Seminar '07

Even though I dreaded the seminar, if for nothing else than the unknown and amount of time it would consume, I came away feeling good about it. My fears were releived when I found out that we were able to work as a team toward one goal. Although the goal was a difficult one, it was obtainable with the group working as one. As for myself, I deffinatly reached the goals of being surprised at how much I know about the text and was appauled at how much I lack in my knowledge of specifics.

It was encouraging to find out, not only how much I knew about the text from memory, but more so, how much my classmates knew as a unit. The group dynamic worked wonderfully; building off one another's ideas and even shortcomings. At times, I was sceptical whether we'd be able to get it done, we were able to formulate a good system that worked to emphasize everyone's abilisties and strengths. Over all, it was a good learning exercise and a great experience.

Cleansing of the Temple

The DJG reading this week was particularly insightful. Within the reading concerning the Temple cleansing, there was special attention given to "alternative views" that I found to be helpful in the study of the text (especially within Mark). The tradition view of the Temple cleansing is often seen as Jesus coming in and on the brink of swearing like a sailor, over turning tables and throwing things to "teach those sinners". Granted, there may be some truth to that, it is important to not just take what we know from tradition or face value. As the reading mentions, the Temple merchants did have a legitimate commerse. Their downfall however, and the reason Jesus acted as he did, was the lack of reverence and holiness within the Temple. Jesus did not just come to tear down the money-making, yet to restore holiness to the Temple. It is interesting to think aobut.

Good Ole' Faith Healin'

I found it quite interesting in the DJG reading concerning Jesus' healing how many facets of the idea of "healing" there are concerning Jesus' ministry. Taking a look at the different types of healings as well as their meanings and uses provides great insight as to the impact that they had on not only the people that experienced them, but those around them also. It turns out to be quite critical to look at the healings of Jesus because it was such a large part of his ministry. Plus, the fact that there are several types of healings within Jesus' ministry helps show not only the variety of people and situations he helped, but also his willingness to change everyone's heart adn life in whatever way they needed.

Miracles, Signs, and Wonders in the Gospels

I found the DJG reading concerning miracles to be especially interesting. The article, although very paranthetical at times, seemed to give good insight into a comparing and contrasting of both miracles in general as well as those used by Jesus in the Gospel accounts.Within the first paragraph simplistic detail was used and i felt very necissary to accomplish all that was to follow. Also, it was very interesting to see how the Gospels differ and relate in how miracles are not only used, but stated. An example of this would be use of "miracles" as apposed to "signs" in scripture.

what i thought about it

Of all the reading thus far I would have to say that the illustration of our good British prime minister friend is one that has stuck out in my mind as having the most impact. I must admit that when I began reading, I had no idea where the author was going. I wondered if he had a point at all. Then, as if a light popped up above my head, it hit me. Using the idea of the different pictures to illustrate the different characteristics and facets of one man was brilliant. And, as in realtion to Jesus, this ilustration makes even more sense. Each of the authors of the Gospels had their own experiences and encounters with Jesus, so of coarse they're gonna be slightly differnent accounts. It really opened my eyes to the thought of who Jesus is and how the Gospels can be used in coalition and as seperate intities.