Fellowship with peers.

garret,

I am beyond seminary by a few years, but I have been reading a rather interesting book on biblical interpretation called Grasping God's Word by Duvall and Hays. It cost me $70.00 in Canada, so check the library first.

It is interpretation 101, but cements the fundamentals of interpretation such as:

1. What did the text mean to the biblical audience?
2. What are the differences between the bublical audience and us?
3. What is the theological principle iin this text?
4. How should individual Christians to-day apply the theological principle in their lives?

Further, anything by Bernard Ramm is good reading.

Cheers, and all the very best to you in your studies.

Jim (Oh, I am retired now and still doing 101)

 

I am currently in Seminary, but not taking Hermenutics until next year... I have to take some pre-requisite classes first...

 

finished seminary a year and a half ago, but can still discuss!
TaterTot

 

Have you read “How to read the Bible for all its worth” by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart? Good book.

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No. There are plenty of books I haven't even seen. I just pick up a few books at random these days, just to keep my mind working.

I think that hermeneutics is the most important class you will ever take in seminary. With a right understanding of how to understand the scriptures, we can formulate all other doctrines.

I hate to tell you, that many texts, when I went to school cost about £3 (about $9.) I recently bought a book I had years ago and lost. It cost $10.95 Cdn originally and was $165.00 Cdn when I bought it three weeks ago.

I don't know how you young lads manage in seminary these days. When I came to Canada, tuition was free at the seminary. Total cost for books each year was about $70.00 and room and board cost $15.00. Often a preaching appointment covered that. We were given $15.00 and travel for preaching at two services on Sunday and all we could eat.

I was given an old motorbike whilst in seminary. It would do 20mph wide open and I used to travel 55 miles to my student pastorate. Tails tucked in my trouser belt and off I would go. The other students used to line up in the school yard to mockingly cheer me off,,,,hahahaha.

Then, my first pastorate in Canada, paid me $40.00 per week and a free parsonage. They even provided me with a motorcar; a 1936 Nash Lafayette. I had to park it on a slope because first gear didn't always function and had to shove off in second gear.

All the very best to you. Enjoy your time in study.

Cheers,

Jim

 

Garret,
Most of my books are old. I have a few newer books, but preferred the Puritans and the old Princeton theologians.

A lot of my books were donated to a local Bible College and to a young minister just starting out. I kept just enough to keep me busy..and a few I plan to take with me when I go....already have the uhaul rented.

Since I am not preaching every Sunday and do not have pastoral duties, I can actually spend more time reading, and I am quite enjoying it.

I can still work in Greek, but Hebrew became somewhat hopeless. I found the original languages were not much help in normal pastoral duties. There are some very good books available which help the non-reader to understand word meanings. Words in isolation can also be misleading. It is far better to understand background, culture and immediate intentions of the writer. The modern application is easy then.

It is good that you have an income to pay your way. Many of us in the old days depended on what we received from preaching engagements, free meals and donated clothing. I could tell you a few stories in this department.

Feel free to write on email anytime you wish. I would be glad to help where I can, or even just to boost your morale as you strive to learn and serve Him.

God bless,

Jim