So I consider myself an intellectual but not a linguist. The reality in theological studies at a theological seminary is that biblical Hebrew and Greek are a requirement. Fuller is no exception. Although I have heard some faculty scoff that in some ways its telling that we only are required to take 8 units of Hebrew, the more complex and Old Testament language, while taking 12 units of Koine Greek (can anyone say Marcionite?j/k). If you have not done any theological studies you'll get that joke after taking John Thompson's Patristic Theology course (an excellent course might I add).

Last quarter I started with a plan to take my 8 units of Hebrew over two quarters--fall and winter. Unfortunately after sitting in the class the first night I felt like that professor was giving me an encyclopedia article after every new letter we learned in the alphabet. When it comes to language I need to "keep it simple". With graduation on the horizon in June, I had not choice but to take the "Hebrew Intensive" this winter. That means 8 units in one quarter (10 weeks) which are typically done over two quarters (20 weeks)!

So far, my experience in the intensive is going well. I think it's important to know of your professors and their teaching styles before you take them, if you want to maximize your learning and grade. That is not to say there are any bad professors at Fuller, in fact they are top-notch, but it is important to investigate the course requirements and pedagogy of each. I'm finding that though Hebrew is difficult, like Greek, the intensive fits my learning style because I don't have multiple other classes distracting me from memorizing hundreds of vocabulary words and linguistic paradigms!

Then I have also been asking myself why the heck I am taking biblical languages when in most churches they seem to be frowned upon and our most popular teachers (except Rob Bell) seem to neglect utilizing them in bringing the Scriptures to life. Language matters, because the word blessing in Hebrew most likely does not carry the same cultural ramifications that it does in 21st century United States. So as I continue to work through this class I keep my eye on the prize that one day, perhaps soon, I'll be engaged in teaching and coaching a community of Jesus followers through the Scriptures and I best do all I can to hear them in their context and hopefully better discern how the Spirit is illuminating them today.

Shabbat Shalom!

Book Recommendation: The Shaping of Things to Come: Mission and Innovation for the 21st Century Church
This book is by Mike Frost and Alan Hirsch, two Australian missional church planters/missiologists. It's a tour de force and a plea for the church to critically re-imagine what it means to be the people of God in the context of an increasingly commodified world...