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.
Sunday, August 28, 2005
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.
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