Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Back to School

After much thought, several Alka-Seltzer's, and a trip to New Orleans, it seems that Divine Providence would allow me to return once again to school in pursuit of a Ph.D in Systematic Theology. I have a few things that I have to do before I can be officially in the program at New Orleans, but they are not insurmountable nor are they altogether dreaded.

First, I must register for the following year as a non-degree student. I have to have a good deal of German, which I chose over French and Latin, and an advanced exegesis class in Greek. I have chosen a class covering the book of Hebrews. Further, I must take the GRE next Tuesday, turn in a paper I've written, (do you suppose I could simply direct them to the blog?) and have a test and interview. If all goes well, I should be learning great things as a Ph.D student by the fall of 2007.

The challenges are many. I have to get serious about my Greek again. It has, I am afraid to say, gone soft due to my greedy dependence upon BibleWorks. I will also be absent from home for at least two days a week, it is an hour and a half to the seminary from my house. This puts more of a strain on the pastorate and family life. All things considered, I believe this to be a wise decision despite the challenges.

So pray for me, offer your thoughts, and in five years or so you can call me "Doc." I will probably be puffed up with pride for 3 months after I earn the hood and insist on it, then God will humiliate me, and I will beg to be Brad again.

9 comments:

Jeff Richard Young said...

Dear Brother Brad,

I hope and pray that you will do very well in this study. I'm thankful to God for giving you the opportunity.

I'm presently trying to earn the D.B. degree (Doctor of Blogging) in Puritan theology. I know the degree is not accredited, nor is it very prestigious. The commute is short, though, and the price is right!

Love in Christ,

Jeff

Even So... said...

May God richly bless you as you do this. I will be praying for you, please let us know of the progress as it happens...

I guess you won't have to be delivering pizza this time, though, huh?

Anonymous said...

I have to take the GRE on August 28 and I am not looking forward to it. Good luck.

Hustino

Anonymous said...

What brought about this change of mind, my dear brother?

Anonymous said...

Good luck man, I know it will be tough, but as you say, not insurmountable.

Daniel said...

Pray for you??? Pray for me to overcome this envy and dispair. ;-)

How I would love to go to seminary! What a blessing sir, what a blessing!

Unknown said...

Your tone here, Brad, really worries me- to the point I don't think you are ready for this.


You say, "after much thought, several Alka-Seltzer's..." as if you can put the Alka-Seltzer's down now.

Dude, buy stock.

Matt Brown said...

The GRE isn't so rough. Just brush up on some algebra and geometry, and you'll do fine. If you know your English language real good, that will help too.

Unknown said...

Seriously, I am extremely happy to hear this news. It is very encouraging to know such sold-out, solidly biblical Christians are willing to endure the trials and long hours to further the kingdom through educating ministers of the gospel. You are the man!

If there is anything outside of prayer we can do to help you, ask Fide-O.