religion should be and how things are changing too fast? For some of you does it evoke an emotion of scorn and contempt for things people have told you must be done “for the sake of tradition?” Do you think of those things your parents love about church that you don’t understand? While tradition can refer to customs and habits, or an inherited pattern of thought or action, I would like to paint for you a healthy picture of Christian tradition.
My most basic understanding of the word tradition comes from its Latin root, tradere, which can mean: to hand over, surrender, deliver; to hand down, bequeath, transmit, pass on; to relate, recount; to teach. Now, of course, that Latin word does not mean all those things in every context, but it can help us understand what Christian tradition is: the principles and practices of our faith that have been delivered, handed down, or passed on to us; the very gospel that we must relate, recount, and teach to people new to the Christian faith.
Throughout the life of the ancient church, before there were any major divisions, the holy fathers of the church gathered in ecumenical, or universal, councils to deliberate and affirm matters of the Christian faith. In the year of our Lord 381, in Constantinople, the holy fathers gathered with such a purpose. There, and at every ecumenical council thereafter the following creed was confirmed. We should not think that this creed was written at the councils, but rather it was already in usage in the churches, and was merely affirmed by the fathers to be the true faith handed down from the Apostles and the fathers of the faith. It is known today as the Nicene Creed, and is the Christian doctrine most agreed upon by churches East and West, Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and most Protestant denominations, including ourselves. This has meaning to me, since it is the gospel that we share, the creed that unites all of Christendom, despite our divisions. This is the creed:
We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begotten Son of God, begotten of the Father before all worlds, Light of Light, true God of true God, begotten not made, being of one substance with the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven and was incarnate by the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary, and was made man, and was crucified also for us under Pontius Pilate. He suffered and was buried, and the third day he rose again according to the Scriptures, and ascended into heaven, and sits at the Right Hand of the Father. And he shall come again with glory to judge both the living and the dead. Whose kingdom shall have no end.
And we believe in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver-of-Life, who proceeds from the Father, who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified, who spoke by the prophets. And in one, holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. We acknowledge one Baptism for the remission of sins, and we look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.
What has been handed down, or passed on to us? Isn’t it more than just all the things our parents told us to do in church? Isn’t it even more than any creed we have said? Having heard and believed the gospel of Christ, have we not been instructed in true piety and devotion, whose essence consists of: holistic, loving obedience and service to God; love and service to others; submission and obedience to those in authority over us; and the proclamation of the good news? And have we not learned that these ends may be accomplished by means of prayer, attention to the Holy Scriptures, continuing in the sacramental life of the church, and full reliance on God—so that we may be enabled by his Spirit to exhibit the divine virtues of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness and self control?
This is the whole gospel—my tradition, and I hope yours as well: We have heard the good news, and, having turned from the Devil and sin, we believe in Christ’s words, life, death, and resurrection. These have been preserved in the writings of Scripture and the teachings of his Apostles. Let us obey what we have heard, imitating Christ and continuing in him, that we may participate in the Divine life of God, and hope for his eternal kingdom.
Let us be thankful for this gospel tradition, and let us hand it down, deliver it, pass it on to our families, to our friends, to our enemies, and to all who have ears to hear.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Merry Xmas
The other day I was sitting with my friend Jeff Brady in the Christian Ministries building on the IWU campus, and he was reading the Chronicle-Tribune, the premier newspaper of Marion, IN. He read aloud a letter to the editor, and afterwards I decided to write my own letter to the editor in response. Below I have posted both the original letter and my response.
No 'Merry Christmas?' Humbug!
An old issue is about to raise its ugly head again. The un-willingness of many stores to even acknowledge the coming holiday with a "Merry Christmas" displayed on their private business.
Someone somewhere might be offended.
Let me state now: I am a Christian, and I am offended. I am offended, of course, by the term "Merry Xmas" as anyone of intelligence should be.
I am nearly equally offended by silly attempts to avoid the seemingly harmless word "Christmas" and replace it with the generic "Happy holidays" or the confusing "Season's greetings."
I have a simple proposal for all people tired of the annoying and confusing word games. This year, if you believe in Christmas, do your Christmas gift shopping only at stores that have the words "Merry Christmas" displayed unashamedly on their store fronts.
Why spend your Christmas money in a place that does not support the holiday you are celebrating? And have a Merry Christmas.
[I have removed the author’s name from the end of the letter. He resides in Marion, IN.]
Originally published November 18, 2005
This is the letter I have written in response:
Dear Chronicle-Tribune and Grant County readership,
In response to the previous letter to the editor “No ‘Merry Christmas?’ Humbug!” published Nov. 18, 2005:
While we ought not to judge the motives of businesses who post signs using the allegedly blasphemous “Xmas,” we may become a little more tolerant of such practices with the help of some history.
In Greek, the letter X (chi), is the first letter of the word christos (anointed), from which we get the appropriate title of the Lord Jesus—‘Christ.’ This was the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah. When Jesus asked his disciples about his identity, we are told in the Gospel of Matthew that Simon Peter said to Jesus, “You are the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16, NRSV).
For Jesus’ first followers and also for the earliest Christians, who gave Jesus of Nazareth the title Christ, they were calling him anointed, Messiah, king; declaring him to be the savior of God’s people.
The two Greek letters XP (chi-rho) were the first two letters of christos, and became a monogram of Christ. It was one of the earliest Christian symbols for the faithful under persecution.
Later on in the church’s history, many writers, for the sake of saving space in manuscripts, would abbreviate the Lord’s name with many different monograms, including: XP, XC, X, IC, IX, and IXC.
So X has been a symbol of ‘Christ’ for a very long time. Abbreviations other than Xmas (for Christmas) include Xian and Xianity (for Christian and Christianity). As a good example of orthodox modern usage by Christians, Duke Divinity School lists its Christian theology courses under the abbreviation XTIANTHE.
Thus regardless of business motives, Xmas is not a debasing of Christ by replacing his name with an X, but rather an historical abbreviation of his name fully acceptable by orthodoxy.
And is there really anything that terrible about “Season’s Greetings,” or “Happy Holidays?” Have we not become more sensitive to people of other faiths, as we should, recognizing that not all celebrate Christmas? By all means, let us use “Merry Christmas” as we please, but let us not scorn those who do not.
Besides, albeit sad to some, we can no longer presume that when most people think of Christmas, they think of the coming of God’s Son in the flesh for our salvation.
Peace to you this Christmas and Holiday Season,
Scott David Hendricks
No 'Merry Christmas?' Humbug!
An old issue is about to raise its ugly head again. The un-willingness of many stores to even acknowledge the coming holiday with a "Merry Christmas" displayed on their private business.
Someone somewhere might be offended.
Let me state now: I am a Christian, and I am offended. I am offended, of course, by the term "Merry Xmas" as anyone of intelligence should be.
I am nearly equally offended by silly attempts to avoid the seemingly harmless word "Christmas" and replace it with the generic "Happy holidays" or the confusing "Season's greetings."
I have a simple proposal for all people tired of the annoying and confusing word games. This year, if you believe in Christmas, do your Christmas gift shopping only at stores that have the words "Merry Christmas" displayed unashamedly on their store fronts.
Why spend your Christmas money in a place that does not support the holiday you are celebrating? And have a Merry Christmas.
[I have removed the author’s name from the end of the letter. He resides in Marion, IN.]
Originally published November 18, 2005
This is the letter I have written in response:
Dear Chronicle-Tribune and Grant County readership,
In response to the previous letter to the editor “No ‘Merry Christmas?’ Humbug!” published Nov. 18, 2005:
While we ought not to judge the motives of businesses who post signs using the allegedly blasphemous “Xmas,” we may become a little more tolerant of such practices with the help of some history.
In Greek, the letter X (chi), is the first letter of the word christos (anointed), from which we get the appropriate title of the Lord Jesus—‘Christ.’ This was the Greek translation of the Hebrew word Messiah. When Jesus asked his disciples about his identity, we are told in the Gospel of Matthew that Simon Peter said to Jesus, “You are the Christ [Messiah], the Son of the Living God” (Matt. 16:16, NRSV).
For Jesus’ first followers and also for the earliest Christians, who gave Jesus of Nazareth the title Christ, they were calling him anointed, Messiah, king; declaring him to be the savior of God’s people.
The two Greek letters XP (chi-rho) were the first two letters of christos, and became a monogram of Christ. It was one of the earliest Christian symbols for the faithful under persecution.
Later on in the church’s history, many writers, for the sake of saving space in manuscripts, would abbreviate the Lord’s name with many different monograms, including: XP, XC, X, IC, IX, and IXC.
So X has been a symbol of ‘Christ’ for a very long time. Abbreviations other than Xmas (for Christmas) include Xian and Xianity (for Christian and Christianity). As a good example of orthodox modern usage by Christians, Duke Divinity School lists its Christian theology courses under the abbreviation XTIANTHE.
Thus regardless of business motives, Xmas is not a debasing of Christ by replacing his name with an X, but rather an historical abbreviation of his name fully acceptable by orthodoxy.
And is there really anything that terrible about “Season’s Greetings,” or “Happy Holidays?” Have we not become more sensitive to people of other faiths, as we should, recognizing that not all celebrate Christmas? By all means, let us use “Merry Christmas” as we please, but let us not scorn those who do not.
Besides, albeit sad to some, we can no longer presume that when most people think of Christmas, they think of the coming of God’s Son in the flesh for our salvation.
Peace to you this Christmas and Holiday Season,
Scott David Hendricks
Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Emily Dickinson Writing Assignment
This is a writing assignment I did for my World Literature class. We had to choose an Emily Dickinson poem and write a reflection on it:
1768.
Lad of Athens, faithful be
To Thyself,
And Mystery—
All the rest is Perjury—
Part 1
As I was browsing the online database of Emily Dickinson’s poetry, I saw only the first line to this poem, and clicked on the link to it—because I consider myself a student; not just someone who goes to school, but someone who is eager to learn (the meaning of the Latin root of the word student, studere, means “to be eager for”). I took “Lad of Athens . . .” to refer to the student, as historically Athens was known as a center of learning and philosophy. Indeed it is the place whence “Western civilization” has its origin. It is probably also worth mention that the name Athens (Gk Athenai, Lat. Athenae) was named after Athena, goddess of war and, especially pertinent here, wisdom. We also recall the famous quote of the church father Tertullian, “What hath Athens to do with Jerusalem?” He was emphasizing the irrelevance of the pagan Academy (which had its origins in Athens) to the Church.
I chose this poem not only because I am a student, but also because it speaks of the virtue of honesty, which is a large issue for any who studies—to set aside one’s bias for the sake of truth. This is especially a crucial issue for the Christian academic, as we must avoid the compartmentalization of truth into separate cubicles of “our faith” and “general truth.”
This poem’s major theme is the student’s constant duty to be honest—with himself and with mystery. This faithfulness to mystery could mean many things. It may refer to the learner’s responsibility to seek knowledge of the unknown. On the other hand, it may refer to the necessity of humility—the student’s duty to recognize the limitations of his human capacity; that there will always be more to know; that we can never stop learning. The reader may also interpret ‘Mystery’ to refer to God, but to me that seems a desperate attempt for the poem to be spiritual, forsaking the immediate context of ‘Athens.’
Here is my reading: Student, be honest with yourself. Earnestly seek to understand that which you do not, while simultaneously realizing that there is no pinnacle to be attained; be humbled by the notion that much will remain unknown to you. Outside of these you lie to yourself. Do not turn a blind eye to truth that hurts, or that you do not understand. Examine everything to receive what is true, but never let your knowledge be frozen, for what is to be known is infinite and you are not.
Part 2
Lately I have been in discussion with friends and professors, and am also considering writing a book on the place of truth in the Christian’s faith. I have come to a realization over the past year that the world is not as black and white as I thought it was, and as for those “moral relativists,” well—I have become one of them (with good scriptural defense; Paul was one, see discussions on eating meat sacrificed to idols in Romans or 1 Corinthians). After my first year of college there remains not so much that is universal.
And so, for the Christian scholar, it can be frightful to study the origins of one’s faith, examining outside influences and inconsistencies, while still trying to remain faithful to what we think to be our religion. For example, my friend Dusty is taking Religions of the World right now, and is very interested in the development of the doctrine of hell. If it was not a part of Jewish thought until after the exile, when it was integrated by the Jews from a foreign religion, then how do we still believe in its legitimacy? These are the kinds of things that make this faith of ours into a frayed rope, Dusty says, and we have many loose ends. It seems that people either hang on to that frayed rope so tightly that it cuts their hands, or they coat it with rubber so that it’s easier to hold onto, ignoring the frayed ends. We have a problem. If we really believe that our faith is true, then we must believe it is so. We cannot divide truth into boxes of “Christian truth” and “secular truth” if the facts found in both boxes happen to be so.
From the wisdom of many professors who have dealt with this very issue, I have gleaned the one thing that I can be sure of even if the Scriptures were proved to be false—the creeds. I can say, if all else fails, that Christ was born, Christ was crucified, dead, buried; Christ is risen, Christ will come again. These are the main tenets of my faith, and to them I can cling no matter what.
So the academic virtue of honesty, and thus avoidance of denial, has become very real to me over the past few months. I may come across things in my studies that do not fit well with all I have been brought up to believe. However, if I deny these things, or even worse ignore them all together and choose not to deal with them at all, I become a liar to those outside my faith; one who is not willing to be honest, one who commits perjury.
1768.
Lad of Athens, faithful be
To Thyself,
And Mystery—
All the rest is Perjury—
Part 1
As I was browsing the online database of Emily Dickinson’s poetry, I saw only the first line to this poem, and clicked on the link to it—because I consider myself a student; not just someone who goes to school, but someone who is eager to learn (the meaning of the Latin root of the word student, studere, means “to be eager for”). I took “Lad of Athens . . .” to refer to the student, as historically Athens was known as a center of learning and philosophy. Indeed it is the place whence “Western civilization” has its origin. It is probably also worth mention that the name Athens (Gk Athenai, Lat. Athenae) was named after Athena, goddess of war and, especially pertinent here, wisdom. We also recall the famous quote of the church father Tertullian, “What hath Athens to do with Jerusalem?” He was emphasizing the irrelevance of the pagan Academy (which had its origins in Athens) to the Church.
I chose this poem not only because I am a student, but also because it speaks of the virtue of honesty, which is a large issue for any who studies—to set aside one’s bias for the sake of truth. This is especially a crucial issue for the Christian academic, as we must avoid the compartmentalization of truth into separate cubicles of “our faith” and “general truth.”
This poem’s major theme is the student’s constant duty to be honest—with himself and with mystery. This faithfulness to mystery could mean many things. It may refer to the learner’s responsibility to seek knowledge of the unknown. On the other hand, it may refer to the necessity of humility—the student’s duty to recognize the limitations of his human capacity; that there will always be more to know; that we can never stop learning. The reader may also interpret ‘Mystery’ to refer to God, but to me that seems a desperate attempt for the poem to be spiritual, forsaking the immediate context of ‘Athens.’
Here is my reading: Student, be honest with yourself. Earnestly seek to understand that which you do not, while simultaneously realizing that there is no pinnacle to be attained; be humbled by the notion that much will remain unknown to you. Outside of these you lie to yourself. Do not turn a blind eye to truth that hurts, or that you do not understand. Examine everything to receive what is true, but never let your knowledge be frozen, for what is to be known is infinite and you are not.
Part 2
Lately I have been in discussion with friends and professors, and am also considering writing a book on the place of truth in the Christian’s faith. I have come to a realization over the past year that the world is not as black and white as I thought it was, and as for those “moral relativists,” well—I have become one of them (with good scriptural defense; Paul was one, see discussions on eating meat sacrificed to idols in Romans or 1 Corinthians). After my first year of college there remains not so much that is universal.
And so, for the Christian scholar, it can be frightful to study the origins of one’s faith, examining outside influences and inconsistencies, while still trying to remain faithful to what we think to be our religion. For example, my friend Dusty is taking Religions of the World right now, and is very interested in the development of the doctrine of hell. If it was not a part of Jewish thought until after the exile, when it was integrated by the Jews from a foreign religion, then how do we still believe in its legitimacy? These are the kinds of things that make this faith of ours into a frayed rope, Dusty says, and we have many loose ends. It seems that people either hang on to that frayed rope so tightly that it cuts their hands, or they coat it with rubber so that it’s easier to hold onto, ignoring the frayed ends. We have a problem. If we really believe that our faith is true, then we must believe it is so. We cannot divide truth into boxes of “Christian truth” and “secular truth” if the facts found in both boxes happen to be so.
From the wisdom of many professors who have dealt with this very issue, I have gleaned the one thing that I can be sure of even if the Scriptures were proved to be false—the creeds. I can say, if all else fails, that Christ was born, Christ was crucified, dead, buried; Christ is risen, Christ will come again. These are the main tenets of my faith, and to them I can cling no matter what.
So the academic virtue of honesty, and thus avoidance of denial, has become very real to me over the past few months. I may come across things in my studies that do not fit well with all I have been brought up to believe. However, if I deny these things, or even worse ignore them all together and choose not to deal with them at all, I become a liar to those outside my faith; one who is not willing to be honest, one who commits perjury.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Emily Dickinson, 193
Today in World Literature class were reading Emily Dickinson, and this is one of the poems we read. I really appreciated it, so I thought I would post it here:
193
I shall know why—when Time is over—
And I have ceased to wonder why—
Christ will explain each separate anguish
In the fair schoolroom of the sky—
He will tell me what "Peter" promised—
And I—for wonder at his woe—
I shall forget the drop of Anguish
That scalds me now—that scalds me now!
193
I shall know why—when Time is over—
And I have ceased to wonder why—
Christ will explain each separate anguish
In the fair schoolroom of the sky—
He will tell me what "Peter" promised—
And I—for wonder at his woe—
I shall forget the drop of Anguish
That scalds me now—that scalds me now!
Like Children
Today I did some catching up with my good friend Bob Stewart from Kalamazoo, and after our conversation I read his blog. I came across this journal entry, and I liked it so much that I asked him if I could post it here. With his permission, here it is:
So, today I was riding the bus home from school, and I saw this little kid he was just kind of dancing around while his dad was taking out the garbage. Looking at the kid I thought wouldn’t be neat if we were all like children. Just free to dance around as we pleased, and then I looked and the kid had picked up a rock and thrown it at a moving car, and i thought to myself, wow maybe we are like children after all.
So, today I was riding the bus home from school, and I saw this little kid he was just kind of dancing around while his dad was taking out the garbage. Looking at the kid I thought wouldn’t be neat if we were all like children. Just free to dance around as we pleased, and then I looked and the kid had picked up a rock and thrown it at a moving car, and i thought to myself, wow maybe we are like children after all.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Why I Love IWU
As a response to those who, after reading my last post, may be wondering if I am enjoying IWU, if I want to be here, or if I have become cynical, I thought I would blog about why I love this school.
Indiana Wesleyan University is first of all wonderful because of its Christian atmosphere. I mean this: one is constantly surrounded by Christians, which can foster a great amount of spiritual edification if one is willing to open him/herself up to others. I am also constantly reminded of my Christian responsibility.
Another reason I love IWU is for its size. It is a small school, with only 2900 students living on campus this year. Although there are plans to grow, the sheer ratio of students to faculty allows opportunity for students to get to know their professors personally. For me this has been one of the best benefits of my college career thus far; I am so very thankful for how much time Dr. Bounds and Dr. Schenck have been willing to invest in me already. I look forward to 2.75 wonderful years to come.
Not only am I privileged to often chat with Dr. Schenck and be mentored by Dr. Bounds, but I have also been given the great privilege of beginning some translation of Latin patristic text for Dr. David Riggs in the History Dept. What I will be helping him translate will likely be published! I am looking forward to this very much. Had I not come to IWU, I perhaps may have never had this great opportunity.
I cherish the close friendships that have more recently been developing in my life, especially with Jacob Hogan and Dusty Fecht, not forgetting my sister Sharon and Burke Sullivan (whom I intend to spend more time with). I have really grown to love these people, and to me they are like family.
I love the classes I am taking, and am going to take. Knowing all the classes I will be taking in the future, I am excited about each one of them, especially those in Theology and Ancient Languages.
I don’t really have much time to go on, and on, and on. I love college. Don’t be deceived by my previous post, which was meant to be more humorous, but perhaps came out cynical.
Indiana Wesleyan University is first of all wonderful because of its Christian atmosphere. I mean this: one is constantly surrounded by Christians, which can foster a great amount of spiritual edification if one is willing to open him/herself up to others. I am also constantly reminded of my Christian responsibility.
Another reason I love IWU is for its size. It is a small school, with only 2900 students living on campus this year. Although there are plans to grow, the sheer ratio of students to faculty allows opportunity for students to get to know their professors personally. For me this has been one of the best benefits of my college career thus far; I am so very thankful for how much time Dr. Bounds and Dr. Schenck have been willing to invest in me already. I look forward to 2.75 wonderful years to come.
Not only am I privileged to often chat with Dr. Schenck and be mentored by Dr. Bounds, but I have also been given the great privilege of beginning some translation of Latin patristic text for Dr. David Riggs in the History Dept. What I will be helping him translate will likely be published! I am looking forward to this very much. Had I not come to IWU, I perhaps may have never had this great opportunity.
I cherish the close friendships that have more recently been developing in my life, especially with Jacob Hogan and Dusty Fecht, not forgetting my sister Sharon and Burke Sullivan (whom I intend to spend more time with). I have really grown to love these people, and to me they are like family.
I love the classes I am taking, and am going to take. Knowing all the classes I will be taking in the future, I am excited about each one of them, especially those in Theology and Ancient Languages.
I don’t really have much time to go on, and on, and on. I love college. Don’t be deceived by my previous post, which was meant to be more humorous, but perhaps came out cynical.
Monday, October 03, 2005
My Sister Is Amazing
A few weeks ago my sister had her audition for the IWU orchestra. At the end of the audition she was offered a four-year $1500 scholarship, with the stipulation that she take private lessons, play in the string quartet, and be the principal cellist in the orchestra. This is a blessing as Sharon was not planning on taking private lessons, because we could not afford it.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Praise God from whom all blessings flow!
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
A Belated Update
First of all I must apologize to anyone who may choose to read this for not posting for about three weeks straight. School has been busier than expected, and work more copious. I should be lucky to have even two or three people ever return to this blog.
In one sense, all of my classes are as I expected, for I do enjoy all of them, and the one about which I was slightly skeptical has turned out to be quite thought-provoking and one of my favorite topics of discussion.
In another sense my schoolwork is different than I expected. Although I knew this semester would involve a lot of work, I did not anticipate the huge chunk of time it would use of my schedule. I want to work really hard at my classes, especially at Latin and Hebrew, since the faculty of these languages is something I desire to maintain for the rest of my life. This last week I came to the realization that I will not be able to spend equal time with my studies and friends; I will have to spend more time studying than socializing. Instead of a 50/50 balance, it will have to be something like 70/30 or 80/20. For me this was a harsh understanding to come to.
If I need your prayers for anything, it is for diligence in study and increased ability in time management. These are my biggest hurdles right now. However I thank God for these challenges, because I know they will bring me into maturity.
Before the beginning of the semester I asked Dr. Chris Bounds, Professor of Theology, if he would be willing to mentor me this Fall Semester. I have met with him three or four times so far, and words cannot express the value of his willingness to invest in me. He has been such a good listener and advisor, and has not been afraid to truly keep me accountable. He seems to know the best way to respond to people where they are. Each time I have met with him I have learned something new.
There is much more to be related, but for the sake of proper and proportionate thought, I will include any other updates in the next few entries.
In one sense, all of my classes are as I expected, for I do enjoy all of them, and the one about which I was slightly skeptical has turned out to be quite thought-provoking and one of my favorite topics of discussion.
In another sense my schoolwork is different than I expected. Although I knew this semester would involve a lot of work, I did not anticipate the huge chunk of time it would use of my schedule. I want to work really hard at my classes, especially at Latin and Hebrew, since the faculty of these languages is something I desire to maintain for the rest of my life. This last week I came to the realization that I will not be able to spend equal time with my studies and friends; I will have to spend more time studying than socializing. Instead of a 50/50 balance, it will have to be something like 70/30 or 80/20. For me this was a harsh understanding to come to.
If I need your prayers for anything, it is for diligence in study and increased ability in time management. These are my biggest hurdles right now. However I thank God for these challenges, because I know they will bring me into maturity.
Before the beginning of the semester I asked Dr. Chris Bounds, Professor of Theology, if he would be willing to mentor me this Fall Semester. I have met with him three or four times so far, and words cannot express the value of his willingness to invest in me. He has been such a good listener and advisor, and has not been afraid to truly keep me accountable. He seems to know the best way to respond to people where they are. Each time I have met with him I have learned something new.
There is much more to be related, but for the sake of proper and proportionate thought, I will include any other updates in the next few entries.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
For the meticulously perceptive: Yes, this is my fourth post tonight
Dearest readers (especially the diligently perspicacious),
Yes, it is entirely true that as for tonight, this is my fourth post. Why is this? About three or four days ago, I had a list of blog entry ideas, and I wrote all three of them. So, the purpose of this post is manifold.
1. You may find that in a single day, I post more than one entry. I may post more frequently than you would expect, or I may not. It is hard to tell right now, as I am still in Kalamazoo, and I have not begun the college grind.
2. Don't just read the top blog entry. If you haven't noticed, blog entries are posted with the most recent at the top, so don't miss reading some real jewels (yeah, right) below the top one. This point is basically a plea to all visitors, "Please read!"
3. Please post comments. I would really appreciate comments, as they let me know that someone is reading. If you are reading my blog, I probably love you and would love to hear from you too.
4. So if this is the first post you've read, go ahead and scroll down, and start from the bottom if you've got some time! Thanks for reading.
Peace to you,
Scott H.
Yes, it is entirely true that as for tonight, this is my fourth post. Why is this? About three or four days ago, I had a list of blog entry ideas, and I wrote all three of them. So, the purpose of this post is manifold.
1. You may find that in a single day, I post more than one entry. I may post more frequently than you would expect, or I may not. It is hard to tell right now, as I am still in Kalamazoo, and I have not begun the college grind.
2. Don't just read the top blog entry. If you haven't noticed, blog entries are posted with the most recent at the top, so don't miss reading some real jewels (yeah, right) below the top one. This point is basically a plea to all visitors, "Please read!"
3. Please post comments. I would really appreciate comments, as they let me know that someone is reading. If you are reading my blog, I probably love you and would love to hear from you too.
4. So if this is the first post you've read, go ahead and scroll down, and start from the bottom if you've got some time! Thanks for reading.
Peace to you,
Scott H.
Proverbs 11:21 and a pre-modern hermeneutic
The other day my mother was reading the book of Proverbs, and she ran across this verse:
“You can be sure that evil people will be punished, but the children of the godly will go free” (NLT).
Although it probably wasn’t the Holy Spirit speaking, my mom said the verse stuck out to her as in her mind she added the following words to the end of the verse: “. . . to Indiana Wesleyan University.”
By the grace of God my sister and I are attending IWU at little or no cost to our family thanks to our generous financial aid packages.
That verse is underlined in my mom’s Bible.
Postscriptum: ‘Hermeneutics’ is the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible). A ‘pre-modern’ hermeneutic would be one that relies less heavily on outside sources for understanding the original meaning, and more heavily on the principle that ‘scripture interprets scripture,’ and trusts the Holy Spirit speak to the reader through the Biblical text.
Post postscriptum: If my mother had really ‘let scripture interpret scripture,’ then she would have immediately disregarded her mental addendum, as the end of Revelation states: “And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds to anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.”
“You can be sure that evil people will be punished, but the children of the godly will go free” (NLT).
Although it probably wasn’t the Holy Spirit speaking, my mom said the verse stuck out to her as in her mind she added the following words to the end of the verse: “. . . to Indiana Wesleyan University.”
By the grace of God my sister and I are attending IWU at little or no cost to our family thanks to our generous financial aid packages.
That verse is underlined in my mom’s Bible.
Postscriptum: ‘Hermeneutics’ is the study of the methodological principles of interpretation (as of the Bible). A ‘pre-modern’ hermeneutic would be one that relies less heavily on outside sources for understanding the original meaning, and more heavily on the principle that ‘scripture interprets scripture,’ and trusts the Holy Spirit speak to the reader through the Biblical text.
Post postscriptum: If my mother had really ‘let scripture interpret scripture,’ then she would have immediately disregarded her mental addendum, as the end of Revelation states: “And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the prophetic words of this book: If anyone adds to anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book.”
Clarification of a Previous Comment: What is a 'man-crush'?
When a young man finds himself between the ages of twelve and manhood (who knows when that is? We have no true rights of passage in American culture), he may find himself a man to admire. He may admire this man for several reasons, perhaps for some skill or ability, perhaps for lack of a father figure, perhaps for his popularity or position, for his authority, for his good qualities, or even for his good looks.
A young man is most susceptible to a man crush when he is yet vulnerable in his person, when he is still not sure who he is, who he wants to be, or where he wants to go.
Symptoms of a man crush may or may not include a mere sense of admiration for the man, feelings of nervousness when he is around him, a desire to get to know the man, or to even become like him someday. The ultimate symptom of a man crush that should be cause for alarm, is when one finds himself idolizing the man, and taking on his mannerisms, behaviors, and even his gait. At this the infatuated young man should either get a hold of himself and come to his senses, or seek psychological counseling.
Post scriptum: If parents are unsure as to whether or not their son’s man crush has reached a severe state, or if they want to watch for warning signs that their son might be susceptible to a man crush, they may want to seek insight from the current leading expert on the psychosexual development of young boys, Dr. James Dobson.
A young man is most susceptible to a man crush when he is yet vulnerable in his person, when he is still not sure who he is, who he wants to be, or where he wants to go.
Symptoms of a man crush may or may not include a mere sense of admiration for the man, feelings of nervousness when he is around him, a desire to get to know the man, or to even become like him someday. The ultimate symptom of a man crush that should be cause for alarm, is when one finds himself idolizing the man, and taking on his mannerisms, behaviors, and even his gait. At this the infatuated young man should either get a hold of himself and come to his senses, or seek psychological counseling.
Post scriptum: If parents are unsure as to whether or not their son’s man crush has reached a severe state, or if they want to watch for warning signs that their son might be susceptible to a man crush, they may want to seek insight from the current leading expert on the psychosexual development of young boys, Dr. James Dobson.
The Tentative P-Lan: What does Scott want to do after college?
Without a doubt, he wants to go to seminary and get a Master of Divinity (M.Div.), God willing.
Right now I am only a sophomore in college, so even thinking about grad. school seems a little silly to me, but you can never plan too far ahead, as long as your plans are tentative.
As of now, Asbury Seminary is top on my list of candidates, but that is because it is the only seminary I have visited, and one of the few seminaries endorsed by the Wesleyan denomination (to which I belong). If I go to a seminary not endorsed by my denomination, I don’t get any scholarships from them, and they may brand me a liberal wanderer. We’ll see.
I am also very interested in getting an M.A. or two; perhaps two is foolish, but I’m not sure. Asbury Seminary is located in Wilmore, KY. Right next door in Lexington, KY, lies the University of Kentucky, which has a highly respected department of Classical Languages, and one of the best Latin programs in the country. They have an official ‘Institute for Latin Studies’ whose classes are conducted entirely in Latin. The professors teach in Latin, and the students respond in Latin, and everything is written Latine. It sounds like a blast to me. I might consider getting a M.A in Classics there. If I did it all at once, it would only take me a year, in theory; or I might be able to get it while I go to seminary, if I choose to go to Asbury.
I also wouldn’t mind getting another M.A. in either Biblical Literature or Theology. This I could do at seminary, before, after or while I get an M.Div. I would also like to get a Ph.D. in I don’t know what yet; maybe Church History, Bib. Lit., Theology, or even maybe a D.Min. Who knows? Maybe God doesn’t want me to get a Ph.D. or a D.Min.
Why do I say that? Because I am called to be a minister, and not a Professor. That’s right: I want to master Latin, Hebrew, and Greek, with the end goal of working in a church. In other words, I’m a geek. I’m hoping that’s pleasing to God. It makes sense to me on some level to be well educated for the purpose of teaching and preaching in the church.
Why else do I want all that education? Because I love to learn. I want to be able to say that I have studied the Bible, Theology and Church history very well. I want to master something. But I don’t want to get a Ph.D. just to get one. So I hope within the next eight years I can come up with a good reason.
I also want to get a lot of ministry experience during school, whether or not that involves taking a part-time position somewhere. However, I do not want to take a very long break in between degrees for a couple of reasons. It doesn’t make sense to take a full-time ministry position with the intention of leaving in a few years to go back to school. Also, I have been told to get my education all at once while I can, because after you start a family it’s hard. I would rather get my graduate education while I can still take classes in semesters, and not in one-week spurts while doing ministry.
So after graduate education—full-time ministry. I’ve heard that it’s nice to have a senior pastor to work under for at first, so that you have someone to show you the ropes. However, I would not be frightened to be a solo pastor of a small parish after that.
I don’t want to be too picky with any of this though. It all deserves a lot of prayer, since God’s plan is best. So like I said before, this is the tentative p-lan.
Right now I am only a sophomore in college, so even thinking about grad. school seems a little silly to me, but you can never plan too far ahead, as long as your plans are tentative.
As of now, Asbury Seminary is top on my list of candidates, but that is because it is the only seminary I have visited, and one of the few seminaries endorsed by the Wesleyan denomination (to which I belong). If I go to a seminary not endorsed by my denomination, I don’t get any scholarships from them, and they may brand me a liberal wanderer. We’ll see.
I am also very interested in getting an M.A. or two; perhaps two is foolish, but I’m not sure. Asbury Seminary is located in Wilmore, KY. Right next door in Lexington, KY, lies the University of Kentucky, which has a highly respected department of Classical Languages, and one of the best Latin programs in the country. They have an official ‘Institute for Latin Studies’ whose classes are conducted entirely in Latin. The professors teach in Latin, and the students respond in Latin, and everything is written Latine. It sounds like a blast to me. I might consider getting a M.A in Classics there. If I did it all at once, it would only take me a year, in theory; or I might be able to get it while I go to seminary, if I choose to go to Asbury.
I also wouldn’t mind getting another M.A. in either Biblical Literature or Theology. This I could do at seminary, before, after or while I get an M.Div. I would also like to get a Ph.D. in I don’t know what yet; maybe Church History, Bib. Lit., Theology, or even maybe a D.Min. Who knows? Maybe God doesn’t want me to get a Ph.D. or a D.Min.
Why do I say that? Because I am called to be a minister, and not a Professor. That’s right: I want to master Latin, Hebrew, and Greek, with the end goal of working in a church. In other words, I’m a geek. I’m hoping that’s pleasing to God. It makes sense to me on some level to be well educated for the purpose of teaching and preaching in the church.
Why else do I want all that education? Because I love to learn. I want to be able to say that I have studied the Bible, Theology and Church history very well. I want to master something. But I don’t want to get a Ph.D. just to get one. So I hope within the next eight years I can come up with a good reason.
I also want to get a lot of ministry experience during school, whether or not that involves taking a part-time position somewhere. However, I do not want to take a very long break in between degrees for a couple of reasons. It doesn’t make sense to take a full-time ministry position with the intention of leaving in a few years to go back to school. Also, I have been told to get my education all at once while I can, because after you start a family it’s hard. I would rather get my graduate education while I can still take classes in semesters, and not in one-week spurts while doing ministry.
So after graduate education—full-time ministry. I’ve heard that it’s nice to have a senior pastor to work under for at first, so that you have someone to show you the ropes. However, I would not be frightened to be a solo pastor of a small parish after that.
I don’t want to be too picky with any of this though. It all deserves a lot of prayer, since God’s plan is best. So like I said before, this is the tentative p-lan.
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Introductions
As you may know little about my college career and its composite ‘players,’ if you will, I thought it good to give you a brief introduction, as I will probably be mentioning several of them in my future posts.
The college: When I started high school I already knew what college I wanted to attend—Indiana Wesleyan University. It is located in Marion, IN. It is halfway between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. There are about 2,500 students on campus, and over 10,000 enrolled, including Adult Professional Studies and Graduate Programs. So, the campus is small (which is really nice), but they also have several extension campuses nationwide. They are an accredited liberal arts university, offering over 60 majors.
The majors: I am majoring in Christian Ministries and Biblical Literature. Yes, this means I have two majors. Christian Ministries is the major for those studying to be pastors (that’s me) or full-time Christian workers. Biblical Literature is a good double-major for anyone in any field, but it is also a good launch pad for those anticipating Seminary or Graduate work. Yes, I do plan to graduate in four years. With the help of a few AP credits from high school and taking a few classes at community college this summer, I will be able to graduate with many more credits than required.
The schedule: This fall I am taking 16 credit hours (which is the maximum allowed before you have to make special application and pay too much). I am taking Worship (with an accompanying practicum), Concepts of Health and Wellness, Humanities World Literature, Inductive Bible Study, Beginning Hebrew I, and Intermediate Latin I.
The profs: Last year I had Dr. Constance Cherry for Intro. to Pastoral Ministries. This was a good class, as it required a lot of writing. This semester I have her for worship, and I have high hopes for class times well spent.
This year our Division of Religion and Philosophy hired at least two new faculty members, Brian and Elaine Bernius. I think one of them has a Ph.D., and the other is finishing his or her dissertation. This fall I have Professor Brian Bernius for Inductive Bible Study, and his wife Elaine for Hebrew. I am very excited to have both of them their first semester (as long as they do a good job), so I can be one of the few to get first impressions and learn what they are like.
Last year I had Dr. Ken Schenck for New Testament Survey and Latin. For starters, he is the author of the textbook that all the professors use for NT survey, so that factum already gained him my respect. After having him for about two weeks, I decided that so far he was my favorite professor. He writes quite often, and has published about three or four books. He is quite a witty guy; although his jokes are awfully corny, his timing is so unexpected and wonderful that I can’t help but laugh. Halfway through last spring’s semester, one of my friends informed me that by all appearances I had a man-crush on Dr. Schenck.
Dr. Clarence ‘Bud’ Bence is a Professor of Religion, and is one of my two academic advisors. Right now he’s teaching mainly Church History and Homiletics (preaching) classes.
My other academic advisor is Dr. Wilbur Glenn Williams. He is the real ‘dinosaur’ of IWU’s religion dept. I’m not sure how long he’s been there, but he is seventy-six years young and still teaching. He and his wife Ardelia, a professor emerita in the Art Dept., have worked for only a penny for several years, and have been donating their salaries to the school, providing the funds for different projects on campus, the most noticeable of which is the Williams Prayer Chapel. I had him for Old Testament Survey last year. He teaches three O.T. classes holding seventy students each every semester.
Dr. Stephen Lennox has been Chair of the Religion Dept. for several years, but this year he is stepping into a position entirely new to the university, Dean of Chapel. Whenever he speaks in chapel, I immediately get excited.
Dr. Chris Bounds is an Assistant Professor of Religion, and mainly teaches theology. I am very excited about having him for two to six theology courses during undergrad.
I forgot to mention that both Dr. Schenck and Dr. Bounds teach online courses for Asbury Seminary each semester. I think they’re really cool guys.
The People: Dusty Fecht is one of my friends, and I hope that within a few years I will be able to say that he is one of my best friends. I like him that much. He moved from Iowa City a few years ago. I’m pretty sure that he has enough credits for a psychology major, and he is currently a Religion/Philosophy major. He is also contemplating a Bib. Lit. major. He’s a really cool guy to talk to. His girlfriend’s name is Natalie, who just moved to Marion after being admitted into IWU’s Graduate Counseling Program.
Josh Obholz will be my roommate this year. He is a really fun guy who is taking a lot of science classes, but I’m not sure that he’s nailed down a major yet.
Jacob Hogan is another friend of mine. He is a Political Science/International Relations
major. He is a democrat, and has already made me more liberal. The good news is that I am still a registered republican, and I am still pro-life. The only difference is that I no longer worry about defending our president. He had the initiative along with a couple of other good guys to start a campus democrats student organization. Last year when he told people he was going to vote for Sen. John Kerry, more than one person on campus told him he was going to hell.
Logan Moser is my RA this year. I am living on the 2 North wing of Hodson Hall, where I will be the co-chaplain along with senior Brandon Willis.
My sister Sharon is coming along with me to college. She is studying Intercultural Studies and Christian education. We are both really excited about being on campus together. We have planned to have breakfast together on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Rev. Chuck McCallum is the Senior Pastor of Westview Wesleyan Church, which is the church I go to in Marion, and I did my Intro. to Pastoral Ministries observation practicum with him my first semester last year. Pastor Mark is the pastor of Christian Education at Westview, and he is also in charge of worship, so I anticipate having a practicum with him this next semester.
I hope that now you are better acquainted with my college circumstance, and will have a bit of background when I write about such things.
The college: When I started high school I already knew what college I wanted to attend—Indiana Wesleyan University. It is located in Marion, IN. It is halfway between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. There are about 2,500 students on campus, and over 10,000 enrolled, including Adult Professional Studies and Graduate Programs. So, the campus is small (which is really nice), but they also have several extension campuses nationwide. They are an accredited liberal arts university, offering over 60 majors.
The majors: I am majoring in Christian Ministries and Biblical Literature. Yes, this means I have two majors. Christian Ministries is the major for those studying to be pastors (that’s me) or full-time Christian workers. Biblical Literature is a good double-major for anyone in any field, but it is also a good launch pad for those anticipating Seminary or Graduate work. Yes, I do plan to graduate in four years. With the help of a few AP credits from high school and taking a few classes at community college this summer, I will be able to graduate with many more credits than required.
The schedule: This fall I am taking 16 credit hours (which is the maximum allowed before you have to make special application and pay too much). I am taking Worship (with an accompanying practicum), Concepts of Health and Wellness, Humanities World Literature, Inductive Bible Study, Beginning Hebrew I, and Intermediate Latin I.
The profs: Last year I had Dr. Constance Cherry for Intro. to Pastoral Ministries. This was a good class, as it required a lot of writing. This semester I have her for worship, and I have high hopes for class times well spent.
This year our Division of Religion and Philosophy hired at least two new faculty members, Brian and Elaine Bernius. I think one of them has a Ph.D., and the other is finishing his or her dissertation. This fall I have Professor Brian Bernius for Inductive Bible Study, and his wife Elaine for Hebrew. I am very excited to have both of them their first semester (as long as they do a good job), so I can be one of the few to get first impressions and learn what they are like.
Last year I had Dr. Ken Schenck for New Testament Survey and Latin. For starters, he is the author of the textbook that all the professors use for NT survey, so that factum already gained him my respect. After having him for about two weeks, I decided that so far he was my favorite professor. He writes quite often, and has published about three or four books. He is quite a witty guy; although his jokes are awfully corny, his timing is so unexpected and wonderful that I can’t help but laugh. Halfway through last spring’s semester, one of my friends informed me that by all appearances I had a man-crush on Dr. Schenck.
Dr. Clarence ‘Bud’ Bence is a Professor of Religion, and is one of my two academic advisors. Right now he’s teaching mainly Church History and Homiletics (preaching) classes.
My other academic advisor is Dr. Wilbur Glenn Williams. He is the real ‘dinosaur’ of IWU’s religion dept. I’m not sure how long he’s been there, but he is seventy-six years young and still teaching. He and his wife Ardelia, a professor emerita in the Art Dept., have worked for only a penny for several years, and have been donating their salaries to the school, providing the funds for different projects on campus, the most noticeable of which is the Williams Prayer Chapel. I had him for Old Testament Survey last year. He teaches three O.T. classes holding seventy students each every semester.
Dr. Stephen Lennox has been Chair of the Religion Dept. for several years, but this year he is stepping into a position entirely new to the university, Dean of Chapel. Whenever he speaks in chapel, I immediately get excited.
Dr. Chris Bounds is an Assistant Professor of Religion, and mainly teaches theology. I am very excited about having him for two to six theology courses during undergrad.
I forgot to mention that both Dr. Schenck and Dr. Bounds teach online courses for Asbury Seminary each semester. I think they’re really cool guys.
The People: Dusty Fecht is one of my friends, and I hope that within a few years I will be able to say that he is one of my best friends. I like him that much. He moved from Iowa City a few years ago. I’m pretty sure that he has enough credits for a psychology major, and he is currently a Religion/Philosophy major. He is also contemplating a Bib. Lit. major. He’s a really cool guy to talk to. His girlfriend’s name is Natalie, who just moved to Marion after being admitted into IWU’s Graduate Counseling Program.
Josh Obholz will be my roommate this year. He is a really fun guy who is taking a lot of science classes, but I’m not sure that he’s nailed down a major yet.
Jacob Hogan is another friend of mine. He is a Political Science/International Relations
major. He is a democrat, and has already made me more liberal. The good news is that I am still a registered republican, and I am still pro-life. The only difference is that I no longer worry about defending our president. He had the initiative along with a couple of other good guys to start a campus democrats student organization. Last year when he told people he was going to vote for Sen. John Kerry, more than one person on campus told him he was going to hell.
Logan Moser is my RA this year. I am living on the 2 North wing of Hodson Hall, where I will be the co-chaplain along with senior Brandon Willis.
My sister Sharon is coming along with me to college. She is studying Intercultural Studies and Christian education. We are both really excited about being on campus together. We have planned to have breakfast together on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Rev. Chuck McCallum is the Senior Pastor of Westview Wesleyan Church, which is the church I go to in Marion, and I did my Intro. to Pastoral Ministries observation practicum with him my first semester last year. Pastor Mark is the pastor of Christian Education at Westview, and he is also in charge of worship, so I anticipate having a practicum with him this next semester.
I hope that now you are better acquainted with my college circumstance, and will have a bit of background when I write about such things.
Friday, August 19, 2005
I hope you read my blog
To everyone dearest to me,
Thank you for stopping by to read this post. I hope you will return many a time hereafter.
I have always (read: since I started reading them last year) wanted to start a blog. And, if you have yet to be informed, blog is short for 'weblog,' an online journal that, at least in this case, will be more personal than formal or, perish the thought, political (yikes!). For the longest time this blog has actually existed, however I have failed to keep it up, by reason of apathy, and also for not having a good reason to do so.
But last year as I was attending Indiana Wesleyan University and simultaneously attending a different church, it felt strange to be so separated from the spiritual body that for so long had been my home church: Kalamazoo Wesleyan, newly named Lighthouse Community Church: a Wesleyan Ministry. After all, I am receiving a scholarship from them, and they are my home church, in my home district, in which I will be given ministerial student standing. So in an attempt to stay better connected with the folks at home, it seemed appropriate to keep an online journal, especially for those whom I will not be calling on the phone every week.
I will try not to limit myself to specific topics of discussion, and you may find some posts to be more or less formal, occasional, personal or thought provoking. I hope this will make the blog more and not less interesting, and will encourage you to return and not to flee.
I will move to Marion on Monday, August 29. Until then I have 33 more hours of work at McDonald's, and a week to pack and get psyched, man, get psyched for school. That won't be too hard. I am already too excited to express it in words.
Blessings still from Kalamazoo,
Scott H.
Thank you for stopping by to read this post. I hope you will return many a time hereafter.
I have always (read: since I started reading them last year) wanted to start a blog. And, if you have yet to be informed, blog is short for 'weblog,' an online journal that, at least in this case, will be more personal than formal or, perish the thought, political (yikes!). For the longest time this blog has actually existed, however I have failed to keep it up, by reason of apathy, and also for not having a good reason to do so.
But last year as I was attending Indiana Wesleyan University and simultaneously attending a different church, it felt strange to be so separated from the spiritual body that for so long had been my home church: Kalamazoo Wesleyan, newly named Lighthouse Community Church: a Wesleyan Ministry. After all, I am receiving a scholarship from them, and they are my home church, in my home district, in which I will be given ministerial student standing. So in an attempt to stay better connected with the folks at home, it seemed appropriate to keep an online journal, especially for those whom I will not be calling on the phone every week.
I will try not to limit myself to specific topics of discussion, and you may find some posts to be more or less formal, occasional, personal or thought provoking. I hope this will make the blog more and not less interesting, and will encourage you to return and not to flee.
I will move to Marion on Monday, August 29. Until then I have 33 more hours of work at McDonald's, and a week to pack and get psyched, man, get psyched for school. That won't be too hard. I am already too excited to express it in words.
Blessings still from Kalamazoo,
Scott H.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Blogging
My blog can be what I want it to be. After all, I am an American, and more specifically, a United States Citizen, which definitely brings its privileges (by the way, I just learned how to spell that word today [privilege]; for the longest time I wasn't sure if it was 'i' or 'e' before the 'l'), such as the freedom of speech, whose value I do not often enough appreciate.
Who will read this? Don't those close to me talk to me enough? Why would they find cause to look me up online for the purpose of uncovering more of my boring self? Will I disclose my boring self on this weblog? I do not know. But this I do: that I will enjoy this more if I do not limit myself to a certain style or topic. After all, "everything is permissible."
But not all things are beneficial, so I will refrain from mentioning the unhelpful, which, as far as I can tell, cannot currently be discerned. For if writing just about anything on this website proves to be beneficial at the very least to my writing skills, then has it been (you should read that word with a long 'e' like the Brits, just for fun) helpful to someone--and since this is America--that is, to myself.
Who will read this? Don't those close to me talk to me enough? Why would they find cause to look me up online for the purpose of uncovering more of my boring self? Will I disclose my boring self on this weblog? I do not know. But this I do: that I will enjoy this more if I do not limit myself to a certain style or topic. After all, "everything is permissible."
But not all things are beneficial, so I will refrain from mentioning the unhelpful, which, as far as I can tell, cannot currently be discerned. For if writing just about anything on this website proves to be beneficial at the very least to my writing skills, then has it been (you should read that word with a long 'e' like the Brits, just for fun) helpful to someone--and since this is America--that is, to myself.
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