All I want for Christmas is...

And yes, I am quite serious. :-)

I've looked at this pretty much every time I visit our local Christian 'mega' store--which really isn't that often cause I rarely find anything there of significant interest, much less a good price. The charts in this book are grouped under major headings of systematic theology and there are charts detailing the different 'evangelical' (and some non-evangelical) views of eschatology, ecclesiology, etc. I can easily imagine how helpful these charts would be in certain counseling situations, not to mention my own personal understanding!

I had the great blessing of sitting under Wayne House's teaching at DTS (Dallas Theological Seminary) while my husband was working on his ThM. And when DTS didn't renew Dr. House's contract for the next academic year in the late 80's there was quite an uproar from the students--he was one of the favorites teaching there at the time. My fondness for Wayne House even goes back to before I sat under his teaching--when he was one of my regular customers at the bank I worked at near the Seminary (this was before I started working at DTS). I was amused and fascinated to find out that he had earned his Law degree from the law school then located at ORU (Oral Roberts University) in my home state of Oklahoma. And yes, I was more than a bit puzzled early on to find that this new (Calvinist) DTS prof. attended and survived ORU! :-)

So, for the next few weeks there'll be visions of "Charts of Theology and Doctrine" dancing in my head as I wait for Christmas!

N.T. Greek, and FREE online Biblical training

Well, Dan Phillips' new blog, knowgreek has got me all stirred up to get back to work on my N.T. Greek. Thankfully, learning the Greek alphabet hasn't ever been a problem since I learned it in college--thanks to my participation in the social Greek system.

Here's a bit of trivia "about me", I can recite the full Greek alphabet with a lit match between my teeth and not even blow it out when I get to "Pi". For those unfamiliar with the college Greek system, this was just one form of "hazing" lowly freshmen prior to being initiated into the sorority. I chalk it up to youth and my unregenerate heart--and that of many of my sorority "sisters". Clearly, I digress.

Anyway, while I was exploring William Mounce's NT Greek language website today (his Greek grammar is the most recent textbook I've used), I discovered the Biblical Training website. And, the best thing about the Biblical Training website is it is FREE ONLINE training!

If you know me personally, or have read my blog for a little while you know that I tend to be --ah--errr--well um--a bit skeptical! So I was delighted to find the caliber of speakers and endorsements of this program. If you have a desire to learn more about the Bible and theology I encourage you to take some time and check out this website.

There are three levels to choose from, depending on your academic needs/abilities. Once you select the level you feel comfortable with you select a course and listen to the lectures (online or download MP3). Along with the audio, they provide access to a class outline and a transcript of the lecture. I've already listened to part of the "Worship" course they offer as an introduction to the program.

Just think what you might be able to do through this program to increase your Biblical and theological knowledge and understanding. I'm considering using some of the courses in home schooling my high school student who already has a passion for theology!!