Let me share something from a seminar. If we are made in the image of God then we are, in some sense, trinitarian. This might be reflected in the father-mother-child relationship or in human components of 'law', 'body' and 'communication'.
I hadn't heard of trinitarian psychology before!
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
spooks and the mission
I've seen two powerful pictures of biblical themes recently. At the end of Spooks, series 7, episode 1, there is a dramatic event which immediately made me think about the atonement. Then I watched The Mission and saw a wonderful picture of forgiveness / salvation as Rodrigo is liberated from his literal burden. I'd recommend watching both if you haven't seen them.
On Spooks see here
On Spooks see here
Thursday, 13 November 2008
subjects this term
In no particular order and not comprehensive:
a practical lesson in baptism (we all get wet in the process!)
bereavements and funerals (again including practical guidance on funeral services)
preaching
voice production
exegesis
pastoral pyschology
worship
safeguarding and child protection
creation, evolution, 'big bang' etc
mission
Luke-Acts
Let me know if you'd like more details on any of the above!
a practical lesson in baptism (we all get wet in the process!)
bereavements and funerals (again including practical guidance on funeral services)
preaching
voice production
exegesis
pastoral pyschology
worship
safeguarding and child protection
creation, evolution, 'big bang' etc
mission
Luke-Acts
Let me know if you'd like more details on any of the above!
new website for Regent's Park College
The home page is here
My course has two elements:
1. Ministerial Training on the Pastoral and Mission Studies programme
2. Theological Study towards the Advanced Diploma in Biblical and Theological Studies You can see the rolling programme here
It's a really great course and it's a privilege to be at RPC
My course has two elements:
1. Ministerial Training on the Pastoral and Mission Studies programme
2. Theological Study towards the Advanced Diploma in Biblical and Theological Studies You can see the rolling programme here
It's a really great course and it's a privilege to be at RPC
Sunday, 9 November 2008
biblical languages
I'm slogging away at Hebrew and Greek with the Open Theological College, in parallel with my studies at Regent's Park College. Why bother with the biblical languages?
In the context of Martin Luther's life John Piper says:
The main issue was the preservation and the purity of the faith. Where the languages are not prized and pursued, care in Biblical observation and Biblical thinking and concern for truth decreases. It has to, because the tools to think otherwise are not present.
Piper quotes Luther:
Without languages we could not have received the gospel. Languages are the scabbard that contains the sword of the Spirit; they are the casket which contains the priceless jewels of antique thought; they are the vessel that holds the wine; and as the gospel says, they are the baskets in which the loaves and fishes are kept to feed the multitude.
If we neglect the literature we shall eventually lose the gospel ... No sooner did men cease to cultivate the languages than Christendom declined, even until it fell under the undisputed dominion of the pope. But no sooner was this torch relighted, than this papal owl fled with a shriek into congenial gloom ... In former times the fathers were frequently mistaken, because they were ignorant of the languages and in our days there are some who, like the Waldenses, do not think the languages of any use; but although their doctrine is good, they have often erred i the real meaning of the sacred text; they are without arms against error, and I fear much that their faith will not remain pure
And so I am encouraged to persevere with my studies!
My own answer would be less colourful than Luther's comments. I want to be able to engage with the primary texts and not interpret someone else's interpretation. May God be pleased to make me, 'one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.' (2 Tim 2:15)
In the context of Martin Luther's life John Piper says:
The main issue was the preservation and the purity of the faith. Where the languages are not prized and pursued, care in Biblical observation and Biblical thinking and concern for truth decreases. It has to, because the tools to think otherwise are not present.
Piper quotes Luther:
Without languages we could not have received the gospel. Languages are the scabbard that contains the sword of the Spirit; they are the casket which contains the priceless jewels of antique thought; they are the vessel that holds the wine; and as the gospel says, they are the baskets in which the loaves and fishes are kept to feed the multitude.
If we neglect the literature we shall eventually lose the gospel ... No sooner did men cease to cultivate the languages than Christendom declined, even until it fell under the undisputed dominion of the pope. But no sooner was this torch relighted, than this papal owl fled with a shriek into congenial gloom ... In former times the fathers were frequently mistaken, because they were ignorant of the languages and in our days there are some who, like the Waldenses, do not think the languages of any use; but although their doctrine is good, they have often erred i the real meaning of the sacred text; they are without arms against error, and I fear much that their faith will not remain pure
And so I am encouraged to persevere with my studies!
My own answer would be less colourful than Luther's comments. I want to be able to engage with the primary texts and not interpret someone else's interpretation. May God be pleased to make me, 'one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.' (2 Tim 2:15)
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