Passive Seminary Training

Currently listening to:

Bible - NIV on Audio Cassette (Been years since I listened to this dramatized Bible) Excellent finished 12 of 48 tapes.

A.W. Tozer - The Attributes of God (Almost done with volume II)
Rabbi Spiro - A crash Course in Jewish History (Listened to this a few time, very informative)
Debate - Calvinism v. Arminianism (James White always has interesting debates. Old cassette, have not listened to this debate in years)
D.A. Carson - His lectures on Biblical Theology (packed with interesting content) goto Together for the Gospel's website for all his resources.
New Testament Textual Criticism - Recently finished this lecture by James White. Very informative.

Listening to audio while driving or cleaning the Kitchen is a great way to continually learn while the body is occuppied with other tasks. It is a vital part of my training at Adelphos Seminary. It helps lay the ground work from much of my theological contemplation.

David

Rhetorical Mastery

Debate Review: Part of Course ST506 Philosophy and the Christian Faith

Dennis Prager v. Frank Zindler.

Just finished listening to a debate entitled "Does the Jewish God Exist." Arguing for the affirmative was Dennis Prager (well-known talk show host) and defending the negative was Frank Zindler (well-known atheist writer and symphony composer). The argumentation from Prager was different than any I have heard. His argument consistent of existential appeals to the foolishness of existence without God. There was no appeal to the classical argument for God existence (Cosmological, Teleological, etc...) I liked his statement regarding serotonin level in the brain being label as love. If God does not exist than all human are is complicate pond scum. Of course, this is not an argument per se but it is a powerful thought experiment that the human experience seems to confirm. Prager main thrust was that he gives no argument for God's existence. He seems to promote a modified form of the Ontological argument for the existence of God. The existence of the World is proof enough for the reality of God. Or as C.S. Lewis said, "A slow miracle is equally as amazing as a fast miracle and the world was a slow miracle." The debate came down to a fundamental difference in presupposition. Zindler's anti-supernatural presupposition precludes the existence of God a priori. I still have yet to hear a debate where one side clearly declare that they have changed their position based on the debate. As Prager always says on his radio show "I prefer clarity to agreement." The debate certainly clarified the vast gulf that exists between the theistic and atheistic position. I highly recommend the debate!
check is out here:
http://stores.dennisprager.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=DP&Product_Code=DTDL39&Product_Count=&Category_Code=

Finding Time for Study?

One of the biggest obstacles for the time-crunched Seminarian is finding adaquate time for study and meditation. With the pressures of Family and Work the cultivation of the well-informed Mind. I have taken to listening to book on MP3 format while driving. I listen in double speed and get a lot of study that way. Of course, there is an inherent drawback to this method of learning. It does not lend itself to serious contemplation of the ideas. I have to concentrate on the road and all the visual stimuli that the brain processes while driving so the retention of key concept is limited. The key is multiple listening to the material. I have discovered that at least three listenings are required for the key concepts to be clearly revealed. Weekends provide that greatest opportunity to engage in serious study. Last week I did a tough bike ride. I was planning to get some good study time after the ride but discovered that my physical fatigue caused my mind to be non-receptive to the learning. I ended up taking a three hour nap.

Test your Biblical Knowledge

Head over to:

http://www.whitneyhq.com/biblecontent/

This is the test that incoming Seminary Students take.

Current Coursework

The foundation of any Seminary program is the study of the Holy Scriptures. I continue my systematic reading of the Bible on a daily basis. I am also studying the book of Judges and the Book of Revelation using various commentaries. I am using the Zondervan Bible Background Commentary on the Old and New Testaments as well as the Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren Wiersbe. Weirsbe offers good pastoral insights into the text. For some the old testament books I use the series on the Prophets put out by Artscroll. This offers a unique glimpse on how the Rabbi's look at the Text. In terms of other course work: Biblical Greek and Hebrew, Ancient and Medieval Church History, Biblical Theology. These are my main courses. I am also learning how to play classic hymns on the Mountain Dulcimer.

The Cult of Personality

Humans are naturally drawn to the underdog. The person who has overcome numerous obstacles to achieve great things. While these stories provide inspiration for many they are not the litmus test for truth. Case in Point: The recent debacle regarding Michael Caner. Many might know him as Ergun Mehmet Caner or Err-gunn Me-hee-ma Jen-na. Whatever one thinks of the veracity of his claims I must admire him for pulling off such a persuasive scheme. He and his brother, Emir, systematically used the attacks of 9/11 to bamboozle Christendom. Now this is not a great feat. After all Christendom is made up of a bunch of dumb Christians. Apparently Mike was a turban wearing al-qadia like terrorist-in-training who saw the light off the gospel and got rid of his suicide vest. At least that is the story he feeds his gullible christian fans. One problem: It is a hoax. A vast networks of lies spun together to dupe Christians. Look who has fallen for the scheme. Well-known christian broadcaster, John Ankerberg, who co-wrote a series of books with Emir, has issued the following statement:
I have known Ergun Caner for nearly a decade. I am disheartened by the recent attacks upon his integrity and character. I have interviewed Ergun for more than a dozen television shows and believe his personal testimony to be completely true. Otherwise, I would not have allowed him to broadcast his story to the millions of viewers that tune in to my program across the globe. Ergun and his brother, Emir, are men of God who have taken a valiant stand for the Lord, even costing them and their families their safety. For someone to attack Ergun’s selfless sacrifice, especially since they malign his character without any substantiation, is both unchristian and unbiblical. Count me among the many who will stand with Ergun Caner, knowing he stands for the Lord Jesus Christ. (emphasis mine)

Notice the absolute nature of the Ankerberg defence. Just research the details of the Caner Myth making and you will see that Ankerberg has now lost credibility. His material in many area are valuable by his lack of discernment regarding Mike Caner is breathtaking. Ankerberg than states that all the 'attacks' are 'without any substantiation.' Documented inconsistencies from the man himself, WOW. Ankerberg has his head in the sand. 'He stands for the Lord Jesus Christ." I do not doubt the Mike Caner had an encounter with Christ and he is a believer. What bothers me is how christian Leaders have come to the uncritical defense of a rank deceiver.

Listening Through the Bible Instead

So this year I’m listening to Brian at the DailyAudio Bible.com read the Bible for me.

It’s actually a very efficient way to listen to the Good book.  I’m excited each morning to fire up the iPod and see what God has to say today.

My drive to the office is about 30 minutes and that about the average reading.  He covers a reading from the old testament, new testament, psalms and proverbs.  I’d recommend giving it a try.   You can hear today’s reading here and visit the site by clicking here.

“So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.”

 Romans 10:17 (NLT)